Beyond(24)

“Dane.”

“Yes,” he replies, pushing my hair back from my face.

I love you.

Say the words Olivia.

“I’m tired,” I blurt out.

Dane kisses my mouth and then rolls to the side. “Okay I guess I won’t wake you up for seconds then.”

“Romance is so dead,” I mutter, lip twitching.

“Oh come on,” he says, bringing my body closer to his. “I sleep with you in my arms. I’ve never done that with anyone else. That’s fucking romance right there.”

I run my fingers down his smooth chest. “How come you do it with me then?”

He’s quiet for a few moments before he replies. “You’re just different. You’re my wife. I didn’t want one, but now that I have one, I’m going to take care of you Olivia. I’m the one you come to, to take care of all your needs and I’m not going to abuse that trust. It doesn’t matter how we came to be married, what matters is I’m yours and you’re mine. You like cuddling all night so I’m going to damn well cuddle you.”

I smile sleepily. “I’m glad I picked you.”

I’m almost asleep when I think I hear him say, “Me too.”





“She slept with my husband!” the woman, Elizabeth shrieks. I had no idea what to do. I was sitting in the hall room listening to the weekly disputes, but I had no idea what to do with a cheating husband. Why did she feel the need to bring this to me? What would my dad have told them?

I look to the woman who slept with Elizabeth’s husband, Vera. She looks smug, which annoys me. Elizabeth is obviously upset, tears streaming down her brown skinned cheeks. She was a beautiful woman, who obviously deserved better from her husband, but I didn’t think it was my place to say that. I was alone in the room with the three of them, which was a good thing. I look at her husband, who has the grace to look guilty.

“Do you love your wife?” I ask him.

He nods. “Very much.”

“Then why would you hurt her like this?” I ask, curious.

“He wanted a real woman,” Vera pipes up, pissing me off further.

“Do you like sleeping with other women’s men Vera?” I ask her.

She grins impishly. “They like sleeping with me.”

“You’re a teacher, isn’t that right Vera? Teaching the children, who are the future of this community?”

She looks down, not looking so smug anymore. “Yes. And I’m a good teacher.”

“Since you like sleeping with men maybe you would be more suited to the…” I didn’t know what to call it. Oh hell. “Brothel?”

Vera gasps, shaking her head. “No, you wouldn’t do that.”

I wouldn’t but I wanted to scare her. Also there wasn’t a brothel anymore. I shut that shit down. The women all said they were there because they wanted to be but I call bullshit. If they want to entertain men on their own time then that’s their business, but I won’t be housing an establishment like that now that I’m in charge. I did tell them that they could use protection if they want. I’m not forcing anyone into having babies. I know we need to rebuild the population but the people who want children can be the ones doing that. I’d rather have a smaller population than have people having children they don’t care about. Gina was happy with that and so was I.

“I’m not going to. This time. Next time you might not be so lucky. Derek, Elizabeth is a kind, beautiful woman. If you don’t want her, trust me another man here will. Treat her right or I’ll find her another husband.” I turn to Elizabeth. “Do you want to stay with him? If you don’t then I can organize separate housing for you.”

“I do,” Elizabeth admits. “I love him.”

I give Derek a look that lets him know he better be good to this woman. He swallows hard and nods. “I won’t mess up twice Olivia.”

I nod. “Tell whoever is next to come in.”

They leave and I exhale slowly. That was awkward. When Sam strolls in next, I can’t stop the smile on my face if I tried. “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes? What are you doing here?”

“This seems to be the only way to get some of your time,” he says, smirking.

I roll my eyes. “Well thank you anyway, I needed a break from everyone’s drama.”

He chuckles and takes a seat, his long legs stretching out before him. “Vera? I can only imagine.”

I walk past him and pull one of his curls. “How have you been? How’s mystery man?”

Sam groans. “Trust me, you don’t want to know.”

“I believe I do,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest. “This room is where I learn everyone’s secrets. Time to spill, Sam.”