Chapter 31
Chapter Thirty-One
Liana
Iwake to the sound of running water. The shower is on in the en suite and for a second, I’m confused, wondering who the hell is in my bathroom.
Then it hits me and I’m reminded of the fact that I now share a room with my husband.
The word still sounds weird, even in my head.
Rio’s morning routine is as regimented as ever and I have to pee.
I can’t help replaying every last second from the gym last night as I wait for the sound of the water to shut off.
I can’t believe I did that. I rubbed myself against him like a cat in heat as he clung to my hips and helped me right over the edge.
And from the way he sounded, I think he flew right over the edge with me.
That thought makes me blush and I wish I could lay here in bed and replay those images some more but I can’t. My bladder has other ideas.
I peel back the covers and swing my legs over the edge of the bed. I shuffle across the room and listen to the steady thump of water coming from the bathroom. The sound of Rio humming hits my ears and I roll my eyes. He doesn’t sound like some big and scary cartel heir right now.
‘Am I really going to do this?’
I hesitate in the doorway, then slip inside quietly, hoping he won’t notice.
I can be fast. I’ll be out before he even knows it.
The glass of the shower is fogged over, but his outline is unmistakable.
Broad shoulders show through and I can even spot the dip of his waist outlined through the glass as he leans back and washes his hair.
I gulp as I notice the large appendage jutting out from between his legs.
‘Are they all that big?’
I hurry into the separate toilet room and shut the door, doing my best not to make a sound. I do my business and am standing there debating on whether or not to flush the toilet with him in the shower.
“Crap," I mutter under my breath as I flush it anyway, hoping I can escape before he notices.
That’s when I hear the water stop running.
I rush out and towards the bathroom door just as he slides the shower open right in front of me.
He steps out of the shower with zero shame, every part of him on complete display.
I’m so shocked at being caught in the bathroom that I don’t say anything at first. All I can do is stare at every muscle, every scar and tattoo, every inch of bronze skin.
My cheeks flame instantly and I whip my head around, pretending to be occupied with something on the vanity.
I haven’t said anything and neither has he but I can feel his eyes on me.
I look up into the mirror cautiously to find him smirking.
His reflection is cocky and dangerous and he just stands there, still naked, watching me.
My eyes immediately flick back down to my vanity and I sit quickly, pretending like I’m deciding on what to do with my makeup today when really I’m attempting not to die of humiliation.
Then, after what feels like hours, he disappears into the bedroom.
I let out a long breath but tense just as fast when I hear him speak.
“Enjoy the show, Datura?” His voice echoes from the closet, casually.
“Not really. I’ve seen better,” I shoot back, channeling every ounce of bravado I have.
He laughs as he walks back into the bathroom in a pair of black slacks and nothing else. He leans over my shoulder and wipes the water from my vanity mirror so we can both see into it before pressing his lips against my ear.
“Liar,” he whispers, sending a shiver down my spine and heat between my thighs.
“You’d know all about that, wouldn’t you?” I say, staring him down.
I watch as the smug look on his face disappears and he stands up straight. He walks over to the counter beside me and leans against the edge, arms crossed, surveying me.
“You going to get dressed, or are you just going to stare at me all morning?”
I look down, realize I’m still in a thin tank and a pair of soft pajama shorts. I cross my arms self-consciously.
“There’s not much to stare at,” I say, chin lifted. “Just a giant ego.”
He raises an eyebrow and places his hand on his chest, all mock surprise.
“Princess, did you compliment my ego?”
I roll my eyes and look back down at my vanity, this time in an actual attempt to put myself together. I’m caught by surprise when his lips are back next to my ear again.
“We both know that’s not the only giant thing about me, Datura,” he growls out before nipping my earlobe with his teeth, making me hiss out in surprise.
He’s walking back out of the bathroom, chuckling, before I can respond.
‘Bastard.’
“Get dressed. We’re leaving in one hour,” he calls out from the bedroom like nothing just happened. “Don’t make me come drag you out like a child.”
I bristle at the order. I want to tell him to screw off, but I also don’t want to be stuck in this house all day. My curiosity wins out. Some part of me is weirdly intrigued by his bossy attitude especially now that I know who he really is.
“Where are we going?” I ask.
“Out. You said you wanted to live a little. So today, you get your wish. Just don’t disappear on me again,” he replies from the doorway.
I narrow my eyes on him.
“You were so busy, I didn’t think you would mind,” I say in the fakest sweet voice I can muster.
“If you would have been doing those wifely duties, your uncle supposedly made sure you were taught, I wouldn’t have been preoccupied.”
I open my mouth to argue, but nothing comes out and he’s already walking away anyway. Instead, I stare at the empty doorway at a complete loss for words.
“What a jerk,” I mumble to myself.
I pick a simple blue dress and tie my hair up in a high ponytail. I’m wearing just enough makeup to make me look mature but not indecent. The poised and perfect wife. I don’t have to wait long before he reappears, his gaze sweeping over me with an intensity that makes my cheeks flush again.
“You ready?” he asks.
“Yes.”
“Let’s see what the world has to offer, Mrs. Sanchez.”
My heart skips a beat but I ignore him as we make our way out to the car. I don’t look at him as we pull out onto the road, but I feel his eyes on me the entire way.
Rio pulls up to a boutique that could only have been designed for people with too much money.
We had places like these back home but they were brought to the estate instead.
My uncle wouldn’t chance someone deflowering his precious niece in the dressing room.
I roll my eyes as I take in the outside of the store.
If you have to ask what it costs, you don’t belong here.
I reach for the door but am surprised to find it opening for me.
It takes me a second to acknowledge that Rio is standing there with his hand out, waiting.
I contemplate being an asshole and not taking it, but decide against it.
I’ll give him a break…for now. His grip is strong and the feel of his skin on mine does something insane to my insides.
How can I despise and love this man all at once?
The saleswoman greets us with a wide smile, her eyes immediately locked on Rio. I see the hunger there. I also since the hint of disdain as her gaze casually flicks to the ring on his finger.
“Rio, so nice to see you. This must be the lovely new wife I’ve heard so much about,” she says as she slides her hand down his arm.
Jealousy shoots through me unexpectedly and I find myself wanting to slam my fist into her face.
“We should get together sometime, for old time’s sake,” her voice rings out, pulling me from my thoughts.
Is this lady serious? Is she trying to hit on him right in front of me? I don’t even realize how tight I'm squeezing Rio’s hand until I feel him grip mine tighter and pull me into his side.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to decline, Sandy. My wife keeps me very busy these days.”
I don’t miss the insinuation and neither does she because her features immediately pinch as she shoots daggers in my direction.
“Of course, of course. Follow me, I already have staff ready to help you,” she responds and beckons for us to follow her.
I watch her with irritation as Rio drags me behind.
We end up in a room with mirrors everywhere and what looks to be a small changing area with a curtain.
Rio starts barking off orders about different attire and I don’t pay any attention until I’m blinded by glittery dresses being rolled in on racks.
He pulls one off and brings it to me. “Try this one.”
“No,” I say and cross my arms over my chest in defiance.
He raises one eyebrow at me.
“No?” he asks, his voice going an octave deeper. “Is there a reason? Do you not like this color?”
I eye the green dress with distaste, even though it’s absolutely stunning.
“Why don’t you have Sandy try it on for you?”
His eyes sparkle and for a minute, I regret my words.
“You’re jealous,” he says with a wide smile.
“Not a chance,” I huff out and look away.
He laughs, making my eyes snap back towards him.
“It’s okay to be jealous when another woman ogles your husband. Especially when he’s rich, successful and good looking.”
‘This pompous bastard.’
“Don’t forget a man whore. I can’t be jealous of someone everyone has had a taste of,” I grit out with annoyance.
I’m annoyed because he’s right. I am jealous. I’m jealous he ever touched that bitch and I’m pissed off that she thought she could still have him even knowing we are married. But I won’t tell him that. I won’t give him the satisfaction.
His eyes flash for a second before he crowds himself right up against me.
“You’re right. She did have a taste but that's all she had. My dick down her throat one time and it wasn’t even good. Now my wife is jealous when she isn’t even willing to admit she wants me just as bad. Why do you even care? You don’t want it, so what does it matter if someone else does?”