"I didn''t think you''de home tonight," I admitted. "And I didn''t feelfortable sleeping in there without you."


    "I thought I made it clear that you are to sleep in my bedroom. It''s part of the contract."


    I narrowed my eyes at him.


    "I think given the events of today, I should just sleep in here tonight," I told him firmly, not willing to give in to him.


    His nostrils red and I knew he wasn''t happy with me. Instead of arguing, like I thought he would, he just took off his shirt and pants, wearing only his boxers and he started to get into bed with me. I held up my hand to stop him.


    "What are you doing?" I asked him, hating that my voice sounded breathless and weak.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    "Getting into bed. If you aren''t going toe back to our room and sleep, then I''ll just sleep in here with you," he told me.


    I lowered my hand and he slid into bed, throwing the covers over his body.


    "You are going to apologize to her, and I don''t want to hear anything more about it," he said after a short pause. "Now, get some sleep."


    With those words left in the air, he turned away from me and turned off themp.


    ***


    I spent most of the day in my studio trying to forget about my argument with Elliotst night. He was gone before I woke up this morning, so nothing got resolved. We hadn''t spoken sincest night and I had a nasty feeling in the pit of my stomach because of it.


    I also made a point to call Reba and tell her about thest couple of days.


    "Shirley is such a bitch," Reba growled. "I can''t believe she did that!"


    "I know, me neither, I was taken aback," I admitted.


    "And Elliot wants you to apologize? Has he lost his mind??"


    I sighed.


    "Yes," I muttered. "He thinks as Luna I should be taking responsibility."


    "That''s ridiculous," she huffed. "He should be on your side. He''s your damn husband."


    "By contract," I reminded her. "It''s a marriage of contract. Not a real marriage. He''s not obligated to take my side."


    "But still," she murmured.


    I knew she was right, but it didn''t make a difference. He was going to think what he wanted to think. I had things I needed to get done in preparation for tomorrow and I couldn''t be bothered with whatever drama Shirley was dishing. ording to Elliot, she should be discharged from the hospital today and I was nning on keeping my distance from her even though he wants to apologize. There was no way I was going to do that.


    After we finished our conversation, I hung up and continued working on my paintings. I captured pictures of each one as well and put them in a portfolio to showcase in the meeting tomorrow. I would be lying if I said I wasn''t excited about this meeting. This was a huge opportunity for me.


    Hearing the front door closing brought me out of my thoughts. I looked at the clock and saw that it was just after 5 pm.


    Was Elliot home already?


    He was earlier than usual. Maybe he returned home so we could have dinner together. Maybe he wants to actually have a conversation about what happenedst night. I hated this back-and-forth we were having; I didn''t want things to be awkward between us.


    It''s been over a week since we shared a meal together. I quickly cleaned up my mess in the studio and made my way to the front foyer where I heard voices.


    "Make sure the restaurant is still reserved for tonight," Elliot said.


    "Yes, Alpha," Beta Leo replied. "I still need to pick up the flowers for Alpha Shirley. I purchased the biggest bouquet, just as you requested."


    "Perfect," Elliot replied.


    My heart fell deep into my stomach.


    "I''m going to put on a suit. I told Shirley we''d pick her up at 6:30 so we need to be quick," Elliot said, his voice getting smaller as he made his way up the stairs.


    Beta Leo remained in the foyer. I peeked around the corner and saw that he was on the phone now.


    "Yes, this is Beta Leonardo. I''m calling to check on the reservation for 7 tonight," he said into the phone. He paused as the other person spoke. "Yes, the reservation is under the Alpha''s name." he paused again. "Perfect; thank you so much."


    He hung up without another word.


    I leaned against the wall, feeling a heaviness in my chest.


    First, Elliot took Shirley''s side; and now he was taking her on a date?