And, this guy. He actually had the gall to strike back, “That’s unfair.”

My eyes widened a moment before they narrowed on him. “Unfair,” I muttered, then repeated slowly, “Unfair?” My brows rose. “I don’t think so.” I hopped off the counter and took two steps back, moving a safe distance away as I said what had been brewing inside of me since the day I was left here. “Do you know what’s unfair? What’s unfair is the man who killed my father is walking around free while I’m being imprisoned for a mere flesh wound.” Another step back. “What’s unfair is begging for attention from that very man and feeling such intense guilt over wanting to be close to him while he uses me as a ploy, manipulating me at every turn, trying to get me pregnant without even talking to me about it.” Well, at least he had the grace to look ashamed. I must have sounded so disappointed when I uttered sadly, “God. I’m a person, Tor.”

His lips thinned. “I’m aware,” was his cool response.

“Then maybe start treating me like one.”

Before he had a chance to respond, I was already walking away, moving up the stairs towards the bathroom. I felt so dirty. I had to wash him off of me.

By the time I finished, I walked back out of the bathroom in a towel to find him sitting on the edge of the bed, peering down at his hands, looking every part the defeated man. I hated that seeing him like this made me soft in the heart and weak with the need to go to him.

My voice was softer when I spoke again. “Why did you come?”

He didn’t even deign to look at me. “Because you called.” He seemed confused by it, himself.

My heart ached. He appeared tired. Vulnerable, even. And that was something I understood all too well. With a quiet sigh, I made my way over and took a seat beside him. I shuffled closer until our thighs were pressed together. And then, I looked at him to find he was already looking at me.

So much had passed between us. So much could be said with a single look. A flurry of emotions trailed back and forth – Resentment. Desire. Anger. Yearning. – and I felt so overwhelmed by it that I could seem to stop myself from twisting, reaching out and gently touching his cheek. He allowed me to bring him to me and I could tell he was surprised by the gentle kiss that lingered on his lips.

When I pulled back, Ettore’s eyes had tightened in suspicion. And it killed me.

How sad, that I couldn’t even kiss my husband without fear of distrust.