Page 41 of Wicked Oath
We lay on the ring floor, staring up at the black ceiling.
“You know,” she murmurs, trailing circles into my chest with her finger, “we never really talk about each other. We always just have sex.”
I squeeze her hip. “And what’s wrong with us having sex?”
“Nothing.” She shrugs. “But it wouldn’t hurt for us to get to know each other better, don’t you think?”
I don’t respond right away. It would hurt Olivia if she got to know me better. She’d find out the truth about her dad screwing over my dad and why I married her in the first place. Talking will only lead to pain. Sex is easier. It’s fun, and clearly, we’re good at it.
“James?”
I clear my throat. “You’re right. We could talk more. Tell me more about your childhood.”
Olivia snuggles into me and starts recounting stories about her wacky grandma, overprotective brother, and slightly alcoholic mother. She also includes stories of how her dad always spoiled and how she’s a daddy’s girl.
I settle in and listen to her talk, taking comfort in the fact that, for this moment, I don’t need to share any secrets about myself. Someday, Olivia will demand more from me, but right now, this is more than enough.
CHAPTER11
Olivia
“Iwant to get to know your mom better.”
One would think I’d just said something about killing him for how quickly James whips his head up to look at me over the breakfast table. “My mom?”
I nod, cutting into my food. “Yes. I met her at the wedding but didn’t get much of a chance to speak with her. She kept to herself most of the night. I thought it would be good to learn more about the woman who raised you.”
James pauses. I’m not sure why. Is there a reason he doesn’t want me to meet his mom?
“Is something wrong?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “No, nothing wrong. It’s just …” He sighs. “My mother is a bit of an addict. She took to pills hard after my dad passed, and she’s never fully recovered. She might not be in the best state to meet up.”
“Well, I’m sure if you give her a call and schedule something in the next few days, she could get ready for it. Don’t you think?” My tone is a little more annoyed than I intended, but I can’t stop thinking about the other night in the ring when I told James about my childhood. When I asked him to tell me more about himself, he evaded my question with such smoothness that I didn’t even think anything of it until now. He’s always open to having sex, but he’s closed off whenever I want to get to know him better.
“Yes, you’re right. I’ll give her a call.” James’s expression is pained for a second before his features smooth out. He’s very skilled at keeping a straight face, but sometimes, he lets things slip. Since we’ve been married, I’ve been observing and learning more about his expressions. He can’t keep everything from me.
* * *
The next day,I’m sitting across from Fiona Kelly at her large kitchen table inside her large mansion in the suburbs. James is at my side, looking worried. His mom looks like she’s about ready to pass out, but she keeps herself upright.
I glance at James pityingly. My mom may have a drinking problem, but she always manages to pull herself together. Of course, it helps she has my dad at her side. I wonder if my mom would turn into this if my dad died.
“Mrs. Kelly?” I ask. “It’s nice to get the chance to actually speak with you.”
She nods, her eyes blinking. “You, too, dear.” Her words are a little slurred.
James leans over to me and says in a lowered voice, “Maybe we should do this another time?”
“No, I want to stay.”
He meets my eyes for a second before nodding and sitting back in his seat. Why is he so desperate to leave? It’s like James doesn’t want me to learn anything about him beyond his experience in the bedroom. I’ve let myself get consumed by him and caught up in lust, but now that we’ve been married for a few weeks, I think it’s time to delve more into his world.
“So, Mrs. Kelly.” I turn to her. “How are you today?”
“As good as I normally am. I wish I were better, but I still miss my husband every day.”
“I’m sorry. How did he die?”
