novelxo Acts of Grace: Part 1 – Chapter 24
My mouth refuses to cooperate as I take in everything Titus just told me. I mean, I knew Heather was tangled up with my mother, but holy hell.
Letting out a sound of disgust, I wrap my arms around Titus’ broad shoulders. “That fucking bitch. She’s lucky nothing happened to you or I would’ve ripped her limb from limb.”
Titus chuckles into my hair. “I just told you your mother was trying to clean out your brother’s bank account and all you can focus on is Heather and her half-assed attempt to take on hostages? Come on, baby. Have you no faith in my skills?”
My tongue taps the exterior of my upper lip as one of my hands trails down Titus’ rock-hard chest. “Oh, I’m very aware of your skills.” I stroke his pec, my fingers seeking his nipple before flicking it with force. But that doesn’t change the fact that you are human, and anything could happen. Look at Aiden.”
He takes my face in his hands, his eyes bouncing back and forth between mine. “I would never let that happen, Ashley.” His lips find mine, his tongue tracing the contours of my mouth. “Nothing could take me from you. Not even death.”
I close my eyes, resting my head against his chest. He smells of comfort and strength. His signature scent of cinnamon and musk is one I would recognize anywhere, one that would haunt me for all eternity if this man were to ever leave.
The realization of how much I’ve grown to care for this man sends a violent shiver running through me.
“What’s the matter, little treasure?” Titus’ hands rub up and down my arms, trying to soothe the deep ache that only one thing can.
Security.
“I know that we agreed to keep our relationship casual…”
Titus’ body tenses as he pulls me back, his eyes boring into mine. “Talk to me, Ashley. Are you no longer happy with our arrangement?”
Arrangement.
The word sends my stomach roiling, making me want to hurl.
“An arrangement is what I had with Brad.” I blow out a frustrated breath, rolling my eyes. “Without sounding cliche, I want to ask you something. But please be honest. I’m a big girl and I can take it. Whatever your answer might be.”
Titus’ lips roll in, biting back a smirk. “Okay, go on with it.”
“After everything we’ve been through… do you really see what we have as being an arrangement? Is that all we are to you?”
Titus raises a brow, his lips pursing to the side. “We’ve declared our love for one another, and I’ve even claimed you.” His fingers trace the outline of where my discreet collar rests. “I’d say our actions speak to us being more than a mere arrangement. We’re tethered for life and thereafter.”
My body melts into him, soaking up the love he’s giving me in this moment. But that’s the problem, it’s just in this moment.
“I get what you’re saying, Titus. But is that enough? Is it enough to live in the stolen moments, never once allowing ourselves to be public with our affection?” My eyes search his, trying to understand if he feels the same. “I’m like a wilting flower, starving for the sun’s warmth, only to receive it under the darkness of clouds.”
“What are you saying, min skatt? That you’ll wither and die without a public declaration? Do my actions not speak of loyalty and love?” His brows are pushed together, his face marred with pain and confusion.
Talking to him is like talking to a brick wall. He doesn’t understand, and I’m not sure he ever will.
Feeling defeated, I try to pull myself from his arms, but Titus isn’t having it. “Answer me, woman.” His growl is all business, but the concern in his eyes is clear.
My chest vibrates as my fingers dig into his flesh––frustration reaching its boiling point, having nowhere to go but out. “You want me to answer? Fine! There will come a time where it won’t be enough. I am a woman, Titus. A woman who wants a family and a home. Something I never had growing up. The only good thing my parents did was have more than one child. I would’ve been lost without William.” Titus hands drop from my side, his eyes widening as if frightened by a wild creature. “For heaven’s sake, I was willing to give up on the idea of love just to hold some semblance of security with the likes of Brad Dawson. So to answer your question… It is enough for now, but that won’t always be the case.”
Titus blinks rapidly, “Are you giving me an ultimatum? Declare us publicly or lose you?”
“I guess I am.” I take in a deep breath, knowing that the words I’ve just spoken have altered the future. A future that may not include Titus.
But the real question is, do I regret them?