Page 32 of The Claiming

It appears to be for a triathlon which surprises me. I didn’t have him down as a jock and yet all around me is evidence to the contrary.

I pick up another and this time it’s a steering wheel, declaring him the winner of a junior Indy car race.

Frankie wasn’t kidding when he said he loves a challenge and once again my impression of him shifts in his favor.

Before I can delve a little deeper, he heads out, having changed into sweatpants and nothing else.

“I’ll take a shower, but thought you’d appreciate this while you wait. Unless you care to join me.”

His wicked grin for some reason makes me laugh and I snatch the robe he offers me with a shake of my head. “This will be fine, although I could use a t-shirt and some shorts, or something like that and then I’ll leave you to your shower.”

“Wait. I promised you coffee. I won’t be long.”

He disappears through the door and as I wrap the robe around me, it strikes me how warm it is, almost as if he plucked it from the drier.

It feels so good and I’m jealous of his shower because I’m guessing it’s just what we both need right now. However, that would be a giant step too far, so I wrap myself up and perch on the couch, glancing around me with astonishment at the tasteful décor that he most definitely had no part of.

SIXTEEN

FRANKIE

Knowing that Cassie is on the other side of the wall is interesting. I never expected to bring her here so early, but now she is, I kind of like knowing she’s in the other room where I can keep my eye on her.

It’s only a matter of time anyway because shewilllose the challenge. It’s already been decided because I wasn’t exactly honest with her back in the dungeon. I had nothing to lose in taking her there and she will be more amenable toward me because of it.

As I allow the steam to cleanse the ice from my veins, I picture our future. Ourimmediatefuture because having a live-in girl for the semester is something I’m intrigued with. It will be a first for me and I’m guessing for her and I’m impatient to begin a new adventure. Cassie has already proven to be my match. Her swimming was impressive and I doubt there is any other girl on campus who would have followed me into that dungeon today. I knew she would and I suppose my offer was a test of that.

She passed it and the next with stars and yet the ultimate one will be in a few days’ time, leaving me time to plan, time to plot and time to prepare.

I pull on a fresh pair of sweatpants and, leaving my chest bare, I head back into the living area, loving how she is curled up on the couch in my robe.

“Your turn.” I angle my head toward the bathroom and her eyes widen.

“Seriously?”

“Go on. You can lock the door.” I tease and add, “I left a t-shirt and a pair of my boxer shorts. Don’t worry, they are fresh from the packet. Mom insisted on preparing for my lack of laundry skills.”

“Don’t you have a girl for that?” She arches her brow, causing me to shrug.

“Several, but the last thing I want is them stealing my underwear and parading it around campus like a trophy. No, that is a step too far and I’ve already lost more clothing than I can remember because of their desire to have something of me.”

“You’re an arrogant jerk, Frankie, but I will take you up on the offer of a hot shower before I get hypothermia.”

“I’ll fix the coffee. Take your time, you earned it.”

She scoots off the couch and heads through the door, and I make my way to the machine in the small kitchen on the other side of the media wall. Though I seldom use it, I sometimes enjoy eating alone, and it helps keep my fridge stocked when I’m watching TV.

I often stay up here when the guys entertain. It’s my personal sanctuary. If I fuck a girl it happens in one of the guest rooms. That’s where we hold our parties due to the huge basement area that is equipped with a bar, pool, and screen. It’s the perfect party room with the bonus of being at the opposite end of the house to my personal sanctuary.

When Cassie lives here with me, this will be our private space for as long as I want her around. I’m guessing I’ll soon get bored playing the faithful lover, but I’m intrigued to test my resilience.

It’s always a test with me and I doubt that will ever change and right now I’m feeling very good about life at Rockwell, for this semester anyway.

* * *

When she finishes,I love how she smells of me. My soap has done a good job of that and as I hand her the coffee, I add, “Cinnamon latte. Your favorite.”

“No way!” Her smile brightens and as she sips the drink, her eyes light up and soften with pleasure.

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