Chapter 50
Unfortunately for her, I can’t allow it.
Part of my plan involves isolating her, Keeping her dependent. Cutting off unnecessary connections, including my own circle unless required. David knight does not get access to my wife.
She lifts a glass of water, takes a sip, then runs her tongue over her lips absentmindedly. My gaze follows the movement before I can stop it, tracks the line of her throat, the gentle rise and fall of her chest.
Heat settles low in my stomach, slow and unwelcome. I physically have to adjust myself so the tent my pants isn’t too noticeable, i don’t want anyone wondering why i have a huge bugle in the middle of my reception party.
She liked the kiss. I know she did. I’ve kissed enough women in my teenage years to recognize when one responds, and my little spitfire responded. Her body had melted into mine before her pride caught up. Innocence might play a part, sure, but that wasn’t all of it.
Which is exactly why sex as a weapon will work here, I need her pregnant for me as fast as possible, the earlier the better for the both of us.
I straighten my jacket and start toward them.
David looks up first, his smile widening. “Zane. Congratulations again my man.” I brush past him and whisper in his ears. “Stay away from my wife David or I’ll have your head on a platter right where you stand p>
Then I step close enough to slide an arm around Elaine’s waist, fingers settling possessively against her hip and slightly over her ass. She stiffens for half a second, then leans into me despite herself.
“Enjoying the party? Little spitfire.” I ask her calmly.
Her eyes flick to my hand. Then up to my face. “I was p>
Surprise is still evident on David’s face when I lift my gaze from my wife’s face to his. He’s eyes widening in shock, he raises an eyebrow. “I was just keeping your wife company p>
“I’m sure,” I say coolly. “She won’t be needing it now p>
Elaine’s fingers curl into my jacket. Not pulling away. Not quite pushing me back either.
Good.
Very good.
This marriage might be hell.
But it’s going to be interesting Very interesting.
When David still hangs around, I grip his wrist and squeeze hard enough to cut off blood supply to that area. Pulling him closer I whisper. ” I mean it knight, stay the fuck away from my wife p>
“Zane come on… you’re such a possessive bastard p>
He isn’t wrong. After my sister Isabella died, I became extremely possessive, not only about people but things, too. My therapist puts it down to a strong need for control, because of what happened to my sister and me. Whatever the reason, I don’t like my possessions being messed around with, and like it or not, My little spitfire is mine. Until she isn’t.
I withdraw from him and he leaves our side immediately. Good for him.
The moment David is out of ear shot, Elaine turns to me”What the hell did you do that for p>
“Do what p>
” you know what, don’t act all innocent now p>
“I don’t know what you mean little spitfire p>
She’s about to say something else to me when she is interrupted by my mother
“Alexander p>
That voice could cut through a war room. Dangerous in the way only my mother’s voice ever is.
I turn and there she is, immaculate as always, champagne flute in hand, eyes already taking in the situation in a single sweep. Elaine tucked against my side. David retreating with forced grace and my arm still firm around my wife’s waist.
Mother’s gaze lingers on Elaine a fraction longer than necessary. Then she smiles.
“You must have a honeymoon,” she says immediately she reaches us. “It’s expected p>
Elaine stiffens immediately. I feel it through my hand, the tension snapping tight under my palm.
I don’t hesitate. “Why p>
The word comes out flat and dismissive.
My mother’s brows lift just slightly. “Because you’re married p>
“This isn’t a love match,mother and you know it ” I say, turning fully toward her now. “It’s an arrangement. One that satisfies what’s required of me and settles a debt her grandfather father owed mine.” I glance briefly at Elaine, not meeting her eyes. “That’s all p>
The air between us crackles.
I can feel it, Static and sharp enough to sting.
Elaine’s hands curl into fists at her sides, then release, then clench again. Her jaw tightens. There’s a flush creeping up her neck, blotchy and uneven.
If I had to guess, she’s imagining several ways to kill me without making a scene or being caught.
The thought almost makes me smile.
Almost.
“And besides,” I continue, calm and controlled, “I’m busy. I have a full day p>
My mother clicks her tongue softly. “You always do. That’s never stopped you before p>
“I have work to do,” I reply. “Important work p>
She turns that look on me. The one she used when I was younger and thought I could outmaneuver her. “Work can wait p>
“It can’t,” I say. My tone leaves no room for discussion. “Not even for this p>
Elaine finally snaps her head toward me. Her eyes are blazing now. Furious.
Good. I prefer her like this My little spitfire
“You didn’t even pretend,” she mutters under her breath. “Not for five minutes p>
I don’t look at her. “You don’t strike me as someone who needs pretending p>
Her breath stutters. Whether from anger or something else, I don’t care to unpack it.
My mother watches the exchange with open interest.
“Yes, you do,” she says smoothly. “You have work to do on producing my first grandchild p>
Elaine goes completely still.
I feel it instantly. Her body locks in place, spine rigid, like she’s braced herself for impact. Her breathing goes shallow, fast. If I look down now, I know I’ll see her swallowing hard
I don’t.
“I’m mid-contract on a large deal,” I say instead. “One that requires my full attention p>
“And children don’t,” my mother counters.
“This conversation isn’t appropriate for this place” I reply.
“Oh, don’t be dramatic,” she says. “You’re married now. Your responsibilities have expanded p>
Elaine lets out a short, sharp laugh. It’s brittle
My mother finally turns her full attention to her. “Elaine, dear p>
“No,” Elaine cuts in. Her voice is steady, but there’s heat under it. “You don’t get to ’dear’ me five minutes after discussing my uterus like it’s a business asset p>