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She looked back at me over the rim of her cup with shining eyes, almost as if she felt the same way I did.
"There's something between us, isn't there? It's undeniable." As if she'd read my mind. "I'm not just talking about last night. Discovering we have similar tastes is something neither of us could have predicted.”
"That doesn't mean you have to rush into anything, Amelia. I won't stand by and watch you take someone else home, but you're not obligated here. When I tell you that you belong to me, it's part of the game. Nothing more." At least, that's what I told myself so I wouldn't lose myself in her. And I tried to convince Amelia so she wouldn't feel like she owed me anything in this situation.
She looked at me intently for a few seconds. "We should still talk about what we're doing with each other. There are a few things I'd like to do. Besides, you've integrated ‘free use’ so charmingly into our dynamic."
She took a sip of tea before setting the cup down between her legs.
"You assume I'm more experienced than I am." What did she imagine? That I'd spent half my life seducing women this way? "To be honest, in most of the relationships I've had, this dynamic was either absent or my preferences were outright rejected. Some would go so far as to call it sick or wrong.”
"Then I’m wrong too," she murmured. "It's not wrong or sick. Everyone has needs, and for me, it's a relief when you show it's okay to be taken care of. And that's exactly what I want. For you to take care of me, Gray. To make the best decisions for me. To ensure I feel safe and secure. And in return, I believe I'm exactly what you need."
Her words proved that she had a clear understanding of what was happening. Amelia had not only realized that I enjoyed making sure she felt good but she was also willing to leave that to me without protest.
"Feeling that you trust me and can let go just as much when I'm in control… it's as if suddenly everything seems right."
If she allowed, she would never have to worry again—I had already handled anything that could trouble her before it became an issue. We both knew it; the question was just what would develop from it.
Instead of answering her directly, I set my cup down between her legs as well and leaned in so our eyes were level. "I'll make sure you feel good as long as you let me."
She nodded slowly. Just as slowly, she leaned forward to kiss me. This time, it wasn't one of those passionate kisses. This kiss whispered the thank you she couldn't quite verbalize.
With a finger, I tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "That's why I want you to stay here today. Explore the rest of the house, enjoy the quiet… do whatever you want. Someone new is starting today, so I'll be fairly busy. And I like the idea of you waiting here for me this evening."
On my couch. On my terrace. In my armchair. In my bed. Wherever she was, it would help me forget about the rest of the day.
"Are you giving me a day off, Gray?"
"No. I'm taking care of you."
19
AMELIA
Iwas still somewhat in disbelief that Gray had left me alone in his hideaway after keeping it a secret from me for nearly a week. After he left, I sat on the kitchen counter for a long while, reflecting on the previous night and finishing the tea he had brewed for me earlier.
Looking around, I saw his touch in every little detail. How much of this house had he built himself? It seemed impossible that he had only taken care of the interior. Even the small cottages he rented out to guests bore an unmistakable mark that could only be traced back to him.
I had never encountered a kitchen like this in any store. Solid wood. Unfinished. Black handles. A gas stove. Open shelves, with only two cabinets that had glass doors with muntins. Right above the stove, there was another shelf that held glasses and several bottles of wine. It must have been easy for Gray to reach them. I probably would need the help of a step stool.
Here, too, the windows were huge and transformed into a door that led outside to the porch. However, this side of the house faced the woods, so stepping out of the kitchen practically meant walking straight into nature. The dark wooden floor seemed to run through the entire house as I hadn't seen anything different in any other room so far.
Still, there was much left to discover. Besides the kitchen and living room, there were also a bathroom and a bedroom, both of which I had only seen in dim light—during a time when I hardly cared what they looked like.
Perhaps it was time for a little exploration. On my way to the living room, I picked up my phone and sent Manon a brief message. How much I would share with her about last night was still undecided, especially since I wanted to ask Gray for his thoughts before spilling all my secrets to her.
Just as I was returning to the bedroom to borrow at least a pair of boxer shorts, my phone rang. Without looking at the display, I answered.
"Oh my god, is that his bedroom, Amelia?"
Usually, we stuck to initials, but whenever Manon was excited, she suddenly remembered my full name.
Now, I did look at the display. She had started a video call, which meant she had a view of the unmade bed.
Compared to the rest of the house, Gray had decorated his bedroom in darker tones. Gray. Black. Here and there, a lighter tone or a gold accent. Pelts lay on the two armchairs flanking the terrace door. And the bed… it was not only the most comfortable one I had ever slept in but it was also one of those pieces of furniture that determined whether the room felt cozy or seemed to stretch into eternity.
"That's correct," I confirmed, walking across the carpet to the bed and flopping down into it. Before tucking my legs under the blanket, I took a deep breath.
