Page 60 of Protect Home
But I’m still restrained, and I know now why he did it. He knows me well. Knows I’d retaliate and fight to give him full control. It’s who I am.
August sits up and smiles, wearing my cum like a beloved branding and strangely enough, it’s adorable.
He kisses my belly softly before untying my arms and massaging my wrists. “Did I hurt you?” The sincerity in his care can’t be missed.
I shake my head. “Not unless you count edging me,” I tease.
He smiles, and I feel a stirring in my chest. “Go shower, and I’ll order us room service.” He helps me up and pats me on the bottom, ushering me to the luxurious bathroom. I turn the water on and notice him setting a soft towel and toiletries up for me as I enter the steaming hot water.
“Ginger ale and french fries?” he asks from the other side of the bathroom.
Just when I think this man doesn’t pay attention to detail, he proves me wrong. “And chocolate cake, please,” Itell him, butterflies taking flight in my stomach. “Oh, and a side of fruit!”
“I’ll order options.” August chuckles and shuts the door behind him.
“Sounds perfect,” I whisper to myself.
Because it does.This entire day has been perfect, and that’s what worries me.
Along with that stirring I felt earlier that still lingers in the deepest part of my chest.
22
AUGUST
The smarter part of me knew I’d wake up and Tenley would be gone.
Yet, I still looked for her, hoping I’d catch sight of a sign, something showing me she was still here. Smell the sweetness of strawberries and honey.
But nothing.
I ordered room service for us last night. We ate, talked about random nothingness, then I must have fallen asleep at some point, waking up alone on the couch.
That’s fine. I knew her escape was coming. Tenley avoids anything that may remotely cross the line of benefits with me in her head. In a way, I understand it. But I also question if she really has anyone else to spend time with. Kodi and Navy have Callaway and Bodhi, all doing new things together.
But who does Tenley have?
I’ve overheard her chatting with her mom a few times at the condo, but it’s never been anything more than a check-in. From what she’s told me, I know they travel frequentlynow that they’re retired, and Tenley doesn’t get to see them much.
That’s all I know.
I can’t imagine how hard it must be to go through something as life-changing as pregnancy and not have family around you. It’s something I want to ask her—to check on her and see if she’s okay. Really okay. Not some fake-ass agreement to get me to shut up.
I want to dig deep—reach where no other man has gone.
Speaking of mothers, I’m still waiting to hear back from mine. I make a note to call her again when I get to the lobby, knowing I’ll have a long bus ride to the airport to chat before flying home.
Heading downstairs, I prepare myself for the influx of questions I know are coming. Although Navy and Kodi are the only ones who witnessed me storming off with Tenley, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly word gets around with those two.
Now that I think about it, I seem to storm off with the enchanting woman more times than not. But fuck if just mentioning that doesn’t make last night replay over and over again in my head.
I’ve always known Tenley was sexy, but that side of her was next-level heart-stopping. Tied to the bed with her legs spread wide for me. It was better and filthier than I could have ever fantasized. The more confident and obedient she became, the more turned on I got.
Somehow, we match perfectly. If only I could get her to see that.
I’ve barely stepped off the elevator before King’s voice projects at full volume across the lobby. “TT make it out alive last night, Graves?” he smirks, and I examine him, trying to find something to give him shit for.
This team is too fucking predictable.
