Chapter 32
Maximo
We spend our days and half the nights curled up reading by the fire, or bundled up on the deck as the lake laps at the shore.
It’s quiet out here, far away from the bustle of the city and our daily lives.
Even though tension lingers between us, the peaceful setting and escapism does exactly what I hoped.
Elena gradually relaxes until she seems almost happy. Happier than I’ve ever seen her anyway.
Her shoulders relax, she smiles more often, and she’s sleeping through the night. Not once has she seemed to be plagued by bad dreams.
The other half of the nights, once we put our books away, we sleep in the bed together.
Only sleep. I’m giving her space to decide what she wants.
While I may have forced her to marry me, I will never force myself on her sexually.
If she wants me to fuck her, she’s going to have to say so, with her body and, more importantly, her words.
As restrained as we are when we go to bed each night, we wake up every morning tangled in each other. My hard cock either pressed to her core or nestled against that luscious ass.
It’s hell. Torture. Everything I deserve for forcing her to be mine.
At the same time, there’s this delicate connection growing between us through reading books. Sometimes I even catch her watching me with interest. Of course, she quickly glances away. I’m curious about what she sees.
We spend hours reading in silence, and have recently started discussing our books over dinner. Perhaps this is the way to my wife’s heart. It does seem to make her happy.
“How did your story progress today?” I ask as I sit across from her at the small round table, sipping wine.
“Well, I finished the book I started yesterday and started the next one in the series. It’s so, so good.
I’m going to be up until dawn because every time I think there can’t possibly be any more surprises, another one gets thrown in the mix.
” She wistfully sighs. “I wish I could write like that. Maybe I’ll be that good one day, if I keep working at it. ”
I hide a smile behind my wineglass. She’s already that good, she just doesn’t realize it yet.
I’ve finished reading everything she’s published and I’m suffering on the edge of that last cliffhanger.
This morning, I realized if I want to know the rest of the story, I need her to finish writing it. But in order for that to happen…
“How about you?” she asks. “What did you read today?”
“I decided to switch back to my favorite author. The book I started wasn’t holding my attention the same way she does.”
She perks up. “You have a favorite author?”
“I do. It’s a relatively recent discovery.”
“Who is it? I’m always looking for recommendations.”
I hold her steady gaze. “It’s you, cara mia.”
“Me?” She frowns. “What do you mean? I’ve only ever published on the app that doesn’t exist any more. So…”
“I know. I’ve read everything you posted there, now that I have it on my own private server. That last cliffhanger was brutal. You tore my heart out. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to forgive you,” I tease.
Her jaw drops. “Y-you’ve read my Romantasy novels? Both of them?”
“I have. And I realize, I’ve been a real bastardo to deprive your fans of your words these past couple of months.” Carefully, I say, “I wish to make amends. Everything should be restored to you now.”
“Everything… You mean—?” She grabs her phone, eyeing me as she searches for the publishing app that I took down. A small gasp escapes her parted lips as she scans the page. “There are even new readers who’ve found it already.”
“Good. Since I now own the app, I placed your books on the front page advertising space. I hope that helps.”
She stares at me like I’ve lost my mind. “Helps? That’s absolutely amazing. That space is expensive—even too rich for my blood.” That single line between her brow makes an appearance as she taps on her phone. Tears shine in her beautiful eyes.
My heart lurches. “What’s wrong? Did someone leave you a mean comment?” I’ll fucking—
“No.” She visibly swallows, wiping at her unshed tears. “You gave it all back. My bank account—it’s all there.”
Oh. Relief floods my system, even as guilt lingers.
My fingers unclench. “I’ll never apologize for wanting you, Elena, but I realized that for you to flourish as a writer, you needed your things returned to you.
I hope you’ll be inspired to finish your story.
I know I’m not the only fan waiting for its conclusion. ”
She blushes a pretty shade of pink. “Thank you. This means a lot to me. I honestly didn’t know if I was ever going to be able to write again. Without sharing my stories with the world, it seemed pointless.”
Her admission wrenches my heart. I didn’t realize that when I took away her means to escape me, I also stole a part of her identity, and her creativity.
I stole away her muse. I’m sure that added to her slide back into depression and anxiety.
A sliver of guilt slithers beneath my defenses. That was wrong of me.
“Please share them with the world. You’re a talented writer, it would be a pity to see it go to waste.” All I’ve ever wanted for Elena is for her to flourish. I saw too much of her wasting away those first couple of years in Italy. She’s come so far since then.
“I’m sure I’ll be inspired by the time we get back home. I didn’t bring my laptop. I haven’t written anything in weeks,” she admits.
“I want you to enjoy yourself while we’re here, but if you decide part of that enjoyment is writing, then… I got you a gift.” I go to my side of the bed and retrieve the box from my suitcase. “Here.”
Tentatively, she opens the discreet outer box to find my gift inside. “You bought me a new laptop? And it’s… pink. My favorite color.” A small smile graces her lips.
I nod. “Your other one is quite a few years old. Thought it was time for an upgrade.”
“Thank you,” she breathes as she unboxes it, dinner set aside as she explores her new computer. Her excitement warms my chest. I had it preloaded with all the programs she uses and a few additional ones that I found recommended by writers on a sub-Reddit.
Her smile’s intoxicating. And this isn’t even the biggest surprise I have planned for her on our honeymoon. I can’t wait to see what she thinks of tomorrow.