Page 45 of Bound to the EMT

“And your parents were okay with that?” Shock floods my system as I stare at this man, looking at him as if he’s a stranger to me.

“That’s where our families differ. My parents only want me happy and safe. Same for my siblings. Honestly, I think the only reason the others aren’t rebelling as much as I did is because they actually want to work in the financial sector. They’re happiest there. I never was.”

As I mull over his words, I feel a jangle in the bond. My husband, normally so unflappable, so steady, sits there, his heart pounding in his chest as he worries about our future. But I have nothing I can say to comfort him. Not really. I’m still reeling from the revelation.

“I can understand if you hate me. I’ll make it up to you somehow, someway. I just...”

“What I don’t understand is why you never told me. Even after being married?”

The hopeless shrug he gives me tears at my heart. There’s a desolation I feel in his soul, a longing to love and be loved for who he is and not just his name. It’s a longing I understand all too well.

Resting my hand over the bandaged mark over his chest, I give him as warm of a smile as I possibly can. “I understand. And trust me when I say this. I don’t care that you came from wealth and hid it from me. Honestly, I was hoping with all my heart that I could marry someone that my mother wouldn’t approve of. I didn’t want to be some trophy to be set aside until it’s time to breed me. I wanted to continue my art, to live with love.”

“If you ask me to, I’ll go back to my name. I’ll allow my parents to give us all the money they’ve been dying to throw our way. I just don’t want you to hate me. Ever.”

Setting the plate to the side, I brush my lips against his. “I could never hate you. Granted, there was a moment there where I was a bit angry. All the angst with my mother could have been avoided if you were an Astorford. But fuck her. I don’t need that name or money. You give me more than any rich dick could ever give me.”

The bond swells as his love and happiness pours into me. “Truly?”

“You drove away the loneliness. You gave me love. You saw me when no one else ever did. That’s worth far more to me than any amount of money ever could.”

A soft growl ripples from his throat as he deepens the kiss, causing my pussy to flutter at the depth of love and craving I feel pounding through the bond.

“Well then, Mrs. Afford, finish your breakfast so I can clean you up, only to dirty you all over again.”