Page 65 of Mayfair Madame
And there it was. This was why I didn’t tell anyone what had happened to me, although this was barely scratching the surface. People either didn’t understand or didn’t know me well enough for me to tell them. I thought Ellie was different.
“I need a shower.” I placed the empty coffee mug on the nightstand, gathered the sheet around me, and walked to the bathroom.
I turned on the shower and stepped inside the cubicle, ignoring the ice-cold water. Was my story so bad she couldn’t bear to be with me? My body shook with frustration; angry tears fell. I’d yell if I didn’t think she’d hear me.
I’d believed her when she said she was fine with what I did, but when the truth came out, she’d turned her back. I scrubbed at my skin until it was sore, and when I applied my cream, it stung. Maybe when I left the bathroom,she’d be gone, and I’d be alone again.
But the moment I stepped into the bedroom, I froze. She stood at the side of the bed, balancing a tray of buttered toast and a fresh pot of coffee.
I rushed to her aid and relieved her of the pot before she dropped it.
“What’s this? I thought you were going home?”
“I said I’d make breakfast. I’m not the best cook, but I can manage toast and coffee.”
“And then you’re going home.” I stared at her, willing her to say no.
“Only to get some more clothes. I’m knackered after making this.I’m still not sure I’d be able to look after myself. Is that okay? I could ask my mum to come down if it’s an imposition.”
Fuck, I was an idiot.
“Of course. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. I kind of thought I’d scared you off, and we hadn’t even touched the worst of it.”
“God, Naomi. I’m sorry. Your past makes you who you are. Who am Ito judge you for that? You had your reasons, and it really doesn’t matter to me where they came from or what you did. You’re here for me, and that’s all that matters. Now, come here and kiss me.”
I cradled her face and pressed a soft kiss to her waiting lips. Her eyes fluttered and closed. God, I was in over my head.
Never in my life had I experienced an emotion such as this, warmth that spread through me and filled the crevices and cracks that had formed over the years.
Was I in too deep or not deep enough? At this point, I didn’t care. She’d put her trust in me to tend to her at her lowest, but I couldn’t take advantage, not while she was still ill.
“I’m starving.” I released her reluctantly and led her to the bed. We snuggled under the blankets, our bodies touching. Skin on skin.
I was happier than I’d been in a long while, and a lightness filled my chest.
We ate and drank, content in each other’s company. She’d smile at me. I’d smile at her. If only we could have more mornings like this, but why shouldn’t we?
Nothing was stopping her from staying here when she wanted. I’d be more than happy for her to stay.
One thing was obvious. When I’d watched her sleep in the hospital, not knowing what would happen, I realised I needed someone. Not to care for, but someone to share my life with. I’d lived so long being the reliable one. The one they turned to when times were rough. For years, I’d kept my secrets, told no one but my therapist and Rupert how I’d suffered.
Until now. It was time to tell her the rest.
“There’s more, you know, to my story.” We’d eaten the food and were now left with the coffee.
“I know, but it can wait. We have plenty of time, Naomi. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Even after all I’ve told you?”
“Especially after all you’ve told me. Life hasn’t been easy for you. Well, for either of us, and I know you have more to say, but let’s finish our coffee.”
I was about to say more when her phone rang.
She picked it up and frowned. “It’s my sister. I should get this.”
I gestured for her to answer it and hopped out of bed.
“Lucy, is everything okay?”
