He Chose Her, So I Faked My Death novel · Chapter 9 of 32

Chapter 9: Rule Two

Imogen's POV

I woke up with Jasper's arm across my waist and the sun on my face, and for a moment I forgot to be afraid.

Then I remembered the cufflinks.

I rolled over.

He was awake, watching me with a look I could not read.

"Good morning, widow," I said.

His mouth twitched.

"Rule two," I said. "I believe you owe me an apology for how long you held out."

"I held out for two weeks. That's a record."

"Rule two, bodyguard. Nothing happens while I'm someone's wife."

"Imogen."

"You said it so seriously."

"I said it because I meant it." He rubbed a hand over his face. "I wanted it to stay true as long as it could."

I laughed and kissed his shoulder.

He did not laugh with me.

"What is it?" I said.

He was quiet for a moment.

"The first week here," he said, "you talked in your sleep."

"I did not."

"You did. Three nights running. You cried." He looked at the ceiling. "You said his name."

My stomach turned over.

"Whose name?"

"You know whose."

I sat up and pulled the sheet to my chest.

"I dreamed he was standing at the top of the stairs," I said. "I dreamed I was falling. I said his name because I was begging him not to let her push me."

"I didn't know that."

"You didn't ask."

"No." He sat up too, his face tight. "I thought you still loved him."

"I don't," I said. "I loved a man who didn't exist. I'm still learning to hate the one who does."

He took a long breath.

"I should have asked."

"Yes, you should have." I touched his face. "Ask me now."

"Do you still love him?"

"No."

His shoulders came down.

Then his phone rang on the nightstand, and he looked at the screen and swore.

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