Page 54 of The Watcher's Bride

“I’m throwing a small party this evening and your presence is required—yours and your new bride’s.”

“We’d be delighted,” I lie, knowing that attendance isn’t optional.

“Eight o’clock, at the casino. I’ll see you then,” he says before hanging up.

With a sigh, I get dressed and head downstairs to break the news to Nora.

Her cheeks flush adorably when she notices me enter the kitchen and she quickly looks away, studying her cereal as if it’s the most fascinating thing she’s ever seen. I’m gladdened by the sight of her eating of her own volition; up until now she’s only eaten the meals I’ve presented to her and insisted she eats. She doesn’t seem as frail as she was when we first got here—there’s a new fullness to her hollow cheeks and her skin is less pallid. I’m surprised how much pleasure it gives me to take care of her, to notice these small differences brought on by that attention.

I stand and watch her, leaning against the counter and enjoying the way the sunlight dances through her hair. She really is beautiful.

“Can I help you with something or do you plan on standing there watching me all day?” she asks snippily.

“That’s rich coming from the Peeping Tom,” I tease, enjoying how it makes her squirm.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she replies.

Ah, so we’re playing that game. Denial. I watch her for a moment, smiling at her knowingly before I put her out of her misery.

“Actually, I was just coming to tell you about a party we need to attend tonight at my uncle’s casino.”

From the expression on her face, you’d think I just told her we’re going to go kick puppies.

“No thank you,” she replies curtly.

“I’m afraid it’s not optional. Trust me, I don’t want to go as much as you.”

“I doubt that,” she grumbles. “What’s it for? Is it another wedding-related event?”

“He didn’t say, but I imagine it’s some sort of show of power, wealth, and to flaunt our new alliance.”

“What if I refuse to go?” she asks, testing the waters. I try to hide my smile of pride at seeing some of the fearless Nora I know coming back.

“Then I will try not to enjoy dressing you and carrying you into the car later,” I reply mischievously.

I can tell from her expression she’s not sure how serious I am. Undeterred, she tries a new tactic.

“In case you aren’t aware, I’m not exactly the cocktail party and casino’s kind of girl. I don’t have anything suitable to wear. Unless you think my wardrobe of jeans and t-shirts are suitable for your uncle’s party,” she declares triumphantly, believing she’s won.

“That’s why we’re going shopping today. Hurry up, we leave in thirty minutes,” I tell her, tapping my watch and smirking back at her.

“You’re insufferable, you know that?” she grumbles, taking one last bite of her cereal and dumping it into the sink,deliberately not washing it in a final act of defiance that makes me chuckle before she heads upstairs to get ready.

All of a sudden, I find myself looking forward to this evening. I get to spend the whole day with Nora, and I can have her on my arm this evening for our first official outing as husband and wife. What could possibly go wrong?

Chapter 34

Nora

Growing up, I never went shopping, all of my clothes were chosen for me. Every outfit was designed to mold me into the perfect mob princess my father wanted.

In New York, most of my wardrobe was purchased from Goodwill or thrift stores. On the rare occasions that I went to the mall with Nadya, I didn’t buy anything, nor did I particularly enjoy the noisy and overly bright stores she would take me in.

When Leo told me he was taking me shopping today, I wasn’t exactly overwhelmed with excitement. I should have known that for a man like Leo, shopping was a luxury experience. He took me to Rodeo Drive, and not only did we find me an outfit for this evening, but he also insisted that we purchase several other new items for my wardrobe. Secretly, I was enjoying myself. Whether because Leo made me feel like the most beautiful woman in every outfit I tried on, or because of the free champagne most of the stores gave out, I can’t be certain.

My mind kept going back to this morning when I watched him in the shower. I shouldn’t have done it, but after reading the latest book he left me, I was feeling horny. Watching the water cascade down his body as he pleasured himself had me soaking wet. It felt so wrong, but there was also something thrilling about the forbidden act of watching.

Is this what my stalker got out of watching me?

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