Page 76 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

“Oh, sweetheart,” Matt pushed his desire aside and cupped her cheek. “That’s the one thing you never have to worry about. I’m in this for the long haul, ’til death do us part, remember? You can’t get rid of me.”

She beamed at him then the expression on her face changed. Matt’s guard went up immediately. He knew his woman and he knew what that look of hers meant. Trouble.

“Good,” she said in a stern voice as she sat up and folded her arms across her naked breasts. “Because we need to talk.”

“Ah,” he hedged, rubbing his chin slowly. “Weren’t you about to shag the hell out of me?”

She nodded quickly. “Oh yes, I will, but first I want to discuss your behaviour last night. Point number one-”

“There are points?” he groaned in frustration.

“Yep. Point number one: I want to start contributing to the household bills. Your little ‘my house’ remarks really got on my nerves. I don’t like feeling as if I’m living here under your sufferance. We’re married, we should share the bills equally.”

Matt arched an eyebrow at her. “All the bills?”

She nodded again with a determined gleam in her eyes.

“Agreed,” he said slyly. “I’ll draw up a list of the running costs and we’ll divide it equally. Of course, we’ll have to include the Surrey estate, the foreign properties -”

“Whoa.” She leaned back, eyebrows high. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here, buster. I mean, we have to be realistic. You earn way more than me and…and,” she spluttered in alarm.

Matt laughed out loud, delighted at the consternation imprinted on her beautiful face. “Christ. You make me laugh, poppet.” He sobered up and reached for her. “Listen, I’m disgustingly wealthy, as you so often remind me, and I’m your husband. It’s my duty to take care of you and ensure all your needs are met. I’m old-fashioned in that way, don’t take that right away from me.”

Her mouth curled into a pout and his desire returned with a vengeance. Bloody hell. How could he want her this much?

“I think you’re right. A 50-50 split is inconceivable, Matt. I’ll probably need to work at a strip club and dry hump people for real!”

Matt felt his cheeks redden and he clenched his jaw. Self-reproach consumed him. “Apologies for my crass words earlier, poppet. I,” He ran a hand through his mussed hair and avoided her gaze for a moment before facing her. “I didn’t mean them.”

She chewed her inner cheeks, trying her best to maintain a serious countenance. Then she giggled softly and said, “Do you know your nostrils flare when you apologize? It’s as if you’ve caught whiff of some rancid smell. I think you’re allergic to apologizing.”

“I’m not allergic to apologizing,” Matt retorted haughtily, embarrassed over her teasing.

“You don’t like doing it,” she continued dryly.

“No one likes apologizing,” he said defensively. She was right. He despised having to apologize. His previous motto was sod anyone who didn’t agree his actions. Now, well ever since being with her, he had learnt the art of a heartfelt apology. Only she deserved his unreserved humility.

“If you do it more often,” she pressed between snickers. “It will no doubt become easier.”

“Let’s move on, shall we?” he remarked in a pointed manner. “What’s the second point?”

“Can I have your t-shirt? It’s pre-warmed,” she asked, hugging her arms around her naked upper body. “And the heating hasn’t come on. It’s cold in here.”

Matt immediately tugged off his t-shirt but instead of handing it over, he flung it halfway across the room. She frowned at him and he crooked a finger at her.

“I’ll keep you warm,” he advised with arms outstretched.

“Hmph. The t-shirt would’ve been fine.” she groused then wiggled closer so he could wrap his arms around her before pulling the covers over them.

“Point number two?” he asked again.

Madi ran one hand over his shoulder, biting her lower lip. “Umm, I’ll tell you later, it has to do with your reaction to Raheem but I think it’s time I attend to my wifely duties.”

Matt leaned over to turn off the bedside lamp. “No complaintshere, poppet. I’m in complete agreement with you.”

He would explain his previous behaviour and she would accept it. Right now he just wanted to make love to his wife. Later he would reassure her he didn’t truly have racist tendencies. Yes, definitely later.

CHAPTER 9

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