Accidental Knight: A Marriage Mistake Romance(94)

Tonight, I’m Drake’s, and I’m happy.

Tonight, it’s like we’re really, truly husband and wife.

But what about tomorrow? A month from now? The last day of our six months we’re obligated to do this?

I can’t fathom what either of us will be when it’s not the will or my crazy parents or Jupiter Oil binding us together.

Okay, and sure, maybe it’s just a mad, sweet rush of sex hormones whirling in my head that are doing the talking right now.

It doesn’t change the fact that I’m afraid.

I’m so, so scared I’ll never want Drake Larkin anywhere but here, wrapping me up, a beautiful illusion too real to be a dream.





By morning, I pay the price.

I don’t think my legs hurt this bad when I used to run cross-country, or even riding Edison for hours when I was just a little girl.

Drake’s not done with me, either. He takes me again, bent over the bed, shaking the old frame something wild.

A 'wake-up fuck,' he calls it, supposedly the best sometimes.

I think I’m starting to believe him, too. Because when I bent down and let him fill me again, I thought I’d lost my mind, wincing at the pain in my thighs.

Surprise, surprise, it was gone by the time we’d finished. Him, snarling curses through his teeth, his hand sizzling against one cheek of my ass with a delicious sting, just before I went over the edge for the second time that morning.

God, I think I’d need a pen and paper to keep track of how many times we actually did it in the past twenty-four hours.

Pleasant memories. Especially when I’m looking at him.

Like right now. He’s outside, working on something. I can see him through the kitchen window.

My phone goes off and startles me then, but I keep one eye on him as I walk to the counter to get it, wondering if he’s calling me.

Nope. The number looks slightly familiar, though, so I hit the answer icon.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Annabelle? This is Angie Walker, Drake Larkin’s sister...you called and left a message yesterday.”

“Yes, this is Bella. And yes, I called. I’m Jonah Reed’s granddaughter. I was just checking in, wondering, I guess. Has Drake called you back yet?” I hold my breath, waiting, moving back to the window to watch him.

“No, I’m afraid he hasn’t.” There’s a pause before she continues. “Honestly, I’m not sure he will. He’s a proud man, and the way we split apart, after Dad died...it was ugly. Really, really nasty. I think I need to make the first move. Drake’s, well, a little stubborn sometimes.”

I nod, even though I know she can’t see me. “No doubting here.”

Another pause. Then she says, “I have an odd request.”

“What’s that?”

“Well, my kids are on spring break starting tomorrow, so I have next week off too, and, well...Dallas is only like a three-hour drive or so from Kinsleyville here over the border. I was wondering if we drove in—”

“Please!” I practically shout it and catch myself. “Please, Angie. Do come and see us.”

I smile. Drake will be happy to see them. I know he will.

“Oh, you’re sure it’s okay? The article I read said he was hired help? More like a companion?”

“Right. He lived here with my grandfather for the last four years.” I glance around the kitchen. “Did all sorts of things around the ranch and took care of him when Grandpa got ill.”

Another long pause. “He did?”

My heart warms. “Yeah, and he did an amazing job. I’m so grateful for all he’s done, Angie, I can’t even tell you...”

Drake glances over his shoulder, sees me, and waves. Not wanting him to know who I’m talking to, I wave back and then turn, lowering my voice.

“So when should we expect you? We have plenty of extra room for the kids.”

“I wouldn’t dare impose. We’ll stay at a hotel in town, I just thought we could visit him at your place.”

“Absolutely. And think it over, wherever you’d like to stay. It’s a big old farm house here. I loved it when I was a little girl, and I bet your kids will too. When are you coming?”

“I thought we’d leave in a few days, if that’s all right?”

“Perfect! I won’t say a word to Drake, but please, Angie, don’t book a hotel room yet. Stop here first. The hotel is rarely full, so there’s no need to worry about that.”

“All right, thanks, and thanks for calling.” She pauses again. “You know, I cried when I heard your message...it’s been so long. I’ve missed my brother.”

My heart goes out to her. “I’m glad I called you, too, and even happier you’re coming to visit. Can’t wait to meet you and Sherry and Terry.”

“Drake told you their names?” she asks, her voice growing a little happier.

“Sure did. We’ll talk soon, Angie. Everything is going to be fine. I promise.”





16





Sleeping Dragons (Drake)





Fuck.

I can’t even believe the news. It hits me like a brickbat to the skull, so hard it leaves my ears ringing.