The bed is unmade, and my eyes linger on the rumpled pillows and twisted sheets. She played her part very well. I haven’t fucked like that in… ever.
Scooping the book off my bedside table, I go to the bathroom and grab my deodorant and toothbrush. I’ve got to get out of this place.
Maybe later, when all this is over, I’ll burn it to the ground.
Scar’s placeis as I left it when I return, and I drop my bag in the kitchen, reaching inside for the extra pair of boxer briefs, a long-sleeved tee, and sweatpants I brought for her. Seeing her won’t get any easier, and I decide to rip off the Band-Aid now.
I take a bottle of water out of the refrigerator and go to the small room. Taking the key off the ledge, I unlock the door and open it abruptly. Her head shakes, and she seems to rouse from sleep. Her eyes are smudged like she’s been crying, and I don’t care. The pinch in my stomach is a liar. Just like her.
“I brought you some water.” I place the bottle on the floor. “And these.”
“Thank you.” Her voice is raspy, just above a whisper.
The keys to the handcuffs are on the desk, and I pick them up slowly. “I’m going to unlock those, and if you start anything, I will finish it.”
Fixing my eyes on hers, she only meets my gaze briefly before nodding. I can only assume the ferocity of my feelings is apparent in my eyes. She’d be a fool to try anything.
Stepping closer, the faint scent of jasmine surrounds me, and I part my lips to breathe through my mouth. I don’t need her scent lying to me.
I unlock one cuff, freeing her hand but leaving the bracelet hooked to the chair. Moving to the other side, I do the same, and her arms drop limply at her sides before she lifts them, slowly crossing them over her chest.
Straightening, I step back. “Do you need to use the restroom?”
“Yes.” Her voice is just above a whisper, and she reaches down to take the water bottle.
“This way.” I wait as she stands slowly, a little wobbly.
She holds a moment, swaying slightly in place, and I do not reach out to help her. When she’s ready to walk, I lead her to the small, windowless half bathroom in the hall. Stepping inside, I do a quick sweep, checking for razors or scissors or anything that could be used as a weapon.
Finding nothing, I step back and allow her to go inside. “Don’t lock the door or I’ll kick it in.”
Again, a silent nod is her only response. She closes the door, and I carry my bag to Scar’s bedroom. I don’t have a choice but to sleep in his bed, and I glance around for what I might arrange for her.
Returning to the living room, an oversize wicker basket sits at the end of the couch. It’s filled with blankets, and I lift out all of them. Carrying them to the room, I arrange a pallet on the floor near the wrought iron and stone nightstand.
I’m not sure my partner had this in mind when he chose these furnishings, but it’ll do nicely. Returning to the small room, I take one set of handcuffs off the chair then stop at the bathroom.
“Time’s up.” I knock hard on the door, and it opens at once.
She has changed into the sweat pants and long-sleeved tee. My clothes are enormous on her small frame, and the sight of her peaked nipples pressing through the soft cotton floods my memory with our weekend together. Turning away from that fresh slice of pain, I tell myself I don’t care about her body in my clothes.
“This way.” I nudge her with my bag in the direction of Scar’s bedroom.
We enter the door, and she looks around, her eyes going from the large king-size bed filling the room to the small, makeshift pallet on the floor.
Walking to it, she kneels, moving the blankets aside as if she’ll make herself comfortable.
“Just a minute.” I step forward with the handcuffs.
Dropping to one knee, I attach one side to the iron base of the nightstand. When I reach for her left wrist, it all goes to shit.
“Dirk…” Her voice is a choked whisper. “I’m sorry…”
All the hurt and anger, the humiliation and loss explode like a gas fire in my veins, and my hand shoots out to grab her face. “Don’t speak to me.”
She blinks rapidly, fighting tears, but her eyes never leave mine. “I need to—”
Gripping my palm over her lips, I inhale slowly, struggling to calm myself. “If you say another word, I’ll tape your mouth shut.”