James hasn’t spoken to me in three days. It feels like we took two steps forward, and three steps back. His days have consisted of spending as much time at the office as possible, or working out to the brink of exhaustion before he closes himself in his office. I thought that I felt something shift when he’d showed me the home that he grew up in, but it seems to have only driven a wedge between us. Today is my first day back at work, and I’m thankful for the distraction. It’s been lonely back at the house. It’s my first break in six hours, which means it’s time for a much needed coffee. The elevator feels as if it’s moving at a snails pace as we lower from the sixth floor down to the lobby. As I’m walking up to the line, I notice a familiar figure at the front, “Shawn?” His head whips around and his eyes immediately land on me, “I didn’t know you were back at work already,” he turned quickly, adding my favorite latte to his order before glancing over his shoulder, “Are you on br
Shawn blew out a weighted breath, “I did.”I expected more from him. Anything more. Shawn was never one to be at a loss for words, but right now, the only thing he said was I did. It’s been five years since I sent that letter. Five years I wondered if he’d gotten it. And I told myself it wouldn’t matter if he did. But I hoped he didn’t, because I poured my heart into every word that went onto that page. Tears blurred the writing as I laid out a nine year long crush onto a single sheet of loose leaf paper. The last line I wrote on that paper was: With you, I am home. When I’d written that line, I meant it with every fiber of my being. Shawn was always there growing up. He got me like no one else did. And no matter how things were at home, he made it seem so insignificant. He was the one person in my life that truly felt like home. He still does. None of that matters now. I moved on with James. I’m married. I’m married. It was just a stupid letter that I’d written in the heat of
I don’t know what I was thinking bringing Rosa to Blackwood.I’ve not been able to return outside of the day I left the hospital. The wound still feels as fresh as it was all those years ago. My sleep has been plagued with tiny flashes of what happened that day, but nothing that will actually help me.Each night I’ve woken up covered in a cool layer of sweat, picking apart each nightmare in hopes that I’ll come up with something, but it’s been fruitless and left me in a sour mood.Putting distance between Rosalind and I has been necessary because she doesn’t deserve to put up with my shitty attitude.I came down to my gym for the fourth day in a row, pounding my fists against the punching bag. I didn’t bother wrapping them today. The pain was a welcome change to the building frustrating that I felt surging through my body.The muscles in my arms glistened with sweat as I pushed my body to its breaking point. I needed the distraction.My phone buzzed on the weight bench, flashing with
Shawn released his grip on me, and we both slowly turned around to see James standing with his jaw muscles locked tight.In his hands, he held the most beautiful bouquet of stargazer lilies mixed with a variety of yellow and orange roses.“What are you doing here?”His eyes flicked up to meet Shawn’s and they were locked in an angry stare off.“Am I not allowed to visit my wife whenever I feel the urge?” he returned my question with a question, closing the distance between us and crushing his lips against mine. The way he kissed me felt possessive, and I wanted to push him away because of the way he’s been acting, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.Another morsel.Shawn finally broke his angry staring, turning towards me, “Thank you for fitting me in today. I really appreciate it. We’ll catch up soon,” he nodded with a smile.“Of course. It was no problem at all.” My voice came out as a breathy whisper as I was still reeling from that kiss.He walked past James, nodding on his way
“Haven’t seen that face in person in a hot minute,” my grandfather entered my office without a knock. “I’ve been a bit preoccupied as of late.”My grandfather was a workhorse, which meant I was supposed to inherit those genes. Where he was obsessive about the job, I was obsessive about a certain woman who’d taken over my every thought. “Wooing that gem of a wife you’ve got,” he winked, walking over to the floor to ceiling windows and gazing out over the city, “At least I hope so.” He tossed a look over his shoulder before returning his attention to the rising sun. I’d gotten here early in hopes that I’d get out of here early, but it seems I underestimated the amount of paperwork that I’d neglected over the past few weeks. “I took her to Blackwood.”I heard my grandfather audibly swallow, “And why’d you go and do that?”Anger bubbled beneath my skin. My grandfather has good intentions, but his distance from the werewolf world is just pathetic. Sure, he’s created something beautiful
James was back on edge when he arrived back home from work. Normally, I wouldn’t pry. But after our date last night, I felt like I was on cloud nine. He continues to give me tiny glimpses into his life, and I want him to know that I am here. For the good, the bad, and the ugly. “Did something happen today?” I leaned against the countertop, trying to sound stronger than I was. New Rosalind wasn’t going to cower in the presence of her husband. I didn’t want to be afraid to ask him questions. And I didn’t want him to be afraid to answer.James had been sitting on a stool with his elbows resting on the granite. His head was hung low and besides a quick hello, he hadn’t said anything more. His eyes lifted to meet mine, “Marina paid me a visit to my office today.”The mention of her name had my heart racing in my chest, “How is she?” James released a heavy breath, “You don’t have to pretend to like her, Rosalind.”“Okay,” I whispered, choosing my words carefully, “Why was she there?” I
As I sit here staring into James’ sparkling green eyes, I see they’re blown wide with lust. His hands hold a punishing grip on my hips, keeping me in place, not that I’d want to be anywhere other than right here. I’ve never been more turned on in my life. For years I questioned if James found me attractive. If I’d ever be the woman that he looks at and feels that undeniable desire like I have. I’ve undressed him hundreds of times in my head. Imagined what it would be like to have his body hovering above me. Sweat glistening off our skin. I’ve even wondered what he tastes like. But never have I thought those thoughts would be reciprocated…. Until now. “You might be my wife, Rosalind. But I will not take you,” he pulled back, jerking his hips again, “Until you call off the divorce.”It felt like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over my body. I’d entirely forgotten about the impending divorce. The one that I’d initiated. A perfectly straight, white row of teeth pulled Jame
James stood in the doorway of the bathroom; his lips slightly parted as he adjusted the bulge in his pants. My eyes widened when the realization that he’d just seen me pleasure myself. Did he hear me moan his name?Embarrassment washed over me like a tidal wave. I tried to cover my body with my hands, but James growled, “Don’t you dare.”Once again, my eyes widened as they met his. He continued palming at his length straining against the zipper of his pants.“Wha…. What are you doing here?” The words left my lips as more of a squeak. “Do I need an excuse to come back home to my wife?” his words reignited the heat in my core, and my legs squeezed together beneath the water. James stepped closer, his eyes leaving a trail of fire over my body. Bubbles concealed most of my nudeness, but my nipples peaked just about the surface. “The image of you coming from your fingers is going to be burned into my mind forever, Rosalind,” he ran his fingers through his hair, “The way your lips parte