Page 44 of The Predator

"Yes, I’m sure. But I will tell you that you’re an asshole.”

I smile. "I know.”

Less angry and more relaxed than I’ve been all morning, I gently pick her up, step over the cereal mess, and carry her back into the kitchen. When we reach the counter, I deposit her there and then wash my hands at the sink. I can feel her eyes on me as I walk to the fridge, grab the eggs and cheese, and place them on the marble next to the stove.

“What are you doing?”

I don't look at her while I grab a pan, toss some butter in, crack a couple eggs, and slowly start to heat them up. "Making you something to eat since you dropped your breakfast on the floor."

She sighs. "I’m sorry. It... I know I overreacted. Hearing my fathers voice…it just…it scared me.”

Now I look at her. "I can only imagine, but you don’t have to be scared anymore. We’re a team. I’ve got you.”

She scans my features carefully. "You keep saying that, but I can’t make myself believe it."

I shake the skillet, coating it with the eggs while I work it with a spatula. "You know I don’t say anything that I don’t mean, and I don’t make promises I can’t keep. Whatever happens, I’m here.”

I focus my attention back on the eggs, because I don't want to see the rejection on her face while my cum still drips from her. We’re still on unstable ground, and even if she knows how I feel about her, I don’t think she’s changed her mind aboutusso suddenly.

"Why?"

I consider my response. Part of me wants to tell her I love her, but love is…it’s strange.Do I love Elyse?Sure, but I want to tell her without any of this shit between us. I don’t want her to think I’m saying it because we’re married, or because it’s theright thing to do. I want to tell her at the perfect time, when it matters most.

So instead of telling her, I say something else. Something only solidifying her belief I see her as a possession.

"You belong to me, and I take care of what belongs to me."

"Is that it? That's the only reason."

Tell her. Just say it you fucking idiot.But I can’t make the words come out. I can’t.

"How do you like your eggs?"

"Scrambled," she whispers, and I watch her, my heart aching in my chest as she stares at her knees. When I finish the eggs I plate them and hand her a fork.

She takes the food and shovels in immediately. I watch her as she takes tiny bites, each one filling me with happiness, because I know she’s protected, healthy, and eating.

That all ends when she stops and offers me a fork full of eggs.

Something in my chest creaks, groans, and opens. "No, I made them for you."

She doesn't say anything, but extends the fork out a little more. This time I don't bother arguing and accept her offer. They taste like you would expect—eggs—but for some reason they taste like the best fucking eggs ever when she feeds them to me.

I know it’s because no one has ever cared for me the way she does. Even after everything that’s happened, what I’ve done…she still cares. The knowledge settles deep within me, companion to an unspoken vow forming on the tip of my tongue:I will love this woman until my very last breath is strangled in my lungs. I will fight for that privilege.

And somehow…I’ll make her love me back.

While she continues to eat, occasionally offering me a bite or two, I take the spot beside her on the counter. "Things are moving fast, faster than I want, and we have a lot to discuss, but right now there are more pressing matters.”

“Like what?”

“When we are in public I need you to act the part. It’s important, and will solidify any rumors about our marriage. We need to be convincing. I need you to be my wife.”

“I thought I was already your wife. More pretend...”

I smirk, “You’re my wife in every meaning of the word. But this is different. I need you to show everyone else youwantto be my wife. I will need you to listen to me, to follow directions. I will need you to behave, and not put up a fight against every word I say. I’m doing this to protect you, yes, but I’m also doing this so everyone can be certain we’re together. So they know you’re off limits. If I had your cooperation it would make all of this easier.”

“Okay, fine. I’ll do what you want, but I want you to treat me like a human. Not like a possession or thing. I want freedom…respect…dignity. I can be your wife and still be myself.”