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Can't fight it
Last Updated:
2024-05-09 23:55:32
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A Marriage of Convenience Saved
Mud was caked on the left side of my body where I’d skidded roughly across the damp Earth. The rest of me… I’ve not had a patient come through looking this morbid in years. Crimson splattered across my skin as if someone had painted me in blood. And James pressed his lips to my dirt covered face. “Do you think you can stand?” James whispered, ignoring my obvious shock at my appearance. “Yes.”The moment my feet touched the ground, a wave of pain danced through my side, but I bit my tongue in hopes that he wouldn’t notice. “What can I do to help?” James gently wrapped his arms around me once more. “I’m fine,” I spoke through gritted teeth, reaching down to peel the sticky shirt from my body. “Rosa,” James stared into my eyes, “Let me help you. I can feel your pain.”My brows pinched together in confusion, making James tilt his head like a puppy, “Our bond. I can feel everything that you feel. Please.” He reached up, tucking my crusted hair behind my ear, “Let me take care of you.
Last Updated : 2024-05-11A Marriage of Convenience As real as it gets
Joan insisted that we stay there for the evening, and to be honest; I was spent. Between the lingering pain and the cocktail of medications that she’d given me, I wasn’t sure I’d make it through the car ride.James carefully laid me on the twin sized bed in the spare bedroom, covering me with a thick quilt, “Get some sleep. I’ll be out on the couch if you need anything.”I reached out, grabbing his wrist, “Don’t leave. Please.”James’ lip curled into a lopsided grin as he nodded, “Okay.”I scooted over, ignoring the protest of my aching ribs. When he didn’t take the hint, I glanced over my shoulder, “You’re not going to hurt me. I promise.”He sighed softly before climbing into the bed, careful not to jostle me. His arm carefully draped over my body, sending tiny jolts of electricity through my body.“That’s the bond, isn’t it?”James strummed his fingers lazily across my arm, “Isn’t it beautiful?” His voice was a low whisper, but full of so much emotion, my heart stopped beating.“Do
Last Updated : 2024-05-12A Marriage of Convenience Loose-lipped (James POV)
“What do we do now?” Rosa stared up at the sky through the sunroof.We’d spent the last few days hiding out at Dante and Joan’s house, but I was desperate for my own space. I love my aunt, but she was overbearing… Especially with Rosa. And she didn’t hesitate to remind me that everything that happened to her was my fault.“We’re going to start with breakfast. And then we’re going to go home and spread out in my very soft, enormous bed,” I winked at her, causing a flush to creep up her neck, landing on the tips of her cheekbones. “Everything else can wait until tomorrow.”“I suppose you’re right,” she let her head fall lazily to the side. The cocktail of pain meds that Joan has been forcing on her have kept Rosa in a constant state of high, but the fact that she’s not in pain is worth every second.The bruises on her ribs have gone from a deep, angry shade of purple to yellows and greens. She doesn’t flinch with every movement, and for that; I’m grateful.Guilt has planted itself deep
Last Updated : 2024-05-14A Marriage of Convenience From bad to worse
My entire body deflated as I stared at the screen of my phone. The tiny blip of relief I felt when James told my mother off dissipated almost instantly the second photos started popping up on my screen.“I don’t even want to look,” I groaned, placing my forehead against the cool, linoleum tabletop. If my mother was calling; It wasn’t good. The only time she ever called me anymore was when it had something to do with the Red image.James snatched my phone from the table and I watched his anger turn to shock and then back to anger.“It’s bad, isn’t it?”Personally, I don’t care at the moment about my image. The meds that Joan has been giving me have kept my pain at a minimum and my mind and body loose as a goose. My mind is ingrained with the need to please my mother, but I don’t have the energy to do it today.“This is fucking ridiculous,” James roared, his voice moving between a shout and a deep growl.“What does it say now? I’ve turned to stripping because my husband is walking out o
Last Updated : 2024-05-15A Marriage of Convenience Charges
“Mrs. Red,” Edward sighed, “I’m inclined to inform you that this is not a good look for you given everything else that has come to light in recent days. Your father is concerned, and rightly so.”I pinched the bridge of my nose, staring through the one way glass where James sat handcuffed, “Are you going to take on his case? I can’t get another lawyer in here until tomorrow, and I can’t stand the thought of him spending a night in jail.”I was basically begging at this point, but I didn’t care. Caden had pushed James and now he wants to press charges because he’s an asshole who didn’t get what he wanted. Every one of those sharks is the same. They’d do anything for a story and everyone else is just collateral damage. “Your husband tried to pay me millions of dollars to disappear,” Edward removed his glasses, giving me the same look I’d see from my father, “A word of advice?” One of his bushy brows arched, waiting for me to agree to hear him out. Chewing the inside of my cheek, I no
Last Updated : 2024-05-16A Marriage of Convenience Punish me
“That fucking prick!” James spoke through gritted teeth. “You shouldn’t have agreed to a damn thing, Rosalind. He’s a snake.”I flinched at his tone, but steeled my spine and leveled my voice, “I made the decision because he threatened you.”“I don’t care what he does to me,” James growled, “I don’t want you alone with him. I don’t trust him.”“You don’t have to trust him to trust me.”I didn’t tell James about the photos that Caden claims to have or the anonymous tip. He’d end up right back in a holding cell given the way he’s reacting now to me striking a deal to get him to drop the charges.“That doesn’t work for me,” he whipped open the rear door, ignoring Mr. Green’s head nod and thrusting his hand towards the opening like I was an obedient dog. His eyes swirled with the brighter green of Onyx’s, and I knew he was present.In our brief meeting, I realized that he was far more dominant than James. Which is hard to believe, but I suppose I should have expected it.A man like James
Last Updated : 2024-05-17A Marriage of Convenience Own me
I felt as if I were shedding the shell of the old Rosalind. The girl who was afraid to speak up when it was needed most. The girl who allowed those around her to pull the strings like a puppeteer. The girl who lost her voice but found it in the most unlikely of places. James has allowed me to find myself within him. His raw vulnerability when it could have cost him everything showed me that being yourself isn’t a bad thing, and the people who matter will stay because you are you. He’s become my safe place. My home. “I’m not so sure you can handle this side of me,” the blend of James’ voice with Onyx caused goosebumps to explode over my skin. The pain in my ribs was a distant memory once I felt his calloused hands graze the skin. “You are still healing,” his voice was softer this time. Fear laced his words as he dipped down, brushing his nose against mine.“Your touch makes it better.”He gripped the hem of my shirt, slowly lifting it from my head while never breaking eye contact.
Last Updated : 2024-05-18A Marriage of Convenience Exposed
He quickly stands from the bed, discarding the remainder of his clothes and leaving my mouth watering at the sight of his nude body. I’ve stolen glances over the years of his muscular chest and broad shoulders. I’ve given myself a reason to ask him something mundane in the gym just to see the way his corded arms flex with every movement. But all of him is otherworldly.James grabs my ankle gently, lifting it to his mouth so he can press a trail of hot kisses down the length of my inner thigh before moving to do the same on the other side. The moment he moves towards my core, he presses his lips against my clothed clit, blowing hot air through the fabric, and making me shudder. Our eyes meet and his pupils are blown out like an addict. And it’s all for me. Because of me. Without breaking eye contact, James slowly pulls my leggings free from my body, leaving me completely exposed beneath him. For once in my life, I feel beautiful. The way James is looking at me like I’m some masterpi
Last Updated : 2024-05-20
Latest chapter
A Marriage of Convenience On fire
Searing pain rolls through my body. My back arches against the pole, and I feel myself ripping at the restraints.A scream echoes around the warehouse, but I’m not even sure if it’s mine.Everything hurts and I feel as if I have lava swimming through my veins.“Rosie!” Shawn’s voice shouts. “What’s happening?”“It…. IT HURTS,” I scream again, unable to contain it.I’ve experienced pain. In the last year I’ve not only been bitten by a shark, but also a werewolf. Both of which hurt more than I care to admit, but I’d get eaten alive by a shark slowly over this.“JUST KILL ME,” I scream at the flashing light bulb in the corner.“Rosie, what is happening?” I hear him grunt. Something keeps hitting my fingers, but I can’t tell if I’m doing it or if Shawn is.“Please,” I sob as the pain tears through my chest. “It’s too much.”My vision tunnels, and I feel weaker by the second, but the pain eases up, and I finally fill my lungs with a sharp inhale.“Everything hurts, Shawn,” I whimper, feeli
A Marriage of Convenience I'm not leaving you
“Are they off our backs?” Marina practically chased James down as he calmly walked us back into the warehouse.She scoffed when she saw me untied and with free will, “You can be so foolish, James Wood,” her voice echoed around me, but I spun on my heel, pinning her with a glare, “I followed through on my end of the deal. Shawn needs food and pain killers.”Marina let out a low growl, stomping towards me, but James stopped her, “A deal is a deal, Marina. Go. I’ll stay here.”“You can’t be serious,” Marina moved in front of James, shoulder checking me.“Dead. Serious,” he snarled, and out of my peripherals, I saw her spine straighten.Good. She deserves that tiny ounce of fear, and so much more if I had my say.The heavy thudding of her boots as she stomped out of the warehouse was like music to my ears.“There are rags and soap in the bathroom. You can clean him up, but he stays restrained,” James walks away, disappearing out of sight.I practically bolt around to see Shawn sleeping, h
A Marriage of Convenience Hopes and lies
“Rosa, dear,” Joanne grabbed me, pulling me in for a tight hug. Her embrace was warm, and for the second time in the last ten minutes, I wanted to collapse. “How are you doing?” She pulled my body away just enough to look me in my eyes, “And don’t you lie to me. My nephew can be a real pain in the ass.”I snorted at that.She had no idea. “I’m good,” I plaster on a fake smile, “Wishing I had another piece of your apple pie.”“Darlin’,” she winks, “You come on over anytime for a piece of that pie.”“Better be careful,” James’ voice holds a playful tone, “She might visit every day with a promise like that.”Joanne winked again, “And you tell me how that would be a problem?”She released me, walking right up to James and wrapping her arms around him. He was stiff at first before realizing he was meant to be acting and wrapped his arms around her with a quick pat on her back.How do I make it clear that I’m not here by my own free will? I silently wished I had abilities like they do to s
A Marriage of Convenience Illusions
“Try any tricks, and I’ve got a prepared message to Marina to end pretty boys’ life,” James snarled as we approached Joanne’s pub.It looks just as I remember, minus the heavy number of cars filling the now empty spaces in the parking lot.Why I agreed to this meeting, I have no idea. My nerves have been haywire since I stepped out of the shower and James thrust a new cardigan at me in the event that it was possible we were photographed leaving the bank.I’d considered the fact that maybe he’d gone insane, but when he does something as calculated as having me wear a different outfit based solely on the fact that someone possibly snapped our photo, I squash that thought like an unwanted bug.James is too cold. Too calculated for this to be fake, and each moment that passes by trapped in this hell with him pushes me further and further from the feelings that captivated me for so long.The man I’d loved was fake. An illusion meant to lure me in like a Venus fly trap. His words were like
A Marriage of Convenience If we make it out
My breath catches in my throat, eyes wide, as I stare at James and Marina.James’ skin is flushed, and his hair looks as if he’s spent the last thirty minutes running his fingers through it.Such a simple act used to bring a smile to my face, but now, it only makes me angry that I ever saw it as anything more. For years, I overlooked everything about James that was… unfavorable because there was a tiny voice in the back of my mind telling me that he was the one.The Goddess…. His Goddess paired my soul with his. Separated one into two, and what I thought was fate brought us together. I’d ignored the hateful look in his eyes when I’d work on Marina. I’d shielded myself from the words he’d spewed, hoping that someday, the gentleness that he’d whispered into Marina’s ear would be directed at me.I was foolish. I’d accepted years of mistreatment, and dare I say abuse, for a man that was never going to see me as anything more than a revenge plot.I’d given him everything, and for a moment,
A Marriage of Convenience We have a problem
“Hey,” I whisper, “Just tell me if I’m moving too fast.”Shawn lets out a frustrated sigh, his honeyed eyes freezing my movements. It’s clear that he hates the fact that I’m being forced to spoon feed him like this or take care of him at all. I can’t think of a time growing up when I ever remember him allowing anyone to take care of him. When he was sick, he’d fake it, telling my mother that it wasn’t that bad, even when he could barely get himself to the bathroom.“Stop,” I whisper, pleading with my eyes, “Let me take care of you without you feeling like I shouldn’t. You’re weak, and I need to know that you’re going to be okay. Food will help you heal.”“You shouldn’t have bargained with him,” Shawn gritted his teeth. “I would rather have died strapped to this pole than to know that he did you a favor.”“I don’t care about any of that, Shawn,” I protest, but he cuts me off, “I do,” and then growls out a sound that mimics pain.I stuff the spoonful of soup into his mouth, knowing that
A Marriage of Convenience Worried(Chris POV)
Another day, another bottle. Glancing around my apartment, I internally cringe at the mess. Am I fucked up? Is that even a question anymore? I snort at my own thoughts. I’m definitely fucked up. As I go to stand, my head swims with dizziness, sending me hurdling back onto the couch where I’d fallen asleep last night. My back aches like nobody’s business considering I’m six foot four, and around two-hundred twenty pound. Couches aren’t made for men like me. I peer over the back of the couch to my kitchen. The digital numbers on the microwave sway from side to side, two of them merging into one. It’s twelve thirty. Practically another day gone. I’ve been here before. Years ago, I ended up with a short stint in rehab. I’d paid my dues, said all the things I needed to say, convinced the doctors with a good old fashion lie, and boom, I was all better they said. I’d say the jokes on them, but really, the only joke is me. Rosalind was always the star in our household. I didn’t hate
A Marriage of Convenience The letter
“Did she complete the task?” Marina speaks through gritted teeth as James walks me back inside the warehouse blindfolded. He didn’t bother zip tying my wrists, as I was being cooperative. “Flawlessly,” James purred, and I heard a relieved sigh fall from Marina’s lips. “What is with that necklace?” I question now that we’re no longer at the bank. Not only that, but James’ mood tanked after three separate people asked for photographs with him as we left the bank, so I didn’t bother asking on the ride home. “Nothing that concerns you,” Marina snapped, and I heard her step closer, grabbing James and planting a sloppy kiss on his lips. The act was intentional to grate on my nerves, and I wanted to claw her eyes out. I wasn’t jealous any longer, but it still stung having your failures rubbed in your face. “My father thought it concerned me,” I interrupted their make-out fest, causing James to let out a groan, “I don’t remember you talking this much.”“My talking didn’t seem to bother y
A Marriage of Convenience Not the first time I've faked it
James white knuckles the steering wheel. My normally relaxed husband is glancing around every few seconds as if the boogeyman might step out of the shadows at any moment. If only he realized he just needed a mirror. “Are you paranoid?” I wring my hands in my lap. Noticing the raw skin around my wrists, I tugged the sleeves to the cardigan James gave me before we left. Couldn’t have anyone at the bank seeing the marks left behind by my dear husband. Though he told me if anyone noticed, we like it rough in the bedroom. My stomach recoiled at that thought, but I nodded in agreement. The job was simple. Go to the bank, smile, pretend that we’re a loving couple, and get the contents of the lockbox. I’d done this dance with him many times in the past, I just never imagined I’d be back here.“Why would I be paranoid?” he snapped.“You just keep looking around. Checking the rear and sideview mirrors,” I purse my lips, “I doubt anyone is looking for me.”“I’m not taking any chances.” His
