Page 99 of The Billionaire's Timed Wife

“A real castle? I can’t believe it!” She smiles for the first time in days.

Something’s going on, but I have no idea what it is.

Adeela had been opening up little by little, no longer so shy, and suddenly she’s withdrawn again. I’ve asked if something’s wrong, but she keeps giving evasive answers. If she thinks I’ll give up, she doesn’t know me.

I’m determined to enjoy every second of these ten honeymoon days. Before we go home, I’ll find out what’s been bothering her.

I don’t think it’s anything between us, because she still responds to me passionately during sex, hotter every time, demanding and surrendering in equal measure.

I force myself to focus on something else. As tempting as it is to spend all our time tangled in each other, it’s time toget to know her beyond the bed. It will be the first time we’re completely alone since Paris.

Nights in our bedroom don’t count. We may talk about important matters, like the structural changes in our country, the women’s council, or the universities being built, but most of the time, we end up in each other’s arms.

And while I can confidently say I know her body better than my own, the same can’t be said for her mind and dreams.

It’s strange, this need to be alone with her. When I was single, I was always surrounded by people, most of whom meant nothing to me.

Now, all I want is the experience of just the two of us together all day. Well, as much as possible, since this castle has at least a dozen staff members.

“This place is . . .”

“Too much?” I ask.

“No. I mean, yes, it’s huge, but I can’t deny how enchanted I am by the idea of spending our honeymoon here.”

She spins around at the foot of the wide staircase that leads to the grand hall, and damn, it feels good to see her happy.

I’d wracked my brain trying to imagine what her dream honeymoon would be like. Unlike the women I used to be with, Adeela’s tastes are simple. She loves music, books, and horseback rides.

She enjoys jewelry and luxury, but not more than a bouquet of flowers. She can savor a gourmet meal or apita[42] andjibneh[43] sandwich with equal delight.

Then I read an article where women said every one of them had dreamed of being a princess for a day, and even though my wife lives in a palace and is, in fact, a queen, I understood the message.

A fairytale.

Romance.

Indulgence.

Everything I haven’t given her until now.

I’ve been working nonstop since taking the throne. It’s past time I enjoyed my marriage.

“I’m going to take so many pictures! I can already hear Jazmina screaming when she sees them.”

I shake my head, laughing. Yes, my crazy sister will lose her mind when she finds out. I didn’t tell her on purpose. I knew she’d never be able to keep the secret from her best friend. “We’ll spend the last two days in Paris.”

“Really? Do you have a meeting there?”

“No, just something you once told me you’d love to do and I plan to make it happen.”

“I’m curious.”

“I know, but this time, you’ll have to wait, my wife.”

She comes willingly into my arms, and I hold her tight, wondering how I could, in so little time, already see her as an essential part of my world.

Or my entire world,a voice whispers inside me.