Hold My Tear, I’m Getting My Wife Back!

Curtis' icy gaze swept over him, leaving a chill in its wake. "How come uncle never thought of drugging you mute when you were a kid?"

"He thought I was too quiet and had no way around words, told me to take a leaf out of your book. Here I am, doing just that."

Curtis let out a disdainful snort, "Ever heard of trying too hard and failing miserably? You can't polish a rock into a diamond, buddy. Maybe you should try playing the strong, silent type-might suit you better." Larson asked, "Which do you prefer, Leanne, chatty or quiet?"

"She likes me." Curtis tossed the remote in his direction, nearly smacking him in the face, but Larson caught it, while Curtis scooped up Leanne and the blanket, walking away.

"Enjoy the TV. Third wheel."

Leanne couldn't help but find their banter amusing, still laughing as Curtis carried her back to the bedroom.

"Doesn't his stubbornness remind you of yourself?"

Curtis didn't appreciate that, setting her down on the bed and pinching her chin, "Are you calling me stubborn?" "It's true. You were just like him at nineteen, acting like the world owed you something, cocky and defiant." Leanne pushed his hand away, crawled to the center of the bed, and looked at him, "And quite the ladies' man." "Bringing up the past, are we?"

Curtis caught her delicate ankle under the blanket, pulling her closer, and she gasped as he hovered over her.

"So, how will you punish me?"

"How should I?" Leanne asked.

Curtis kissed the corner of her mouth, "By making me stay up all night?"

Leanne wasn't fooled, "That sounds like a punishment for me."

"Smart girl." Curtis smiled, deepening the kiss, stirring emotions.

As the kiss grew more intense, Leanne wrapped her arms around his neck.

Their daughter Betty had been put to bed by her nanny, and as she grew more independent, these moments alone became precious for Leanne and Curtis.

The trailed

own Leanne's elegant neck

bull away as kisses

her delicate collarbones,

through the fabric.

S

Leanne let out a soft moan, her breath quickening.

The room filled with a suggestive warmth, shadows dancing in the dim light.

Knock, knock-All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

An ill-timed knock pulled Leanne back from the brink, confusing her for a moment.

Larson's voice came through, dragging, "Cousin? Open up."

Realizing what was happening, Leanne grabbed the blanket to cover herself, hiding her flushed, feverish face.

Curtis sat up, his eyes, previously clouded with desire, clearing rapidly.

He adjusted his shirt, walked to the door, and opened it to find Larson standing there, casual as ever. Curtis' voice was frosty, "This better be life or death."

Seeing Curtis' expression, Larson knew he'd

smirking, "No biggie, just wanted to say goodnight to Leanne." S

d'interrupted something et

He didn't hide his smugness. Curtis took off his watch, placing it on the dresser, and gestured with an open palm, "Come here."

Larson quickly stepped back, retreating down the hallway while waving slowly, "Goodnight, cousin."

Curtis' expression was colder than the Siberian tundra as he silently closed the door.