Anna’s POV:
Start river? What a tempting, beautiful promise.
I smiled and gently traced my fingers over Blake’s brow and eyes. Wekunft 1 was delifeet and pulled me to Se pleasing a forceful kiss on my lips. ‘Happy?‘ he asked.
“Yeah,” I replied,
Blake pulled me closer, wrapping his arm firmly around my waist. Heaned in and Yissed me, kus liga daming show with confidence that came from years of getting exactly what he wanded)
When he pulled back, I caught that self–assured look on his face–the kind of duchita conted that ported sen wer the a second skin. It was the most hypocritical expression, especially for someone who had spent a lifetime in golition of you
“A simple happiness like this is good enough,” he said softly.
I nodded. “Yeah.”
Usually, I preferred clarity in conversations, laying everything out in the open. But tonight was different. Tonight, I kept my true thoughts locked away, hidden behind a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes.
In my mind, Blake was like a master castle builder. He wasn’t content with just having his princess Claire living there, he wanted me in there, too.
“I remember when we first got together, you said something similar, said, watching his reaction carefully.
“I don’t remember, Blake replied dismissively.
I sure did. Every word is burned into my memory. “Before we got married, you said you liked a simple girl–one who doesn’t party, isn’t into flashy stuff, and is gentle and caring. Basically, perfect wife material.”
It struck me now how calculated those words had been. Blake had never left anything to chance, not even his choice of a wife. He had analyzed me thoroughly, breaking down exactly why I’d make a suitable Mrs. Wright.
Back then, I had been too caught up in bridal excitement to notice the clinical assessment beneath his words.
Now I understood. Simple meant without cunning. “Doesn’t party” and “isn’t into flashy stuff” meant I came from money and wouldn’t drain his. “Gentle and caring” meant I would serve his needs.
I laughed silently at myself, hugging the fantasy of “love” I’d nurtured for years.
My negative feelings toward Blake weren’t unfounded. They were built on real hurts accumulated over four years of marriage. Did he really believe one month could give us a fresh start?
If I asked if he loved me, he’d probably just say he liked my body. His “like” was like panning for gold in freezing river water–all that effort just to end up with a handful of mud.
“Looks like I had good judgment,” Blake said, cupping my chin to examine my face. His gaze was intense, filled with meaning I didn’t care to decipher.
“Honey, I want something as a gift for our fresh start,” I said, my voice sweet and persuasive.
1/2
Chapter 88
Blake playfully tapped my nosh. “Already asking for gifts?
My heart raced, and my hands trembled slightly. Blake noticed immediately, taking them in his.
Jeez, why are your hands so cold?” He rubbed them between his pairs to warm them.
“Don’t worry, I’m not being greedy,” I assured him. “Will you give it to me?”
“What do you want?” He asked, his voice wary but curious.
“EcoMarine Group. You don’t have any business in that field, and suddenly starting a marine conservation company would be strange, so why not give it to me?”
Blake paused, considering. “And what do I get in return?*
I knew then that my plan would likely succeed. I feigned shyness, leaning closer. “Let’s not go home tonight. I’ll tell you privately later.” I paused, adding, “Claire’s still upset anyway. Imagine how angry she’ll be if I monopolize your time tonight.”
The atmosphere between us shifted, charged with something new.
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