Page 27 of Every Single Vow
“Why not?” I smirk.
She squirms again.
Oh, she liked the tongue.
“I don’t think it’s necessary.” She points at me. “You snuck it on me today.”
“Like you didn't enjoy it.” I wag my brows.
“Oh stop,” she scoffs. “I’m not backing down on this one. No tongue.”
“In public. Got it.” I nod.
She said nothing about in private.
“Which leads me to number four.” She moves to place her feet flat on the floor. “I understand you have…. needs. I don’t expect you to be celibate for however long this takes. It could be months. If you feel the need to…get female attention. Do it away from Mayson Ridge. Last thing we need is rumors of you having an affair one month into the marriage.”
For some reason that last rule just pisses me straight off. Not only at the fact she thinks I would sleep with another woman while married to her, but that she might want to sleep with another man.
Not fucking happening.
“Let me be clear on this, Kota.” I push to my feet, staring down at her. “While my ring is on your finger, and my last name attached to yours, there will not be any other women. Period.”
She gulps, her eyes widening. “Coop…”
I lean down, gripping her chin between my fingers. “And there will be no other men while you aremywife. Understood?”
Her jaw slacks, before she nods. “Understood.”
“Alright. I need to run an errand. I’ll be back.” I drop a kiss on her head, before striding to the door.
When I make it to my truck, I blow out a breath before cranking the engine. I’ve got my work cut out for me. I may have had an ulterior motive for marrying Dakota Sterling. Yes, I want her to get custody, but I also want to prove to her that she doesn’t have to be afraid to let go anymore. I’ve got only a handful of months to prove to the woman I love that she’s right where she was always meant to be.With me.
Chapter sixteen
Dakota
A knock sounds at the door, breaking my spiraling thoughts. I’ve been folding my clothes in Cooper’s room for the last thirty minutes. After he left, I got busy. The less time I spent thinking about the kiss that altered my brain chemistry and the fact that he wants me to sleep next to him every night the better off I’ll be.
I remind myself that this is for Ari. I can do this for her. He hasn’t made a move on me in fifteen years. He’s not going to start now. Not like I would accept it anyway. His friendship means too much to me, and at some point, I’d let him down. His family down, and there just wasn’t a part of me that could chance it. Not with my track record.
I drop one of my favorite hoodies before I hustle to the door.
“It’s us!” Ivy calls as she steps in.
“How was ice cream?” I ask as Ari walks farther into the room.
“Fire.” She says before heading to the hallway. “Thanks, Ivy.” She looks to me. “Is it ok if I go back here and draw?”
“Sure.”
I make a mental note to get her more supplies. I’ve seen her doodling in a notepad all week.
When she disappears down the hall, I peer over at Ivy. “Fire?”
“It means good,” she offers. “I had to ask too.”
I chuckle, moving to the kitchen. “Thank you for taking her. Need anything to drink?”
