Series: Lee Savino
Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 66414 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66414 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Whether it’s true or pretend, I choose to believe it.
The feelings of rejection and unworthiness seep away, transformed into a sense of safety. Of being cared for.
Of love.
That seems silly since the marriage is fake, and we hardly know each other, but I choose to believe it, too.
The effects of whatever medicine Matthias gave me have worn off, and I’m suddenly exhausted after staying up all night.
I tuck my face into Matthias’ neck and breathe in his manly scent.
“Sleep, Maisy,” he murmurs. “I’ve got you.”
Chapter Eleven
Maisy
For the second day in a row, I wake in a strange bed. But this time, I know I’m safe even before I open my eyes. I smell Matthias’ scent all around me. The memory of being cradled in his arms last night–well, technically this morning, but I’m calling it last night since I’ve slept between then and now–still makes me tingle all over.
I still feel amazing. The sun shines bright, high in the sky. I’m in a light, clean room that’s decorated in light brown and soft blue colors to match the blue water sparkling outside the big bay window.
I’m wearing the wedding ring and the diamonds, but I’m wrapped in a fluffy bathrobe. The wedding dress hangs by the closet.
I guess I fell asleep on Matthias’ lap last night. He must have carried me here and tucked me in.
The opposite side of the bed is still made, but there’s a big dent in it, like a giant bear-man lounged there. He lay on top of the blankets, like a gentleman.
Maybe today I’ll have the courage to ask him to take my V-card. Or at least find out why he’s so afraid he’ll hurt me.
“Good morning.” Matthias walks in with two blue mugs of steaming coffee.
“Is it still morning? It was morning when I fell asleep.”
“It’s eleven.” He offers me a mug.
“For me?” I accept it with a sigh.
“It’s not as good as what you make, but I figured I’d start the day doing my duty as your husband.”
Oh. My. God. He’s calling himself my husband. I mean, he is legally my husband, but it was just to save me from my dad’s scheme. Except now I don’t ever want this to end.
I am definitely jumping this man’s bones. I’m adding it to my New Year’s resolution list. “Thanks, husband.” I grin at him.
“Anytime, wife.”
I pat the bed next to me, and he takes a seat. His weight makes the bed sink around him and tips me towards him.
“Did you sleep okay?” He peers at me like he wants to make sure I’m not going keel over.
“Yes. Where are we?”
“Lake Las Vegas, just outside the city. I didn’t want to go far. I need to monitor you in case you have an adverse reaction to the medicine I gave you.”
“I feel great. Better than great, actually.” I feel ridiculously glamorous, lying in a mansion bed with a fortune in diamonds on my finger and around my neck.
Talk about a glow-up.
With a flash of guilt, I remember my real life. “Did Daisy call?”
“Not yet. She’s probably still sleeping. Everest is with her, and Wren and Paloma promised to entertain her today.”
That makes me feel better. “I’ll video conference her later, when she’s awake. Are your brothers staying here too?”
“They’re still in town, keeping an eye on things.” He keeps it vague, and I don’t pry.
I should probably ask about Lucky Lou and my dad, but I don’t want to. I just want to pretend everything’s fine for a few hours.
“We’re safe here.”
“It’s like we’re on our honeymoon,” I tease, but my face heats.
“That’s right.” The corners of his lips quirk, and I’m struck momentarily speechless by his handsomeness. He’s not wearing his glasses, and while he’s unspeakably hot with the black frames, seeing his face up close and unhindered makes me swoon.
I realize he’s still talking.
“Pardon?”
“I said, you probably don’t get a lot of time off from the cafe.”
“No,” I say. “I pretty much run things these days. Daisy’s still the owner, and we have some great staff but…”
“You’re the one who keeps things moving. I’ve noticed that. You also help Daisy with all her civic projects. Like Winterfest.”
He…noticed that? He’s noticed me?
The dreamy teen inside me squeals, I knew it! I mean something to him. He cares.
I squash her down before I embarrass myself.
“Don’t get me started on Winterfest,” I say lightly to cover my fluster.
Matthias chuckles.
“But you’re one to talk. You work all the time. When you’re not doing shifts at the hospital, you’re volunteering at the clinic.”
“Guilty.” He raises his hands. “I prescribe a day off. A real vacation. Doctor’s orders.”
“Yes, sir,” I throw him a cheeky salute.
His eyes flash blue. Just for a second, but the color shift is so uncanny, it stuns me. Calling him sir affects him. Just like it does all those dommy heroes in the books I love.