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I knew when to be charming and when to be a dickhead. I knew when to be a charming dickhead.
want my husband to be someone who respects me but also can’t keep his hands off me.
“although I still don’t understand why you were so stuck-up back then, always too good to talk to me.” “I wasn’t stuck-up, Enzo, I was shy!”
“You cannot imagine the things people say to me,” I told him, a lump trying to form in my throat. He looked up. “Like what?” “Like, ‘At your age, you should lower your standards and just find a man willing to commit.’ Or ‘You may have to settle down with a man who already has kids, if you really want them.’ Or ‘You’re a beautiful woman. It can’t be that hard to get knocked up.’” “Someone said that to you?” Enzo appeared appropriately horrified. “Yes. People say that shit to women all the time.” “Fuck.” He shook his head, like he had no idea what jerks people could be. But this was no time for
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“Enzo,” Bianca said quietly, a ghost of a smile still on her lips. “I promise, I know exactly who you are. And I will never expect you to be anybody else.” I think she meant it as a compliment. But I wasn’t sure.
“Maybe he loved me. But not enough. And what’s the use of that?”
If you want your sexual independence, fine—but don’t lie about it.
I loved that she fought me. God, she knew exactly how to get my adrenaline pumping. I wished I could spank her for it. And if I fucked her, it wouldn’t be sweet. It wouldn’t be gentle. I would pound into her with all the passion and fury and turmoil she made me feel. I would make her beg—for more, and then for mercy. And when I felt her body seize, when her nails dug into my back, when she arched and bucked and thrashed beneath me, I’d bury my cock deep inside her and come so hard she felt it like a punishment.
“So who’s coming to this party? Did you invite anyone today?” “Griffin. Cole. Beckett. My family.” I shrugged. “I told my mother no aunts and uncles, no cousins. She claimed they were never going to speak to her again.” Her eyes were wide as she reached for her wine glass. “What did you say?” “I said, ‘You’re welcome.’” She burst out laughing, and it made me feel way too good.
“I like cooking for people who love to eat. My ex was always on a health kick—didn’t eat carbs, didn’t eat dairy, didn’t eat sugar.” I made a face. “What’s the point of living?” She laughed. “Right?”
“Sex isn’t selfish, Bianca. People are selfish. And it sounds like you’ve only been with selfish people.”
I assured them no one was going to appreciate it but me. “Then do it for you,” Blair said. “Not everything has to be for a man. Pamper yourself!” “I heartily agree,” I said, although a bikini wax wasn’t really my idea of pampering.
A few minutes later, we all made our way downstairs and took photos in the lobby and on the courthouse steps, and I tried to smile. In one picture, I had to pick her up and cradle her like a baby, and through my teeth, I whispered, “I’m tempted to drop you.” She whispered right back, “I’m tempted to kick you in the balls.”
“It was something your dad said.” “What? That you couldn’t return me? I’m final sale?”
“Good grief, Enzo. You need to relax. This isn’t 1955. I don’t need a man to take care of me. My dad’s just old-fashioned. And when we split up, I’ll make sure he understands that.”
I know it’s not conventional, but what is marriage anyway? Maybe it’s just an illusion perpetuated by Disney movies and romance novels. Maybe it’s just a piece of paper. Maybe it’s just an antiquated idea that reeks of misogyny and sexism—I mean, the bride’s dad gives her away like she’s a piece of property!” I turned off the car and looked over at her. “That seems kind of harsh.” “Don’t get me wrong, I bought into the fantasy all my life. I was waiting for the handsome prince to decide on me, but he didn’t. He didn’t, Enzo. So I decided on me.”
As we walked to the bar, Enzo put a hand on the small of my back. I’d noticed it was something he did often, and I had to admit I sort of liked it. It was an intimate gesture without being suggestive.
“Contrary to what men might think, Enzo, women crave sex just as much as they do.”
“It’s just that women and men fantasize very differently.”
His grin was slow and seductive. “You don’t like talking in bed?” I shrugged, hating how hot my face felt. I knew it had to be candy-apple red. “Not much.” “See, I think a woman should talk in bed. I think she should say exactly what she wants and how she wants it. Otherwise, how’s a guy supposed to know how to please her?” “I don’t know.” “Most guys probably figure if she says nothing, it all just feels good. And I bet that’s not the case.” “That is not the case,” I confirmed. “Can I have the last chocolate?” “It’s all yours. That’s why you have to talk,” he went on. “Tell the guy what feels
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That was the best sex I’ve ever had. But I shouldn’t tell you that—you’ll get smug.”
I didn’t want to be one of those women who confuses sex with love—he’d
Orgasms released something that made you feel woozy and cuddly, right? After all the orgasms Enzo had delivered last night, my system was clearly on overload.
“Princess, you did not inherit a single subservient or deferential gene.”
“Our marriage might be a sham, but at least it’s not dysfunctional.”
“You drive me fucking crazy,” I told her, pressing my cock between her legs and pinning her wrists to the mattress. “Like honest to God, you make me feel like I’m losing my mind.”
What does your perfect Sunday look like?” “Hmm.” Her hand wandered down my abdomen. “This is a pretty good start.” “I agree.” “And then there would be food. Waffles or something. Then I’d probably curl up on the couch with a book and a blanket and some coffee.” She looked up at me. “Am I boring?” “Yes.” She smiled. “What would you do with a rainy Sunday?” “Honestly, I’d probably get under the blanket and try to take your pants off.”
“Do you think we’re going to fuck up our kid?” I blurted. “What? No.” She sat up. “Why would you say that?” “Because we’re not going to raise it together.” “Yes, we are.” “You know what I mean—in one house.” “Oh.” She was silent a few seconds. “No, I don’t think we’re going to fuck up our kid. Plenty of children grow up in two different households. The important thing is that they know they’re loved.”
“They should all fucking mind their own business,” scoffed Enzo. “And I’m going to tell them so next time I see them.” I couldn’t help smiling. “No, don’t. It’s okay.” “It isn’t. Anyone who messes with you messes with me.” In the dim lights of the dash, I could see him scowling like he was ready to take on the playground bully for me. And that was the moment I knew—I was madly, deeply, desperately in love with him. But I couldn’t tell him. He could never know.
nothing goes with sugar like more sugar.”
“I want my pride back. I want my strength back. I want him to look at me and see the girl he thought I was. The one with courage and determination, who can handle anything life throws at her.
“I think someone poisoned me.” She laughed. “His name is Jack Daniels.” “Bastard.” “You’ll live.”
What is this life? Whose idea were all the kids? Remember when it was just the two of us?
Bianca’s the kind of girl who will see right through your bullshit—that’s why she’s perfect for you.”
Now get the fuck out of here, and don’t come back until you’ve made things right with your wife—and get used to doing it, by the way. That’s married life.”
“You’re the most beautiful, the most caring, and the most exasperating woman I’ve ever known. You can infuriate me like no one else—but you make me happier than anyone else ever could. And the love I feel for you is the truest, realest thing I’ve ever known.”
I love walking into a room with you and seeing everyone stare because you’re so gorgeous, and feeling your hand on my back that tells me you’re mine.”
