Page 129 of Resurfaced Passion

Reaper would never lie to her. And her dad was known for lies, but as he’d sneered and took great delight in filling in the blanks of her missing years, she saw flashes and images of things she couldn’t know—she’d heard conversations that had never been in her head before and felt the emotion of them.

I really fucking love you, ladybug. You’re everything good I thought I could never have, but look at me now, the luckiest son’bitch that ever walked and I’m so damn grateful you’re mine and I’m yours. Always, baby. I will always, always love you.

It couldn’t be.

Her father, at all times needed the last word and he snapped at Reaper before he left, slamming the door heavy enough she flinched and locked her arms around her belly.

She’d had no idea why she’d felt the need to protect her middle as her dad began his tirade, but the overwhelming instinct rushed through her until she couldn’t stop her teeth from chattering and the only way she calmed was to curl her arms around herself.

“Tell me he’s lying.” She finally said, pleading in her voice.

Please tell me what we have wasn’t based on a lie.

“Paige…”

“Tell me he’s talking nonsense.” She croaked. “He lied my whole life, Reaper, so I’ll believe you.”

He sighed and tried to come forward until Paige held out a hand. She couldn’t have him touching her right now, she’d crumble into a million pieces and she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to put herself back together again.

His frown killed her, but he paused from advancing further.

“I don’t know exactly what he told you.”

“But you know him, you know my dad.”

“Yes.”

The first sledgehammer hit her square in the belly. Paige forced in a breath and expected him to expand on his cryptic yes, but no more words came.

Just his intense gaze that looked just as sad as she felt.

“Jesus Christ, Reaper. Now isn’t the time for you to play your silent act. I need to know!”

He shifted on his boots, his hands hanging by his sides. She’d always loved looking at him. He had perfect aesthetics, from his long rangy body, to his defined muscles and abs sitting firmly under the skin of his torso. She’d always loved his nose and plump lips, but it was his eyes … oh, his eyes, that had drawn her in, because she realized now, that first day he looked at her like he’d known her for a lifetime.

It had felt so familiar, evocative and it was those eyes, as quiet as he’d been, that comforted her, made her trust him almost instantly.

“Baby, let me come and hold you.” He said, taking a step but she stopped him again and shook her head.

Reaper held onto an inhale for a very long time. “Ask me, Paige.” He said in a voice that didn’t sound like his anymore.

“Are you my husband?”

He didn’t even hesitate. That’s what she’d remember later when she was picking apart every word and emotion. He didn’t hesitate to answer, like he’d waited to say it.

“Yeah, baby. I’m your husband. You’re my wife.” Air appeared to deflate his chest as his eyes burned through her, there was no masking the love there. “I’m really fucking glad I can say it at last.”

She stared long and hard at Reaper’s perfect face and questioned every thought and decision she’d made in the time she’d known him.

Known him as in the last four years … not before.

Reaper was always paradise and passion wrapped up in something so familiar and brand new to Paige. Her comfort blanket who was there whenever she needed him and now it was torn to shreds leaving behind nothing that made sense.

Twisted pain doubled Paige over and all that was heard was her soap opera-esque gasp.

Only there was nothing scripted about this.

Blinking at the man she was supposedly married to, she realized she didn’t know Reaper at all.

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