I certainly do.
I lower to kiss her, and she drifts off.
I watch her sleep, but I don’t go to sleep just yet.
Watching her is making me stay awake and contemplate what I’m going to do. We’re here at The Dark Odyssey, and as much as I love being here with her, I still don’t know what’s brought her here.
My bad idea that will most likely get me in trouble was booking this room for six weeks, booking her for six weeks.
The goal was to be with her and help her at the same time since she clearly needs the money and won’t tell me what it’s for.
I asked for her specifically and had to go through Christian Giordano to do so.
One call to him and the offer to get me any girl I wanted was handed to me on a silver platter. All I had to do was give Paige’s name and he made it happen.
Just like that, I had her and that plan in motion that led me here.
But what next?
* * *
It’s seven o’clock.
I got us coffee and brought it in here. I’m sitting by the window bay in my boxers sipping on mine, grateful I don’t feel like shit from the lack of sleep.
I have two hours before I have to be on my way to class, and I’m taking the time to appreciate the beautiful woman waking up in my bed.
I didn’t get to see this part the other day. Never got to see the sun beaming down on her skin the way it is now. Never got to see the pretty sight she is with her hair ruffled and wavy, looking like a woman who’s had wild sex with me.
She smiles and sits up when she sees me watching her.
“Morning,” she beams.
“Morning, Bellissima,” I answer. “Come here.”
She gathers up the sheets and comes over to me and giggles when I pull her into my lap.
“How the hell do you look so perfect in the morning?” I ask her, and she gives me a wide-eyed stare.
“No, I look far from perfect. It’s you who does,” she says, running her fingers through my hair.
I love her hands on me. I love her touching me in whatever way she wants.
That smile that fills her beautiful face as I catch her hand and kiss her knuckles captivates me. I could easily believe that this is us all the time and we’ve always been like this.
I take the moment to savor the feeling and how she looks. I commit it to memory then force myself to edge back to reality.
“Paige… I have to be at work in a little while.”
The happiness recedes from her face, and it’s like she remembers what life is really like.
“Yeah. I… forgot. I mean, I didn’t forget. I am going to make it to class today,” She stutters and stumbles over her words. When she tries to pull back her hand, I hold on tighter, not wanting her to let go.
“I know what you mean. Baby, we have to talk about how this will work.”
“I don’t want to get you in trouble.” She shakes her head.
“Bellissima, I was in trouble from the first day I met you.” I grin and kiss her again.