Page 4 of Vintage

"If you did that, we’d still be right here, Ro. Don’t you dare entertain thoughts that aren’t welcome while I’m around." Each word that slipped from her soft, peachy pink lips was a mix of seduction and reassurance, reminding me that she’s mine, just as I’m hers.

I took her wrist and pulled her closer between my legs, trapping her there, crossing my legs behind her so she couldn’t escape. She tried to pull away, but it was no use. I had her right where I wanted her, by my side. Just like always.

“These little tricks won’t help you get out of this, Ro. It’s on you.” She snapped, hitting me in the chest, and let me tell you, this small woman packs a punch. Every touch of hers is like a reminder of her strength.

"And what exactly is my fault, Mrs. Rowan?" I asked, grabbing her wrists to stop her from beating me up, but also because I had a feeling I knew where this anger was coming from.

"Ro—"

"Jealousy, I can get that. But if you’re questioning my loyalty, that’s just insane. As a decent person, that’s the least I can offer in our relationship. I hope you’re not putting me on some pedestal just to fuel the gossip mill?" I spat, my own frustration starting to rise.

If it’s jealousy, that makes me happy, but if it's just stemming from gossips and opinions of other people, I'll fucking kill those people, and fuck that thought out of her over their dead bodies.

We locked eyes. She clenched her jaw, and I hardened my expression. I could see those cinnamon eyes reflecting my own shade of blue. I’m the ocean, and she’s my shore; that’s what she told me, so I don’t see why we should question what we have when my waves always reach her.

"I told you to stay away from her, so why are you seeing her behind my back?" she demanded, and suddenly, I was at a loss for words.

I vaguely remembered telling Willow to back off because it upset my wife, but somehow, she convinced me to keep our friendship going. Then she started asking about Amery, and just yesterday... I recalled what I had forgotten. Willow asked me to bring Amery over so she could finally meet the woman I’ve been talking about.

I initially refused, knowing how uneasy Amery feels around unfamiliar faces. However, I eventually reached a compromise: if Amery agreed to come over, I would attend dinner today; otherwise, I would decline.

"I didn't want to. I told her no, but she inquired about you and insisted on meeting for dinner today. That's why I arrived early—to invite you along and prove that she means nothing. You should stop associating with those gossiping ladies and men who spread rumors without caring about the truth," I stated flatly.

She fell silent, every word echoing in my mind. I swallowed hard, enduring those agonizing seconds that seemed to stretch on forever. She closed her eyes, then opened them to meet my gaze, letting out a deep sigh.

"It's not that I doubt your loyalty, Ro. I trust you completely and have faith in our love. I just can't handle these persistent rumors that keep linking your name with other women. It hurts, and even if Itry to ignore it, it still affects me," she admitted, her defenses finally crumbling as pain crossed her features, replacing her earlier anger.

I smiled, relieved that she had opened up and shared her feelings.

"I understand. I'm not questioning you either, love. I'll always be here if it becomes too much for you. Perhaps I've been too friendly, leading them to believe their chatter doesn't bother me... Maybe I should show them that the nice guy next door can be quite nasty when provoked." I kissed her forehead, feeling the warmth of her skin against my lips, reigniting a fire that had become too painful to bear.

Gently, I brushed my lips down to the tip of her nose and placed a soft kiss there. Each of my movements was met with her warm breath, which caught in her throat, creating a delightful sensation that sent heat coursing through me, igniting everything in its path.

I could easily feel my cock harden when I reached her lips, blowing soft, teasing breath, and drawing those whispers that brought me closer to the edge, to her, and the idea of having her naked and all at my mercy set me on fire.

"Ro," she moaned, her hands clinging to my shirt.

"Patience, sweetheart... Only good girls are allowed to have treats." I grinned, watching her take a big gulp as her eyes dilated.

Taking her wrist in my hand, I guided it down, down, down, down, and further down until my own voice constricted, feeling her touch over my cock despite the fabric of my trousers being a wall in between.

She pressed her palm against my throbbing dick, and I nearly came.

"Release my belt, pull it free, and pass it to me, sweetheart." I cradled her face, my thumb gliding over her lower lip, teasing the fullness.

She nodded gradually, each breath as deep as the rise and fall of her breasts pressing against the towel that clung to her like a revealing dress. Her fingers struggled momentarily with my belt, but with surprising grace, she unclipped it with one hand, handing it to me.

I grinned, observing her complete surrender to me.

"Mouth open, and free my cock out of my pants," I let out a low growl, captivated by the blush that softly colored her cheeks. As I slipped my thumb into her mouth, I gently caressed her tongue, playfully teasing her lips and gathering the saliva that trickled from the edges of her parted mouth. She released my erection, which came alive in her grasp.

My eyes widened as I observed her, poised and ready for my command.

"Drop the towel, get on your knees, and bare your neck to me." I forced the command through my tightly clenched jaw, releasing her mouth as she let the towel fall, pooling around her feet. She knelt down, gathering her hair to one side and tilting her head, exposing the curve of her neck in compliance with my command.

My heart raced wildly in my chest as I watched the most alluring woman, the one who belongs to me completely.

From the moment I first laid eyes on her, I realized I was in deep trouble, a realization that has only intensified over the years into an obsession I strive to conceal from her. If she ever discovered the depth of my feelings, it would stifle her and restrict her freedom. Just the idea of her not being the Amery I cherish is enough to devastate me; without that freedom, she wouldn’t be the person I adore.