“I asked myself, what’s something people can see but aren’t allowed to look inside?”
“Soren, please tell me this is a joke. That you don’t have a pile of Christmas presents in the garage filled with decaying victims.”
“Their decay is minimal. Can’t smell a thing. But just in case, I got a pine tree spray.” He pulls the room spray from his pocket and gives it a little squirt. Suddenly, the room is filled with the scent of artificial pine.
“This isn’t happening. What was I thinking agreeing to marry you? Oh, that’s right, I didn’t want to die.” I slam my hands on the kitchen counter.
“I never threatened death or marriage.”
“It felt implied,” I snap.
“Hmm, sounds like an anxiety issue on your end.” He fills up his glass with water.
“Goddamnit, Soren. You kill people,” I hiss. “That’s definitely ayouissue.”
“Well, wifey, now it’s a we issue. When’s our family arrive?”
“Can you not act so… okay with this?”
“You’re freaking out enough for the both of us.” He lifts his cup and takes a few gulps.
“You even seem excited,” I say in disgust.
“I am.” He smiles.
“Psychopath,” I grumble.
“Aww, that’s good. Pet names will help sell our love. Hey, why don’t you try it out?”
“Try what out? Pet names?” I ask. He sets his glass down and comes closer. His arm wraps around my waist, and he brushes a wavy lock of my hair from my face.
“It’s going to be okay,” he says. “Your family will be happy for us.”
“How can you be sure?” I squirm in his hold. Why did I let him grab me? He smiles warmly at me.
“Because I love you, so I know everything will work out,” he whispers. My mouth pops open.
“What?” I ask in a panic.Love.
“Come on now, Doctor Moore, you need to say it back. Your family has to believe it.” Shit, he’s acting. I felt something. Why would I react to him saying he loved me?
He leans forward and rubs his nose against mine. Too close. I can still taste his kisses from the other night.
“Soren, please stop,” I beg.
“Not until you say you love me,” he whispers. Our mouths are so close it’s almost harder not to kiss.
“Fine. I love you,” I spit out.
“Hmm, not good enough. Tell me again. Tell me you’ll never leave.” I can’t take this. My face is hot, and I hate that he can see my reaction. I take a deep breath.
“I’m not leaving, Soren.” The next part gets stuck in my throat.
“Not ever?” He asks.
“I’ll always be here with you and…” It’s still hard to say. It shouldn’t be. It’s just an act.
“Yes, Sophie?”
