Page 98 of The Billionaire's Timed Wife

“I haven’t changed, just found the courage to face the truth. After everything we learned about Naim, and after what you told me about Lykaios’s wife, it was only a matter of time before someone sought revenge for one of those women.”

I know what I’m about to say might forever change how he sees me, but I can’t stay silent. “If I were in Odin’s place, I would’ve done the same.”

“I know.”

“No, Father, you don’t understand. Even if Naim had been my full brother, if he had beaten or tried to touch Adeela, I would have killed him myself.”

We both stand, eyes locked.

“If it were against my wives or daughters,” he says quietly, “I would have too.”

Then he leaves.

Fifteen days later

“A chocolate factory?” I ask my smiling, naked wife, who’s lying across my chest.

I’m still dizzy from hours of pleasure, and not entirely sure I have a single functioning brain cell left.

“Not just any chocolate factory—a brand that uses camel milk. We could experiment with flavors, mix in dates and other fruits,” she explains, glowing with excitement. “And we wouldn’t have to limit ourselves to sweets. We could make bottled chocolate drinks, like the ones they sell in the West.”

“You think that’s feasible?” I ask, suddenly alert, the businessman in me taking over.

“I’m sure it is. The factory would create jobs for our people and attract tourists. In time, we could even export the product and—”

Her enthusiasm brings my desire rushing back.

She’s irresistible at any moment, but when she smiles like this, eyes shining like twin onyx stones, she drives me insane.

“Have I told you that every time I see you defend an idea with such passion, I feel the need to steal a little of that fire for myself?”

Her smile widens. “Why steal what already belongs to you?”

An hour later

I brush a strand of hair from her face.

What are you doing to me, Adeela?

I thought that after a few months, the fever would subside, but instead, the need for her only grows stronger.

Trying to force myself to think rationally, I say, “I can’t give you an answer about the factory yet. I need to study the feasibility.”

“I wasn’t expecting an answer today. I know you’d never invest money without analyzing everything first.”

“Still, if we do build it, it won’t be with public funds. I’ll invest my own, under your name.”

“That’s practically ayes.”

“No, that’s amaybe.”

“I’m an optimist by nature, husband.”

Chapter 45

Loire Valley – France

Twenty Days Later