Chapter 48 (1/2)
”Is this about your name?”
”Yes and no. It's how you dealt with the fact that I disagreed with you.” I glare up at him, expecting him to be angered. His brow furrows. ”Ana, you know I have . . . issues. It's hard for me to let go where you're concerned. You know that.”
”But I'm not a child, and I'm not an asset.”
”I know.” He sighs.
”Then stop treating me as though I am,” I whisper, imploring him. He brushes the back of his fingers down my cheek and runs the tip of his thumb across my bottom lip.
”Don't be mad. You're so precious to me. Like a priceless asset, like a child,” he whispers, a somber reverent expression on his face. His words distract me . Like a child Precious like a child . . . a child would be precious to him!
”I'm neither of those things, Christian. I'm your wife. If you were hurt that I wasn't going to take your name, you should have said.”
”Hurt?” He frowns deeply, and I know that he's exploring the possibility in his mind. He straightens suddenly, still frowning, and glances quickly at his wristwatch. ”The architect will be here in just under an hour. We should eat.”
Oh no. I groan inwardly. He hasn't answered me, and now I have to deal with Gia Matteo. My shitty day just got shittier. I scowl at Christian.
”This discussion isn't finished,” I mutter.
”What else is there to discuss?”
”You could sell the company.”
Christian snorts. ”Sell it?”
”Yes.”
”You think I'd find a buyer in today's market?”
”How much did it cost you?”
”It was relatively cheap.” His tone is guarded.
”So if it folds?”
He smirks. ”We'll survive. But I won't let it fold, Anastasia. Not while you're there.”
”And if I leave?”
”And do what?”
”I don't know. Something else.”
”You've already said this is your dream job. And forgive me if I'm wrong, but I promised before God, Reverend Walsh, and a congregation of our nearest and dearest to cherish you, uphold your hopes and dreams, and keep you safe at my side.”
”Quoting your wedding vows to me is not playing fair.”
”I've never promised to play fair where you're concerned. Besides,”