I twist my hair into a messy bun to keep it dry as I dip a toe into the warm, sudsy water and let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. As I lower myself into the tub, the tension in my shoulders eases. My head rests against a folded black towel while steam curls around my face.
The sand-colored tub melts seamlessly into the walls, the sleek floating chestnut countertop stretching toward the glass-enclosed shower. Everything in this bathroom screams quiet luxury. The control panel at my side adjusts the heated floors and warms the towels.
It’s the kind of space that whisperscomfort. But it isn’t mine.
This house may be beautiful, but it’s not home. And the truth is, my house wasn’t cookie-cutter perfect, but it was mine. Isqueeze my eyes shut as the reality hits: the last two years of my life were a lie.
Toby wasn’t just distant. He was a fraud. He had other women. And I—stupid, blind, hopeful—I thought I was the only one.
My fingers drift over my lips, still tingling from Mavis’s kiss. It was sharp, possessive, and fucking addictive.
How could I go from one man to the next? Even though it was hard to keep my eyes off him. So many times, I wanted to reach for his hand when he released mine. I refuse to fall for my captor. Before I leave town, I’m going after Toby. I’d slit his fucking throat. He planned to sell me and force me to be someone's sex toy.
My choice of wardrobe tonight is strategic. One of Mavis’s shirts and a pair of shorts. If I didn’t wear the shirt willingly, he’d find a reason to put it on me himself. Better to avoid the fight.
Padding downstairs in a pair of black socks, I mosey into the kitchen. The design is as masculine as the rest of the place—wood-beamed ceilings and sand-toned walls, offset by creamy marble floors. The oversized island is made of swirled brown and white stone, with ten high-back chairs surrounding it. Everything looks curated. Expensive. Lived-in.
I open the fridge. Four thick ribeye steaks, fresh vegetables, and enough drinks to stock a small bar. Whoever stocked this place knew what they were doing. Does Mavis entertain often? Probably has a chef. A woman, most likely, based on the way this place is organized.
I take out everything I need and get to work. Several minutes later, a sharp clap startles me, and I instinctively whirl around, brandishing a meat fork like a weapon.
A low laugh rumbles from behind me. “Always on guard.”
“You scared me.”
He’s ditched the tie and jacket. His crisp dress shirt is rolled to his elbows, and his blond curls are pulled into a neat ponytail. He presses his hands on the counter, caging me in, his voice a low rasp against my skin.
“You smell so damn good.”
The warmth of his breath at my neck sends a shiver down my spine. His presence is overwhelming. I try not to lean into him. I fail.
“The food smells good too,” he says with a smirk.
“It’ll be ready soon. I’ll bring your plates to the office.”
“No. Just put them in the warmer. I’ll come get them.”
I steady myself and take a breath. “Mavis, I’m not giving myself to you.”
He laughs softly, mouth still hovering near my ear. “Sure, baby. But you never turned down the STD test.”
Damn him. Why didn’t I refuse?
“I wanted to be sure. After everything with Toby, I needed to know I was clean.” I flip the steaks, move them to a platter, and turn off the burner.
He turns me gently, tipping my chin with his fingers. “I hate knowing you sucked that asshole’s dick. But it helps knowing mine is the last you’ll ever touch.”
My jaw clenches. “No, Mavis.”
His lips crash into mine without warning, and his big hands tighten around my ass, dragging me flush against the hard lines of his body. I push weakly at his chest, but a moan betrays me. He breaks the kiss with a cocky smirk.
“If we didn’t have company, I’d lay you out on this counter and eat your pussy until you passed out.”
I shudder, heat licking through my core.
“You want me,” he whispers. “But you think we’re moving too fast. Fine. I’ll give you a little more time.” He holds up two fingers, barely apart.
“Your hacker knows everything about me. I know nothing about you.”
