Page 13 of Outcast’s Vow

“That is allowed. If you don’t humiliate me.”

Oh, that gets me really riled up.

“Allowed? What kind of anachronistic misogyny is that?”

My voice is raised. His, still, is not.

“Those are the rules.”

“And you’ve always been one to follow the rules, Baptiste?”

“Do you always interrogate men you’re afraid of?”

“Only when they have the potential of ruining my life.”

“You will be my wife,” Baptiste says, cutting me off curtly. “You can do what you want, within reason. So will I.”

I throw my hands up in the air.

“How romantic,” I exclaim. “It appears this is our first fight.”

“You can still do what you want.”

“How generous of you.”

His gaze doesn’t move.

“Don’t turn this into theater. I’m not into dramatics.”

“I’m simply trying to translate your robotic code,” I reply. “You’re saying I can do what I want, as long as it doesn’t inconvenience your oversized ego?”

“You’re fighting me like I’m your father,” he says. “I’m not your father.”

I tilt my head.

Damn. He can read me.

“Good. Then don’t talk like him.”

“Just don’t test me.”

“Is that another order, Baptiste?”

He doesn’t reply. Instead, he reaches behind, takes a drink from the counter, and places it in my hand.

“Drink up. You need fluids. I didn’t drag you out of the rainforest to have you faint at our ceremony.”

“How dare...”

“No other man can touch you,” Baptiste replies. “That’s the condition. You can do whatever you like when you’re married to me, but that one thing is off limits.”

I tilt my head, staring back at him for a full minute before I dare answer.

“Will you touch me, Baptiste?”

His green eyes narrow. He’s trying not to flinch. Not to show what’s really going on underneath.

He steps in, facing me like there’s no one else on this godforsaken beach. He drops his voice. His lips barely move.