Page 52

I didn’t want to see him, let alone talk to him. Undoubtedly, I would find myself back in the cell for ignoring him; I evidently hadn’t learned my lesson. But I didn’t have it in me to care; numbness had worked its way into the marrow of my bones, and all I could do was wallow in despair.

What if Jacob had gotten me pregnant?

I wasn’t an idiot; I knew all it could take was having sex just once, but I tried to recall my biology classes and whether I had more or less chance of conceiving if I’d only just finished my period. With my head in utter turmoil, a migraine formed, and the events of the past few weeks finally took their toll.

Shifting to lie down on the hard floor, I grabbed another towel to use as a blanket and closed my eyes, hoping that when I awoke, my head would be clear enough to give me some answers on what the hell I was going to do if I were pregnant.

Hunger pains woke me up, and I blinked against the bright sunlight, confused as to why I was in the big comfy bed with the breeze blowing into the room. I pulled myself up and looked at the clock, surprised to see that it was showing 8 am.

I’d slept nearly fourteen hours, and how I’d come to be in bed and not on the bathroom floor was anyone’s guess. Although I had a fair idea; I was beginning to learn that Jacob had no boundaries when it came to me.

Heading to the bathroom, I relieved myself, pleased that the ache between my legs wasn’t as bad, and that the bleeding had stopped. When I was done, I returned to the bedroom, my brows furrowing at finding not just one outfit waiting for me, but three. On top of the pile was another note from Jacob.

My darling wife,

I hope you are feeling better today.

I would really like us to have a conversation about yesterday. When you are ready, please come downstairs. I’ll be waiting.

I’ve left you several outfits; I hope you find one that you like.

See you soon, angel.

All my love,

-Jx

I read the note three times before my body slumped. What new game was Jacob playing? He’d kept me in the cell for days on end after I ignored him, but now he wanted us to sit down and talk, and was giving me a choice in what I wore?

My senses were on high alert, unsure if Jacob was luring me into a false sense of security. Or maybe, he’d spent the night regretting his actions. Maybe he’d realized he’d crossed a line and was terrified he’d push me into leaving him.

As soon as the thought materialized, my brain grabbed hold of it, and hope bloomed inside me. Despite the fear that he could have gotten me pregnant, I didn’t want to leave him. Yes, I was furious at him, but that didn’t change how I felt about him.

Now that shock had worn off, I was able to think a little clearer, and I knew that I needed to have a conversation with Jacob. Picking my outfit—a yellow romper suit with brown sandals—I headed downstairs. Delicious aromas flowed from the kitchen, and my mouth watered. I crossed my fingers, wishing that whatever Wallace was cooking up was for my breakfast.

Truthfully, I would have been happy with cornflakes after weeks of bland grits.

Nerves rushed through me as I pushed the door to the dining room open, and my mouth watered at the feast that lay on the table. Pancakes were stacked high next to bottles of syrup and chocolate sauce. Freshly cooked croissants with flaky pastry sat in a small basket, and bowls of fresh fruit littered the table. A variety of cereal boxes were neatly lined up next to a jug of milk and orange juice, and the scent of coffee lingered in the air.

At the end of the table, in his usual seat, Jacob sat with his newspaper in hand, his glasses perched on the end of his nose, and a kind smile on his lips. He folded the paper, removing his glasses as he stood, and crossed to me in long strides.

“Angel, you look beautiful,” he said, taking my hands. “Thank you for coming down. How are you feeling?”

Confusion streaked through me, and my gaze darted to the table and back to him. “I…What’s going on?”

Keeping my hand in his, Jacob led me to the table. “I figured you’d be hungry. You fell asleep without any dinner last night.”

Pulling out a chair for me, I sat down, my stomach growling. For a moment, all thoughts disappeared from my mind as my gaze raked over all the food, and my fingers twitched with the need to grab whatever I could reach and shovel it into my mouth.

But I hesitated, something in the back of my head telling me to wait until Jacob had permitted me to dive in. He took his seat again, a proud smile on his lips. “Eat, angel. I wanted you to have a choice of what to eat for breakfast. Wallace is on standby if there is anything you would like cooked from scratch.” I didn’t move a muscle, skeptical about Jacob’s intentions, and all I could do was stare at him with a raised brow. He sighed. “Please, Charlotte. I know I messed up last night. In fact, I’ve messed up a lot since you’ve been here, but I want to make things better. You were right with what you said last night about compromises, and I want to be able to do that. Please. Eat, and then we can talk more.”

It was on the edge of my tongue to tell him I wanted us to talk before I ate, but when my stomach growled again, I gave in. Reaching for a croissant, I took a bite, and the last of my willpower dissolved in an instant. I grabbed a plate and loaded it up while Jacob sat back against his chair, a satisfied grin on his face.

I ate in silence, and before long, I was stuffed. For the first time in weeks, my stomach was full and sated.

“Thank you, that was delicious,” I said, putting my fork down. A streak of embarrassment coursed through me at realizing how much I devoured.

“You’re welcome, angel.” Jacob moved to the seat next to me, taking my hand. “I owe you an apology for yesterday.” He ran a soothing thumb over my knuckles as his gaze dropped. “I wish there was a way for me to show you just how strong my feelings are for you, angel. You mean everything to me, and sometimes I forget that you may not be on the same page.” His eyes met mine, sorrow shining in them. “I should have listened to you yesterday, when you told me you weren’t on birth control. I should have respected your wishes, and I’m so fucking sorry that I didn’t.”