Page 56 of The Watcher's Bride

Her mouth pops open in a little ‘O’ of surprise as she scrambles for an appropriate response.

“If you ever want to be on the other side of the counter, I suggest learning to show a little bit more tact and class,” I add before looking to Leo and saying, “Shall we go home, darling?”

Leo smiles at me and picks up our bags, “After you, my love.”

“You have a good day,” I add with a condescending smile at the still-flabbergasted woman before leaving.

Outside, Leo finally starts to laugh. “Well, that was… incredible. Who knew you were jealous and a secret sex fiend?”

I slap him gently with the back of my hand. “Shut it, you,” I tell him, but even I can’t help but smile. “I just couldn’t stand how disrespectful she was being. What if we were a real married couple?”

Leo frowns at me slightly, “We are.”

“Yes, but you know what I mean. Our situation is unusual. But she didn’t know that. How dare she flirt with you so blatantly in front of my face. She’s lucky that’s all I did, the bitch,” I mutter, surprised at my own response.

“You were jealous,” Leo declares confidently, a shit-eating grin on his face.

“I wasn’t,” I insist, though we both know it’s a lie. “I just don’t like to be disrespected.”

“Sure,” he replies teasingly, the smile not leaving his face.

“God, you’re insufferable,” I mutter as the car pulls up and we load our new purchases in once more. “Please tell me that’s it. I don’t think I can shop anymore,” I add wearily.

He nods. “No more shopping. Let’s go for lunch somewhere,” he suggests. I start to shake my head, but he says, “Unless you’d rather go home and try out our new purchases?”

Ignoring the excitement I feel at the thought of doing just that, I reply, “Lunch sounds perfect.”

Lunch turns out to be at the most gorgeous and eye-wateringly expensive place I’ve ever eaten. Despite my protests that I’m not hungry, Leo insists I order more than just a starter.I finally relent and am surprised to find myself eating every mouthful of the delicious scallop starter and pasta dish I had for my main meal. The conversation flows easily and even when there are lulls, the silence feels comfortable.

When we’ve finished eating and the last drop of champagne has been drunk, Leo leans back in his chair and looks at his watch. “We ought to get going soon if we want to get back with enough time to get ready before we have to go out again.”

I nod in agreement, feeling a little disappointed that our day has to end. Leo pays the bill and lets our driver know we’re ready to leave before getting up and offering his arm to me. It feels like the most natural thing in the world to put my hand on his strong bicep and allow him to guide me to the waiting car.

I’m so tired from the day’s activities that I find myself falling asleep during the drive home, only waking as we pull up to the house. Leo has the driver help bring all of our shopping bags up to my room, and soon a large corner is dominated by gift bags of all shapes and sizes. The driver confirms he’ll be waiting outside for us and leaves. As Leo moves to go too, I stop him, gently placing my hand on his shoulder. His blue eyes hold mine as I speak.

“Thank you, for today. I had fun,” I say earnestly.

“Me too. You know, being married to me doesn’t have to be a prison sentence. I want you to be happy,” he replies with a small, sad smile.

I nod, unsure of what to say.

He moves closer, then gently places a kiss on my cheek. His strong, masculine scent envelops me, and I have the overwhelming urge to kiss him.

Just as I’m debating whether or not to follow through with it, he moves away and says, “We need to leave in a couple of hours. Will that be enough time for you to get ready?”

“Yes, sure, see you downstairs then,” I reply before ushering him out the door and beginning to get ready for the evening.

Chapter 35

Leo

Nora’s upstairs changing, and I’ve taken the opportunity to pour myself a whiskey, even though it’s not yet five. I need something to dull the edge, even if just slightly.

Because the sight of her today—smiling, laughing, pushing back with her sharp tongue—was almost too much. It was the closest thing to normal we’ve had. Almost like we could be something real. Almost like she could be mine.

The way she snapped at the sales assistant was unexpected but not unwelcome. She was jealous. I saw it plain as day in her eyes, the flash of anger, the way she clung to my arm like a possessive wife. For someone who insists she doesn’t want me, she sure didn’t like the idea of another woman putting her hands on what’s hers.

It lit something in me I’d been trying to smother for weeks.

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