Page 186 of The Elusive Billionaire
The dark denim and light blue button-down are a stark contrast to the Greyson Reyes I first met.
He appears almost relaxed.
“The nurses are dragging their feet, but I’m done with this hellhole, and I’m taking you home.”
Okay, maybe not relaxed, but a work in progress.
“I’m ready,” I say. “But I’m a little afraid of what I’ll be walking into.”
Grey rolls his eyes. Rolls his freaking eyes like a teenager. I’m not hating this new and improved version of him.
“You’ll be walking into your new and improved home, Monroe. Don’t turn this into a thing. You’re my wife?—”
“Allegedly, and illegally, I might add.”
“The ink is dry, sweetheart. You are mine, and I am yours, so I—” He tugs on his collar as though he’s uncomfortable. “I made a few minor adjustments to our home so you’d be comfortable. Now, do you want to sit here talking about it all day, or do you want to go see what me and Elle have been up to?”
Elle is a fabulous interior decorator. Hell, she decorated my entire duplex, but the fact that he hired her makes my palms itchy.
It’s the fear of the unknown, I realize, when he pushes a wheelchair into the room.
“I’m ready but…” I chew on my thumb nail until he looks up at me. “I still need help with day-to-day tasks, Grey. I can’t even pee without help to the toilet. Don’t you think it would be better for me to go into a rehab center?”
He scoffs as though that’s the most ridiculous thing he’s ever heard. We’ve already had this argument so many times, I can practically here his reply before he says it.
“Monroe, I think I’ve been waiting my whole life to take care of my wife. Do you really think I’m going to allow someone else to do it now that I have you?”
Ugh. He’s really wearing out the wife moniker.
“Fine,husband. Let’s go.”
He’s on me before I can even pull back the blankets. His hands cradle my face, and the intensity of his stare sends shivers coursing over my skin. “Say it again.”
Good Lord. This really is going to be a thing, I can feel it.
“Husband,” I say with as much attitude as I can muster.
My tone doesn’t even faze him. His lips press to mine in a demanding kiss that tastes of power and control, but also patience, love, and cinnamon.
I melt. I freaking melt right into his hands. I’m the M&M’s in the palm of a toddler’s hand who fell asleep with them in their grasp. Ooey, gooey, melted.
“Y’all are so stinking cute. But let’s get this show on the road. Braxton and Cian have the grill going at your house, and everyone’s ready to celebrate your homecoming.” Madi bounces with happiness.
“What the hell? I wanted to take her home alone. I’ve got…stuff to do. Who said you could all just show up?—”
“Grey,” I cut him off. I know sharing is a new concept for him, but I feel like I need this. I need them—the family who found me and made me whole again.
“Fine,” he grumbles. “But everyone had better be off the property by eight at the latest. Six would be better.”
“Grey.” Madi laughs. “It’s already four o’clock.”
“Five would be preferable,” he says. His head is lowered while he helps me out of the bed, but I saw the smirk on his face.
“It’s fine, Madi,” I say. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone.”
“It’ll be the best welcome-home party this town has ever seen,” she says, tossing a bag over her shoulder. I just hope she doesn’t go into labor before the night is over.
I’ve lived in many places over my lifetime, but none of them have ever truly felt like home.
