Page 66 of Bride of Vengeance
"I need my laptop," I say. "If he's making public statements, there might be inconsistencies we can use—"
"No."
"Excuse me?"
"You're not working on this case right now. You're resting and eating."
"I'm pregnant, not broken!" I shove the tray aside, nearly spilling orange juice. "This is exactly what I was talking about. You can't sideline me!"
"I'm not sidelining you. I'm prioritizing—"
"Controlling me! That's what you're doing!" I'm on my feet now, pacing despite my nakedness. "What's next? You’re gonna offer me money to sit pretty while you handle everything?"
"If that's what it takes—"
"Don't you dare!" I spin to face him. "I'm not some kept woman you can throw money at. I pay my own way. Always have, always will."
"You're being stubborn—"
"I'm being independent! Something you clearly have a problem with!"
"I have a problem with you putting yourself in danger!"
"And I have a problem with you treating me like I'm made of glass!"
He stands, moving into my space. "You collapsed yesterday—"
"Again, from exhaustion, not pregnancy!"
"You're carrying our child—"
"Which doesn't make me your property to manage!"
"Then what does it make you?" His voice has gone low, dangerous.
I lift my chin, meeting his gaze steadily. "Your equal. Your partner. Or nothing at all."
The silence stretches between us, taut as a wire.
"You're impossible," he says finally.
"So are you."
"I'm trying to protect you."
"I don't need protection. I need respect."
"I respect you—"
"Then show it. Stop hovering. Stop treating me like I'm fragile. Stop trying to lock me in a tower."
He runs a hand through his silver hair, frustration clear in every line of his body. "What if something happens to you? To the baby?"
"Then we deal with it. Together. As equals."
"I can't lose you."
The raw honesty in his voice makes my anger falter.
