Sinner
I wondered when she’d broach the topic that had to be beating through her brain.
I got the call from Poe reporting on the confrontation between Anastasia and Kathlyn when Savar and Sam showed up at the restaurant.
Poe said the ladies had been holding their own well when he stepped up.
It didn’t take a whole lot to run off the two men.
It seemed that Kathlyn was showing defiance and refused to go home with her husband.
A part of me wished I’d been the one there to do it, but I couldn’t always get away, hence why I asked Iker if he had people available. He’d been more than happy to provide someone. After the last confrontation at Anastasia’s office, I wanted someone nearby whenever we were apart.
It wasn’t about controlling her. I was genuinely worried. And sometimes, you’re blind to the extent of danger when you’re close to the perpetrators. I had hoped to get the bodyguards in place for a bit before telling her. That way, she’d know how unobtrusive they were—no such luck.
Tonight, we were back at my place. We’d planned it before ever leaving her townhome this morning. The ride home had been mostly silent, with her staring out of the window. My gut was twisted in knots. Had I fucked up royally? If I had, why was she coming home with me?
The elevator ride from the garage to my apartment was silent, though she let me carry both our overnight bags and held onto my arm. After we entered my place and removed our shoes, I dropped the bags. I couldn’t restrain myself any longer.
“Alright, I can’t stand this anymore. Go ahead,” I said.
She gave me a puzzled look. “Go ahead and do what?”
“Don’t play with me, Sia. I know you’re pissed about me hiring security to keep an eye on you whenever I’m not with you.
I’m sorry. We should’ve talked about it together.
I got caught up in wanting to ensure your safety after you were cornered at your office.
I hoped to let the guards get settled and then tell you so you’d realize how unobtrusive they could be.
Clearly, that didn’t happen. So go ahead, tear me up.
Scream. Tell me off. But whatever you do, don’t tell me we’re through. ”
She came to stand right before me. Her gaze bored into mine. I caught myself holding my breath.
“I’m not about to say that I’m not upset that you chose to do this without talking to me about it. That behavior smacks of the way my dad and brother like to make decisions and leave me out.”
Her hand came up to stop me when she noted my mouth opened to defend myself. I snapped it shut.
“Good, thank you. However, despite it smacking of disregard, I was glad to see Poe today. It wasn’t because I couldn’t handle Sam and Dad. It’s just the comfort of not having to face them alone. If Arish and my brothers-in-law were involved, it would become dicey. Mom said to tell you thank you.”
As she spoke, I led her over to the couch, where we sat. When she was done, I was at a loss.
“If you’re not thinking of a way to break up with me because of this, then what’s got you so quiet? You barely spoke on the whole ride home, and you stared out the window.”
“I was thinking about Mom and what she told me. I never thought to see it, to be honest.”
“What did she tell you?” Now, my curiosity was piqued.
“She’s looking for a place to rent so she can move out.
She said she’s leaving Dad because of not only what he’s doing with us, but also the way he’s made decisions and never involves her.
When she tried to tell him to stop what he was doing to me, he told her it wasn’t any of her concern.
There are lots of late-night, behind-closed-door calls in his study.
Arish, Sam, Rahul, and Harish have visited and closed themselves up in there with Dad. ”
“Shit, it’s that bad? Wow, not what I thought. Is her move-out temporary so he’ll come to his senses?” I asked.
“She doesn’t know. I offered to let her stay with me.
She refuses to intrude on us. I offered to stay a little more here so she won’t feel smothered, but she said no.
I don’t know what to say or do. My parents got married when Mom was twenty, and Dad was twenty-six.
A year later, they had Arish. Dad is sixty-three, and Mom is fifty-seven. They’re still young in a lot of ways.”
I brought her in tight to my chest.
“I might disagree with your dad and brother, but I don’t wish for any marriages to implode. But if Kathlyn needs to get away, I have a suggestion,” I told her hesitantly.
“What?”
“What if your mom stayed at your townhouse, and you moved over here? She wouldn’t need to stay in a hotel or find a place to furnish, or any of that.
God knows I have room enough for her here, too.
But if she wants to give us space, your townhome makes the most sense, I think.
How does that sound? Would you be okay living here with me full time?
“I won’t lie, it’s been on my mind. Staying at your place is really nice, but I yearn to have you here with me all the time.
For one, it’s safer. I don’t have to worry about them getting to you if you’re alone.
Then there’s the manly part of wanting my woman in my territory, leaving her scent on everything I own.
God, you don’t know how it makes me feel when I see our things mixed in the bedroom or bathroom.
Or when I bury my face into the pillows on the bed and smell you. ” I inhaled deeply as I said it.
“Oh my God, you mean it. You think and feel all those things,” Anastasia said in astonishment.
“Damn right I do. Jaanu, you need to know that most men, no matter how civilized we act, aren’t that far from beasts. I’ve held back asking you because of how fast things have happened between us. But we’re headed for forever. Living together is coming.”
Suddenly, Anastasia was straddling my thighs. Her hands came up to cup my face. Her mouth dove in and took control of me. One deep kiss had me forgetting my name, let alone what we’d been talking about. However, when she released me, she grinned.
“You are the most generous man. Thank you for the different offers, but I believe Mom will be the most content at my place. Are you sure having me here full time won’t get on your nerves?”
“Absolutely fucking positive. Why don’t you call Kathlyn, and we’ll present the idea, and then we can discuss exactly what was said by your Dad and Sam today.”
A slight squeal escaped her, then I got a shorter kiss, followed by her hunting for her phone. I sat back and let the whole situation sink in. It wasn’t how I imagined getting her under my roof, but I’d take it.
I listened and said nothing at first, allowing each woman to protest. After it got into the specifics, I chimed in with my observations.
Kathlyn tried to say no, but we gave her the reasons it was silly to refuse.
At first, Anastasia’s mom was stunned, but it swiftly changed to delight. Then we got into the logistics.
“Kathlyn, when do you want to do this? Just tell me, and I’ll bring the truck, and we’ll get you moved.” I informed her.
“Oh, Reign, honey, you’re too good to me. I can find someone to haul my things. Truly, it’s mainly clothing, other personal items, and a few pieces of furniture I don’t want to leave behind, even if this move turns out to be temporary. They belonged to my mother,” Kathlyn stated.
“It’s no big deal. When?” I prodded gently.
“It should be during the week when he’s at work. I don’t want to fight. Whenever you can get the truck and get away from work, I’ll be ready,” Kathlyn stated.
“I need to make a call or two, but I bet I can have it done no later than Tuesday of next week,” I assured her.
From there, we finished hashing out the details. When the call ended, I was ready to feed my woman and then make sure nothing else concerned her before making love to her until we fell asleep in each other’s arms.