Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

“I could definitely go for something sweet today,” Charles replies, but he isn’t looking at the housekeeper.

No, his gaze is fixed on me, causing heat to sear so deep I feel it in my bones. I up the wattage of my smile, something I’ve been trying the entire week whenever he’s giving me those smoldering looks.

But tonight, it doesn’t seem to work.

It seems as if we’ve been playing around fire for too long, and now there’s no escaping the inferno.

“I’ll have apple pie and ice cream in a second.” Unaware of the tension in the room, Mrs. K is busy arranging dessert, which is the last thing on our minds.

“On second thought, we’ll eat the dessert later. I have something urgent to discuss with Daisy right now.”

Only if urgent is the new word for driving your wife crazy.

When he rises from his chair and places his hand forward for me, that tiny gesture feels like the biggest moment of my life, even bigger than when I signed the marriage contract, or when Charles kissed me the first time.

His hand feels warm, unlike mine, and Charles intertwines our fingers as I get up. In a completely unhurried pace, he brings our folded hands to his mouth and kisses the back of mine.

Just a small touch and my heart is pounding in my ears. I’m in a daze, my namesake state, when he leads me in the same relaxed stride to the bedroom. But the moment the door closes, it’s like a switch flips.

I squeal as Charles crowds me against the wooden door before I can walk away.

“Is my wife ready to beg tonight?”

I’d initially thought my answer to this question would be a nod, but right now, watching his smirk, it’s like years of habit and I can’t hold my tongue.

“Sorry, but my husband is too damn rich for me to beg for anything.”

Charles’ eyes widen before a laugh shoots out of him. He leans forward, his chin resting over my head as he pulls me closer.

“Damn you, butterfly.” His back is still shaking with the last bits of laughter. “I never thought I’d find someone more headstrong than me, but God, you’re unbelievable.”

And he loves my bratty response. It’s all over his face.

It’s a magical feeling when you know you’ve left your guy speechless and in a trance just by being you. There’s no effort and no race to be someone else.

He’s just into the lame, silly you.

Charles pulls back, and then his thumb tugs my bottom lip down as he groans. “Since I can’t take it any longer, for one night, and just for one night, I’m ready to beg.”

Holy crap! Charles Hawthorne doesn’t just say it, but he slides onto his knees. His tall frame, especially compared to mine, brings him eye level with my boobs.

“So, my dear wife, what is it gonna be?” he asks, but his hands are already moving up my legs.

I’m having a hard time believing this is the same man I’ve spent almost every waking moment with during the last four years, and yet he never made a comment that could remotely be labeled sexual.

“Since you asked so politely.” My voice shakes as his fingers drift under the hem of my skirt, grazing the backs of my thighs.

“I seriously want you to finish that sentence in a ‘hell yeah,’ Daisy.”

A chill breaks out at the base of my neck, traveling down my spine until I shiver everywhere.

My teeth dig into my bottom lip, which moments ago felt his touch, and I finally nod.

“Thank fuck.” Charles pulls me down to him before his face presses against my neck, and I feel his hot breath over my skin. “Do you know how torturous these days have been?”

“I’m happy I wasn’t the only miserable one.”

Charles chuckles and leans back, sitting on his heels.