Page 101 of Five Days to Be Mine

Mara stands, wraps her arms around my waist. “Gardenia and lilacs and lilies of the valley.”

I stiffen, though I'm not sure why, but I force myself to move my hands to cover hers. My pulse is beating rapidly.

“That’s her synthetic awful perfume. I’m not sure what flower it’s trying to resemble, but that’s why you don’t like the scent of flowers.”

I swallow past a huge lump in my throat.

All I can do is nod.

I never told anyone my dislike of flowers is because of my ex.

Noel’s first wife, my sweet sister-in-law, caught on that I didn't like the scents and would move flower arrangements out of my way, but I never told her why.

For years, I told people it’s because I don’t want the flowers to mingle with the scent of food in the restaurant.

“Promise me you won’t bolt on me again.”

I have no right to ask that of her, but I need to know.

And maybe that’s what I was waiting for, to see if I can share the hard things with her today.

Her sticking around after seeing the interaction between Hannah and me helped, but I need more.

I feel like an asshole.

Mara hugs me, lays her head on my back. “I thought this scared me, whatever it is between us. I didn’t see how I was doing anything for you.”

“Mara, you’re amazing and I love being with you.” I spin her to face me.

She shakes her head. “I know, but I didn’t want it to be one sided. I thought I needed to do something for you. But I can't give you a workspace or…anything.”

“Your trust, your submission. Those things are priceless. Making money is easy for me.” I rub my thumb along her bottom lip. “But this? Trusting someone? I never thought that was going to happen. Until I met you.”

She slides her hands down to my waist, and I gasp as she sinks to her knees.

Gracefully, she stretches her palms out in front of her, until they cover my bare feet.

“I promise I won't bolt on you, Sir Evan.”

20 MARA

My heart is beating so fast.

There is something freeing about being on my knees in front of his pain, offering myself like this. Making a promise that makes me feel so incredibly fragile and exposed.

But I know it’s true.

I can’t run out on Evan Brennon again and no matter what happens after this moment, I know there is nothing he can do that’ll make me bolt.

I might need to find new coping strategies, but I can do that.

Because this strong, beautiful man needs me.

I see that now.

I bite my lip, wishing he’d say something, but I feel his gaze roam over every inch of my body and I'm all wet again.

My clit is throbbing for his touch.

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