Laesa rolled her eyes. "It was just business, dear. You think I'm the first woman that's done that?" She smirked, and left the room.
Asher blinked, frantically trying to control the impulses already rising up in his mind. His hair was messy, and he buttoned his shirt back up, avoiding Arabella's eyes. "I'm sorry." He said quietly, finishing buttoning the shirt. There was red lipstick smeared on his mouth. "I…wasn't aware she would do that."
Those words hurt her more than she would have liked. ’The only woman…’ Arabella went back to the small couch, curling up and avoiding him completely. She didn’t answer, only have a soft noise to let him know that she acknowledged his words.
She brought her knees to her chest and buried her face between them. That woman was right… other women had probably done so. She didn’t like that thought. Not at all. He’s not even yours… But you want him to be…
She couldn’t keep him to herself no matter how hard she tried. She was plain, boring, uninteresting. There was nothing that made her even remotely appealing to a male or anyone in that matter. She was not even a trophy wife. She was a housewife.
Asher watched her, closing his eyes for a moment. Damn it. He thought. That damn woman! He thought of Laesa, shaking his head slightly. I have to fix this. He wiped the lipstick off his face, and put his jacket back on, and walked slowly to the couch. "I'm really sorry, Arabella." He said softly, lightly putting a hand on her shoulder. "Do you want me to drive home?"
Arabella was tempted to shrug his hand off of her. She didn’t bring her head up to look at him, too afraid she might start crying if she saw his face. Her eyes already burned from the sensation and she was starting to get a headache from holding the tears back.
“I-I don’t want to go home yet…” she admitted, her voice muffled by her knees. She fell silent for a long time.
“I’m sorry I’m plain and boring, Asher. If I could be more for you I would… I can’t offer anything to you. I’m just a housewife. I belong back home, cleaning and cooking.”
He sat down beside her. "No, Arabella…you aren't plain, and you certainly aren't boring." He replied softly. "Besides, i have servants to do the cooking and cleaning." He shrugged slightly. "You say you don't have anything to offer, but you know what you have offered? Understanding. Patience. Kindness. Far more…love than i had expected from an arranged marriage. Someone i can see at the very least as a good friend, and… hopefully someone that, in the future, i will love. That's who I see."
She leaned against him, but shook her head. “I want you to be happy…” she murmured. “But I know I can’t do that in many ways.” She lowered her legs, but kept her head down. “You're far too kind to me Asher. You haven’t done anything to make me uncomfortable, you haven’t forced yourself in me, you’ve kept me safe, given me a room to paint in… and all I’ve given you is doubt and worry and have just been needy.”
He shook his head. "What do you think you can't do that would make me happy?" He replied softly. He gently brushed her hair out of her face. "All I've done is do what any good husband would do, asking for nothing in return."
(Hey, I'm going to head to bed now. I'll reply tomorrow sometime. Good night!)
She looked up at him with watery eyes and collapsed into his chest. “I’ve given nothing. You’ve had nothing from me. No loving kisses or nights of pleasure to ease your need for it… no warm meals or freshly pressed clothes…”
(Ok! Good night! Sleep well!)
Asher sighed softly, putting his arms around her gently. "Arabella, i don't need nights of pleasure, as you put it. Yes, it is in my Fae blood to, er, respond to any hint of it, but I don't need it." He shook his head slightly. "As for loving kisses, you've given me plenty of kisses. Warm meals aren't a requirement, nor are freshly pressed clothes. If you think that those are what i need to be happy, you dont think very much of me."
She nuzzled into his neck, breathing in his heavy scent once more and relaxing. “I’ve been taught that’s what all men need. What a husband needs… I don’t mean to offend you in any way, Asher.” She mumbled, pressing a kiss to the skin where her lips met his neck. “I’m so confused why everything is so different and so strange…”
He shook his head slightly. "It's alright. I'm not offended." He replied gently. He kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry about what happened."
Arabella took his hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. “I like you Asher. You’re so kind to me.” She murmured, pulling him closer to her for warmth and comfort. “It’s alright… you can’t help it… it’s written into your genes isn’t it? That high sex drive?”
He nodded, keeping his arms around her. "Yeah." He replied slowly. "It's left over from when the Fae had a very small population. I think. I don't know." He shrugged slightly, sighing.
Arabella cupped his cheeks and sat up to press a kiss to his lips. “I will never take advantage of you.” She murmured. “You’re a person no matter what you are, Asher. I’m angry and upset with that woman for trying something on you…”
He nodded, returning the kiss lightly. "Alright. Thank you." He said softly, closing his eyes and pulling her close. "And if I…for whatever reason, am trying to…force you into bed with me because of that drive…you are welcome to use whatever force is necessary to get me to stop. I don't want to do that to you, and while it's highly unlikely it would happen…I don't want you to be trapped if it does." He said quietly.
Arabella studied his face, her eyes softening as she watched him. “I trust you, Asher. If you’re ever trying to force me into bed with you, I’ll make sure I stay safe. I don’t want to hurt you.”
He nodded, kissing her forehead lightly. "Alright." He replied quietly, eyes still closed. She's a lot kinder than she gives herself credit for.
She brought their foreheads together, looking a little tired still. But she flashed him a smile and giggled weakly. “Is it weird to say your hair smells good?”
He opened his eyes, chuckling softly. "Uhm. Kind of?" He replied with a laugh. "I mean…"
“Well I am your wife. I can say what I want. Your hair smells good.” She stayed firmly, laughing at herself softly. But she looked tense, as if afraid he’d be upset with her language and actions.
He chuckled. "Fiiiine, you can say what you want." He said with a small smile. He kissed her forehead lightly. He didn't mind. He really didn't. She could have a whatever she wanted and he wasn't going to be angry.
She smiled softly and giggled. “Thank you, Asher.” She kissed his nose and sighed deeply. “Can I sit with you again?”
Asher smiled, and nodded. He got up, picking her up as well, then sat down in his chair with her in his lap. "There." He said with a chuckle and a grin.
She squeaked as she was lifted, her eyes wide. “Oh! Thank you.” She muttered, pushing her head under his chin. She sighed deeply and smiled.
He held her gently. "You're welcome." He replied quietly, rubbing her back gently. "I really am sorry about Laesa." He said again, closing his eyes. "She.." he trailed off, shaking his head.