One Eighty

by Charity Shane

He’s enjoying seeing me tend to a woman because this is new to me, real foreign. I’m actually vying for a woman’s attention and she isn’t making it easy. She’s making me work and I have to admit that I kind of like it. She’s definitely for me.

He leans down and places a soft kiss on my forehead. His attentiveness, hands on my body, and forehead kisses are mere gestures but there’s a level of intimacy and possessiveness in each touch. He behaves as if we’ve been lovers for years.

She is no longer the woman she used to be. She is now Rhian Powers and she belongs with me. Her safety, wellbeing, and happiness are my obligations and I don’t take any responsibility lightly.

“Her name is Rhian. She likes giving me a hard time.”

If she had any doubt about the authenticity of our marriage, it has to be gone now. Our attraction is strong and after the way our bodies just connected, I’m never letting her go.

“Rhian Barnes,” I answer. “Barnes,” his deep baritone scoffs. Gideon. Presha must have transferred his call. “Rhian Powers. Make sure that you answer the phone correctly next time, gorgeous.”

“You are my wife. That means you are always safe with me, every part of you: your mind, your body, and even your heart. I will hurt anyone that tries to hurt you. Do you believe me?”

“Your job is easy. I just need you to fall in love with me then give me unconditional love with physical and emotional support. You should already be falling a little so it shouldn’t be too hard.”

“Loving you and taking care of you is natural, like breathing. Don’t thank me for breathing.”