It doesn’t matter that she forced me to marry her. If she told me she didn’t need me anymore, I’d refuse to leave her.
Idiot.
The jealousy that spread through me like poison because of that smile she gave Jason…
My uncontrollable spike of libido every time I see her…
The fury that spiraled out of control when Karl backhanded her…
The ragged lacerations each of her tears created in my heart…
The overwhelming need to make everyone who hurt her suffer…
And the profound desire to shield her from the ugly world…
I’ve been kidding myself. None of that is because she’s my wife and I’m feeling what a proper husband should. I care about her.
No.Careis too diluted.
I think about my brothers—Emmett, Griffin and Grant. Rational men who became completelyirrationalafter meeting their wives.
Holyshit.I run a hand over my jaw.
I’m in love with her. Maybe I fell for her the day she strutted into my office like some Nordic warrior princess. I just never wanted to admit it because I had this idea that I wasn’t supposed to fall in love with a woman who had scandals attached to her name or who was devious enough to back me into an untenable situation.
But really? I could’ve walked away. I’ve never allowed anybody to exert this much control over me, and I didn’t have to begin with her.
I pick up my phone and start typing.
–Me: Hey, change of plans. Luce needs to stay as the CEO.
–Noah: What?
–Grant: You’re saying this now?
–Me: Obviously, she can’t go.
–Nicholas: I knew it! You have feelings for her. But sorry, it’s too late. I already sent my votes against her.
What a dick!
–Me: You sent them when you noticed I had feelings for her?
–Nicholas: I noticed at the party, but you said it was a “separate issue.”
Crap.I don’t have to scroll up to see. I remember what I texted. Somebody invent a time machine, so I can go back in time and kick my own ass!
–Emmett: I already sent mine in, too.
–Me: Okay, so only Emmett and Nicholas sent theirs?
I can salvage this if it’s just them. I have enough shares.
–Grant: No. I did too.
I hang my head. Of course they did it together. Grant and Emmett work in the same office.
–Noah: I sent mine too. Didn’t want to let you down. Sorry, bro.
