You and Mattheo didn't want this. You had never met before, and the idea of being forced into a loveless marriage for the sake of your families was daunting.

Even after the wedding, you two still didn't bother to commit. You knew about the women he brought over, then kicked them out in the morning. No matter how much you pretended you didn’t care, it hurt.

Laying in your bed in the darkness, you turned and turned, unable to fall asleep.

“Stop moving so much. Go to sleep.” Mattheo grumbled, his voice deep and raspy.

“Sorry.” You whispered, letting out a soft sigh. Closing your eyes, you started drifting to sleep as warmth surrounded you.

“Are you going to fall asleep like that?” Mattheo’s voice woke you up.

“You wanted me to sleep.”

“I do. On your side, not in my arms.”

Your stomach dropped, and you quickly scrambled away from him.