Chapter 233

Her voice tore through my rising arousal. “Of course.”

The gruffness in my voice made Matilda risk a glance up at my face. Then she hurried into the bathroom. Terrifying my young wife before I had to claim her was a fucking stupid thing to do.

Loosening my tie, I walked over to the bench and sank down. My wedding ring, similar to my last one, seemed to mock me. I set my tie down beside me, listening to the sound of running water. Matilda would need patience and care. I had never had much of either to begin with. Since the mess with Nine , even less than before. I propped my arms up on my thighs, trying to reach a state of mind that would allow me to treat my young wife right. I didn’t want her to resent me.

The door opened, drawing my attention to it and Matilda . She wore a dark blue silk nightgown that reached her knees and hugged her slender frame. Her hair fell down her shoulders in soft brown curls, freed of the too-cute sunflowers. Matilda didn’t move from her spot in the