Page 60 of Urgent Vows
Still delightfully naked, she sits down on the stool in front of the vanity mirror and picks up a brush from the drawer beside it. When she reaches up to swipe it through her now tangled hair, she winces.
I take the brush from her and carefully run it through, working out the tangles carefully.
"I'll need to blow-dry it before I go anywhere."
"I'll do it." But first I have to call down to Emilia to get a blow dryer.
"I need to put defrizzing product in my hair, or I'll end up looking like a mad scientist despite the conditioner. Not the look your mom is hoping for when she takes me shopping, I'm sure."
I don't tell her I have decided to put the shopping trip off for a couple of days because I'm busy using the intercom system to call Emilia.
"Sì, Don Severu?" she answers.
"My wife needs a blow dryer and defrizzing product." Whatever that is.
"Does she have a preferred brand?"
I look questioningly at my wife. She shakes her head.
"No."
"Then I can have both items delivered to your rooms in a few minutes."
"Good."
I step away from the bathroom intercom and finish drying off.
"Aren't you going to tell her thank you?" my wife asks me.
"No."
Catalina frowns. "Why not? Emilia is doing us a favor."
"She's doing her job. She does not thank me every day for keeping her and her family safe."
"Sheesh, it's not the same. I don't imagine you thank her every day for keeping your house running smoothly either."
"If you want to thank her, then do it."
"I'll get dressed so I can meet her at the door."
"It won't be her at the door, but a maid."
"Oh. Well, at least I can thank her."
"I don't want you to get dressed yet."
She ignores me and stands up.
"Catalina," I warn her.
She turns, her expression set in stubborn lines. "Listen, Severu, you can boss me around during sex. Weirdly enough, I like it. Since this isn't about sex or my safety, you need to back off."
I don't think anyone has ever told me to back off. Not even my father.
My wife is so damn strong. How does her family not realize it? Her aunt and uncle act like she needs to be protected. Her father didn't see her value at all. And even her sister treats Catalina like a prop to her life, not the astounding woman that she is.
I step in front of her, putting my hands on her naked shoulders. "Who says the sex is over?"
