Bitter Truths: A Twisted Arranged Marriage Romance (Crimson Falls Duet Book 2) by Dani René (best fiction novels to read .txt) 📗

My heart hurts for the two men who have come to mean so much to me. My brother-in-law, who’s so broken, so tortured, I’m not even sure he could have a normal life anymore. And my husband, whose need to control everything and everyone is now so much clearer. I thought he was just a domineering bastard, but he’s more than that—he’s a broken man who needs to know he won’t lose anyone else that matters to him.

It makes sense. When you’ve had to say goodbye to everyone you love in your life, it’s scary to think you would have to do it again. But he has to know I’m not going anywhere. If you had told me months ago that I’d be here, in this position, wanting to stay with Lycan, proud to be his wife, I would’ve told you you’re lying.

I think about my life, and all the people who I thought were there to keep me safe. Instead, they lied to me, kept secrets from me, and sold me just to ensure their bullshit didn’t come to light. That they didn’t get found out for things they did.

Then I think of the only person who was there for me. Other than Lycan. And I realize how much I miss her. As soon as we get back, I need to see Aelin. I need someone to talk to that isn’t a commanding, domineering man.

My lashes flutter against my cheeks as weariness finally comes knocking and with the thought of building a new life in my mind, I nuzzle deeper into Lycan’s hold as I allow sleep to steal me.

18

Lycan

I’m thankful to be back in Crimson Falls with my wife. The most surprising thing is that my brother is here too. I never thought I’d see the day where he walked into this house willingly. Yet here he is.

We’re seated at the dining room table, the same one we sat at so many times before as kids. Growing up, we didn’t think about the importance of spending time together. For us, we wanted to race out to be with our friends. Yes, we were close as brothers, closer than some, but right now, I feel like I’ve gained my family back.

Even though our father isn’t here, I still feel his presence as we eat dinner. With Scarlett beside me, and Darius opposite me, it feels like I’m finally home. I’ve spent so long in this house, especially when I first brought my girl here, but for the first time, I’m at ease.

I’m comfortable.

It’s an emotion I’ve not allowed myself to feel for so long, it’s jarring. I finish the last bite of steak before I settle back and pick up my drink. Watching the two people who mean the most to me in this world, I take a sip of vodka, a liquor I haven’t had in years, and enjoy the bitter taste as I swallow it down.

“The first thing I want to do is settle this…” I start, thinking of the best words to use to describe what I want. I settle for, “…thing between us.” I glance between Scarlett and Darius, noticing the blush that forms on my wife’s cheeks.

My brother, on the other hand, looks like he’s about to burst with excitement. I pondered this all the way back home. The thought of sharing her with anyone else doesn’t sit well with me, but knowing my brother will give her what she needs allows me to consider it more and more.

I look at my wife. “You’re new to this world of mine. And I haven’t truly taken you like I want to, shown you what it entails.” I smile when her cheeks darken to a soft rosy hue, and the image of her ass, her thighs, and her calves turning the same color has my dick thickening behind the zipper of my slacks. “I want you to experience it, just this once.” I tack on the last three words to ensure there’s no discussion.

“I don’t know what to say,” Scarlett responds, lifting her napkin to dab at the corners of her mouth as she finishes her meal. She’s so fucking beautiful, at times it’s difficult to look at her. To even fathom this woman is mine.

“We will come to an agreement, what you’re not willing to try, and anything not on that list will be on the yes pile. It’s free rein for us.” I lift my glass and tip it toward Darius.

“Are you sure about this?” Darius asks as he watches me. I can tell he’s worried about my choice to do this. But he doesn’t need to be. I’m doing this for her.

“Scarlett hasn’t experienced being a submissive to me yet. Yes, we’ve played, very little, but I’ve eased her into my life. I didn’t want to throw her in the deep end. Mainly because the start of our relationship wasn’t… conventional,” I finally find the word to describe it.

“That’s no lie,” my wife sasses as she sips her wine. Her mouth crimson from the alcohol, and I can’t stop the desire from burning through my veins as I watch her lick her lips. “I’m just surprised you’re willing to do this, because you can be like a caveman at times.”

“Keep up with that sass and I’ll put you over my knee right here in front of Darius, as well as the staff and I’ll spank your bare ass as they watch,” I threaten, causing her mouth to fall open and a shocked gasp to free itself from her plump lips.

Darius chuckles. “Now that is something I’d love to see.” When Scarlett pins him with a glare, he only laughs harder. “My brother doesn’t fuck around when he threatens, I would be careful if I were you.”

My gorgeous woman folds her arms across her chest and tips her chin up in defiance. “Fine. I want to do it. So, let’s do it.” There’s fire