He carried me into the bedroom and threw the towel aside. I couldn’t look away as he stripped down to his boxers, and I felt giddy as he climbed into bed beside me. He tucked the covers around me and pulled me against him, surrounding me in the safety of him.
I allowed myself to enjoy it, telling myself that it would only be temporary. Sometimes, it was okay to lie to yourself, right?
I closed my eyes and slept more soundly that night than I had in a very long time.
I didn’t wake until morning.
* * *
“Did any of them walk away from the accident?”
I woke to the sound of James talking in a hushed tone on the phone. He paused, likely listening to the other person on the other line, and then spoke again.
“Who was the car registered to?”
Again, he paused.
“No. I recognize the name. He’s associated with a Polish mob ring here in the city. They’re small timers so they haven’t really popped up on your radar much over the years. From what I’ve heard, they’ve started to become increasingly active though, so I think we should definitely take care of them. I’ll have my man forward you all their current hangouts so we can wipe them out as soon as possible. There’s plenty that you could pin them down for—drugs, prostitution, illegal gambling, robbery. Whatever you want, really.”
He glanced toward me, noticing that I was awake now.
“Yes. Thanks so much for your help, Tony. I appreciate it. I’ll call you tomorrow if I have any additional information,” he murmured and hung up the phone.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he smiled warmly.
“Morning,” I answered softly, pulling the covers up and only just then remembering why I was naked. “Is everything alright?” I asked, glancing down at the phone and then back at him.
“It is. The problem has thankfully been handled. I made some calls last night and this morning to ensure that yesterday’s events were properly handled. Nothing like that should happen again,” he assured me.
“That’s good,” I smiled, searching his face. He seemed tense and I attributed it to the car chase yesterday. He must have noticed my concern because his expression softened considerably.
“I’ve ordered us breakfast. After that, you and I will finish the plans I made yesterday.”
“Plans?”
He just smiled, his face a devious mask of mysterious intent. I narrowed my eyes, trying to figure him out and having no luck at all.
“You may dress if you like,” he said and I sighed, both relieved and frustrated that he wouldn’t even give me a hint as to what he meant by ‘plans.’
With a visible pout, I got out of bed and walked past him, swaying my hips a bit more than usual. He popped my backside with his hand lightly. I looked over my shoulder and rolled my eyes, playing up the sass and he stood up, his size instantly powerful and imposing.
“I can always take that away, naughty girl. Clothing is a privilege for you,” he warned. His eyes danced with an amused darkness, letting me know immediately that he would very much enjoy the sight of me naked even if it made me blush.
His gaze roved up and down my body and I shivered at the wave of heat that coursed through me. I turned, walking into the closet to see that my new outfits had been all washed and hung along the left side. I noticed that all of his clothing had been moved to the right. I swallowed hard.
He expected me to stay. This was just another sign of it.
I couldn’t, not if my existence would put him at risk. I glanced back over my shoulder toward him. He was standing by the window, looking out as if he was a sentinel guarding his castle.
With a sigh, I picked out a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I went searching for the bras and panties I’d picked out, finding them in the built-in drawers along the wall. I freshened up in the bathroom after I dressed. By the time I emerged, breakfast had arrived and was waiting for me on the small table beside the window. James had sat down already.
He’d taken the lids off the platters. The most delectable looking stack of pancakes was waiting for me. They were loaded with berries on top and it looked like there were raspberries and blueberries in each pancake as well. A small pouring bowl was on the table, but it was the steaming cup of tea that caught my attention first.
I joined him, reaching for the warm mug and taking a tentative sip. It was hot, but perfectly brewed. James was watching me with a wistful smile as he drank a cup of black coffee. His plate was far less decadent, composed of scrambled eggs, bacon, and hash browns, as well as a side of wheat toast slathered in a thick raspberry jam.
“This looks delicious!” I exclaimed.
“I thought you’d like that,” he grinned.