the temporary wife catharina maura

ALICE'S POV

An icy chill runs through my whole body.

I can't tell if it's because of the cold marble tiles under my bare feet, or because I'm terrified of what's waiting for me behind this door-who's waiting for me.

I pull the door open and find the room already dark and quiet. A figure on the bed stirs-I can hear the sheets rustling.

"Hey, Mrs. Ferguson," Darius greets me. He has been calling me that all day.

Back when I was younger, years and years ago, I would've been happy to hear it. But now... Now I'm conflicted.

Back then, there was only love for him.But now, there are so many different emotions I can't even hope to name them all. Anger, disappointment, sadness-they're all there. And yes, that love is still there, too, despite my best efforts to kill it.

"Stop calling me that," I say curtly.

"Okay... wifey." Darius grins as he flips the blanket open and pats the space on the bed next to him.

In that low, seductive tone that I haven't heard in a long time, he says, "It's our wedding night. Come join me."

Electric currents rip through my body, sending goosebumps all over my skin and waking up all my senses.