The Husband Beside Me(35)

“If they are I don't see them, because all I see is my Addie,” Daimon fired back.

“For now,” his father refuted.

“Forever,” Daimon insisted. “Let’s go.” Daimon took my hand and intertwined our fingers again, but this time, his thumb strummed across my knuckles, trying to ease the pain that was just inflicted. He pulled me across the room, far enough from his father. The moment I felt safe, I pulled back my hand and stopped Daimon from going any further.

“Don’t!” he hissed.

“Don’t what?” I asked, my heart still reeling.

“Don’t look at me like that,” he bit out.

“Like what?”

“Like you need me, like I’m the only one who can save you. Don’t you think I want to! Don’t you think I know you’re hurt? But what can I do? There isn’t a damn fucking thing I can do for you, Addie. How the hell can I fix your pain when I don’t have a fucking clue how to fix my own?” he said gutturally; his sky-blue eyes liquefying as a dark sadness peered through.

“I want to go home,” I said, broken and hurt. I wanted him to take this all away. I wanted him to hold me, to tell me no one could hurt me; instead, he told me he couldn’t.

“No,” he spat out.

“Why?” I pleaded.

“All I know is I hate it when you are not next to me and I feel whole when you are there. So don’t ask me why, because I hardly understand it myself,” he said, taking my hand. “Act like you never saw him. Act like he never told you a damn thing,” Daimon ordered.

I watched as Daimon sought out my obedience. I nodded, knowing I was now walking a dangerous path with myself. Daimon’s words lurched inside me and played at my heart. I looked back to see his father still at the bar watching us. Daimon noticed as well and grew stiff. I slowly tightened my grip around his hand and pulled myself closer to him. I could feel his body cold and wooden. His stance threatening as he glared at his father. I reached out with my free hand and cupped his face. At first, he didn’t move, but once I feathered his cheek, Daimon slowly closed his eyes and sank into my caress. He reached out his hand and cupped mine. We stood shaken by what had just happened.





Painful Ache


Daimon and I quietly made it back home. Not because we fought, not because we were playing a game, but because we both were lost in our thoughts.

“So now what?” he asked as he kicked off his shoes the moment he entered the penthouse. His hands were in his black suit pockets as he headed inside. “How much did my father offer you?” Daimon asked, knowing his father.

“Double what you’re paying me,” I said honestly. There was no point in lying to him.

“You told him?” he barked.

“No! I told him you loved me. Unlike you, I keep my word.” I felt like I had just been run over. This whole night was exhausting.

“Great! Just great! Now you’re going to leave me. Fuck,” he shouted.

“What are you talking about?” I cried out.

“Come off it, Addie. You go to the highest bidder. Fine, I’ll pay you more,” he said harshly.

My eyes welled up. I could barely see him standing in front of me. I finally closed my eyes, the tears cascading down.

“I never… I never even thought of leaving you. Oh, my God, you must think…oh, God; of course you would think that of me. I did sell myself.” I brought my hand to my mouth trying to stifle my cry.

“Addie…fuck, Addie. I just got nervous. Look, I’m sorry.” He reached out to me, but I recoiled back.

“No,” he insisted and took me into his arms, locking me to his body. “I know I keep fucking up. Jesus, I know I'm no good with this.” Regret was clear in his voice, but it was too much, always too late and too much.

“Get off me,” I said as I cried.

“No,” he held on tighter.

“I said get off me!” I pushed him away, both of us almost falling over.

“First, it’s your father, now you. I didn’t tell him anything. I would never tell him anything. I gave you my word, and no matter what anyone else offers me, you are my husband, because I promised it to you,” I sobbed out. “But you both think you can throw money at me and I’ll do your bidding. Well, fuck you and your fucking father. The prick apple seriously doesn’t fall far from the prick tree!” I screamed.

Drako came running beside me and barked at Daimon.

I marched up the stairs. I had this need to take a shower, to wash myself of all the sickly thoughts they both had of me.

“Addie!” he shouted, but I ignored him, making my way to our bedroom.

I reached behind me and felt my zipper. I managed to take it down only half way until Daimon took control and yanked it down. Cold air replaced the dress and my body peppered itself with goose bumps. I stepped out of the dress and moved toward the door of the bathroom. My eyes had zeroed in on the shower I needed. Daimon stopped me and held me against his firm body. I looked at him through unshed tears.