Chapter Five

Laila couldn't take her attention off Roland. The dark color of his eyes should have looked cold and stark but instead made her feel safe somehow.

She hadn't realized he had stopped talking, and he waited for her to say something, but she couldn't remember what they were talking about. Her body jerked when she realized she was rubbing her hand against his upper chest and shoulders. A spear of some intense pleasure raced through her when her cunt came in contact with his cock. She wiggled again. His very hard cock.

His hands tightened on her when she went to move against him again.

"Easy, Pet. You're going down a path you're not ready for."

She thought about what he was saying and blushed again. "I'm sorry. I hadn't realized…"

"No worries. I just want us to be married before I make you mine."

She nodded and scooted off his lap. Fortunately, he had his hands on her, or she would have dropped to the ground.

"Why do I feel so weak?" she asked.

"I'm pretty sure that's normal, and my guess is because it's easier for the man to catch the woman."

She smiled when he chuckled.

"I want you to eat something. Let's go into the kitchen. I'll introduce you to Betsy, our cook. She always has something wonderful to eat."

"Do you have maids?"

"They come in twice a week to clean and if we need them more. It's just the three of us, and Betsy takes care of the kitchen and dining room. We have a few gardeners for the gardens and yard, but they only come once a week, and they stay outside, so you probably won't see them. I'll think about hiring a maid to live here and work full time. She can always help Betsy in the kitchen if needed. Let me take you into the kitchen to meet her."

She liked it when he took her hand. It seemed to soothe her and make her feel safe.

"Betsy, this is my fiancée, Laila."

Betsy's eyebrows rose. "Fiancée?"

Roland grinned. "It's a long story. I'll tell you later."

The cook snorted and turned to look at her. She was a short, thin woman with gray hair. The smile on the cook's face instantly made her relax.

"Well, look at you. Aren't you precious?" She stood back and looked at both of them. "You guys have at least a foot difference between you, but it doesn't look weird."

Roland snickered and rolled his eyes.

Laila smiled and blushed. "Thank you, ma'am."

"And she has manners. You must keep this one."

"I'm planning on it," Roland said. "She hasn't eaten today. Do you have anything ready?"

Betsy snorted. "Of course I do." She looked at Laila. "There is always something to eat, and don't ever hesitate to come here. If I'm not here, help yourself to anything."

Betsy went to the refrigerator and pulled bowls and a platter from it. She brought it to the counter. "Where would you like to eat?"

He looked down at Laila. "Do you have a preference?"

"Would we be in the way if we sat in here with you?" Laila asked.

"That's fine, dear. Have a seat at the counter, and I'll show you what I brought from the refrigerator. If you don't like any of it, I've got more."

"I'm sure I'll like anything you make."

Laila heard her stomach growl and blushed when the other two chuckled.

Laila couldn't remember laughing so much. She loved watching Roland and Betsy tease each other. She could tell they'd been friends for a long time and loved and respected each other.

After the meal, Roland took her into the office. "Would you like to go to your room and nap, stay in here and watch TV, or find a book while I get a few things done?"

"I think I'll find something on TV to watch while you work."

"That's fine." He got her set up on the sofa with the remote before sitting behind his desk.

Several times over the next few hours, she caught him staring at her, and it always made her body grow hot and her pussy wet. She didn't understand how he could affect her so much just by looking at her.

Laila listened to him on the phone but couldn't hear what was said. She was startled when he came, crouched by her, and took her hand.

"I talked to that friend that can marry us. He can come tomorrow morning."

Her mind jumped from idea to idea. Things were going so fast, but she couldn't help feeling it was the right move.

He caressed her hand with his thumb as he waited for her to decide.

"What will happen after?" she asked.

"Whatever you want, Love."

Oh, wow. She liked it when he said that. "You don't think we're going too fast? You don't know me at all."

"No. I don't think we're rushing things. A lot of different cultures have the fathers decide on a mate for their sons and daughters. Some women don't see their husbands until they are at the altar. The fact that we'll be spending several hours together should help you get used to me."

"I've heard of that." Her mind spun as different things popped into her head. "I … I think I'd like to marry you tomorrow."

She was glad she decided on it because Roland's smile made her feel light and happy that she'd done something to please him. They had a light dinner before he took her to her door and lightly kissed her lips.

"Sleep well, Pet."

She nodded and closed the door behind her.

That night, she slept restlessly. It was not only her mind that kept her awake, but the way he made her body feel—just one kiss at her bedroom door made her feel achy and needy.

The next morning, she woke with equal parts anxiousness and excitement about being Roland's wife. She still hadn't decided how to act around him, and it was harder than she thought to act like she had damage done to her from the fall from the horse. She found she had to remind herself to act more childish, and she was pretty sure he knew something was up.

Laila looked at herself one more time in the mirror. She wore a white lacy dress she had always loved, curled her hair, and put a white ribbon in her hair. She added a bit of makeup to add color to her pale cheeks.

"I can do this," she told herself as her anxiousness grew, making her hands shake. She glanced at the clock.

She took a few breaths and then walked out of her room. The descent of the stairs made her feel like she was stepping into a different phase of her life. One that had so much potential and might just give her the adoring husband and children she always wanted.

Warren, Roland's father, stood outside of Roland's office.

"Oh, my. Don't you look beautiful, dear," he said.

She could feel the blush that burst across her face. "Thank you, sir."

He patted her hand. "Are you ready?"

She nodded.

"Okay, I'll go in and get them in place. Come in when you're ready."

"Thank you," she said again. She counted to fifty, opened the door, and stepped in. Her gaze immediately went to Roland. He looked so tall and handsome in a nice suit. His gaze was hot and pleased.

She vaguely saw that his friend, the doctor, was there, and his father was beside the man who was going to marry them.

Laila had no recollection of walking to him. When he took her hand and squeezed it, she exhaled. It was going to be all right. She didn't take any time to understand her emotions, but there would be time for that later.

The ceremony took less than ten minutes. She was aware of the ring he put on her finger, and he even had one for himself. A gasp sprang from her mouth when Roland pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He didn't let it go on like before, but it still made her body feel warm and needy.

The four men talked, and the whole time, Roland didn't release her but held her tight against his side.

The doctor, Daniel, hugged and kissed her cheek.

"Congratulations. If he gets out of hand, just call me."

Laila grinned when Roland snorted.

The older man walked out with Warren, and Daniel had to get back to the hospital. When they were left alone, she couldn't bring herself to look up at him.

He lifted her face with a finger under her chin. "How are you doing?"

She tried to smile. "I'm not sure."

"Do you regret marrying me this soon?" he asked.

"No. Not at all. I'm just afraid I'm not going to make you happy."

He pulled her against him and held her for a long time. "I can never see that happening. You're everything I've ever wanted in a wife."

"I'm glad. I'll try my very best, but I'd like you to tell me if I'm doing something wrong or if there is something you need from me," she said.

"Everything is going to be okay. I made reservations for us at my favorite restaurant. Do you feel up to going?"

"I'd like that." At home in Argentina, she never had a lot of chances to go places. She knew her father had been embarrassed by her childlike behavior, and although it hurt, she knew it was best for him to think she was slow.

The day was turning into something she never imagined would happen. She just prayed she didn't mess it up.