Page 19 of Don't Hate Me
When it was over, I slipped out of her pussy carefully, and dumped the condom in the waste basket we’d put next to the bed.
She was stretched out on her stomach and I stretched out next to her. She turned her head to the side to look at me, to say something. But I shook my head. We didn’t need to talk. We didn’t need to break down what we’d learned about each other sexually. We didn’t need to say anything, because our eyes, our bodies, said it all.
And of course, we had that rule. The no L-word rule.
Yeah, it was a good thing we’d decided against ever saying it to each other. It made things simpler.
At least that’s what I told myself.
6
Amelia Island
The following week
Ashleigh
My father changedhis plans and came on Friday instead of Sunday. This could have been a disaster for Marc and me, but it wasn’t. For me, the key was all about staying one step ahead.
George had been our early warning system. He texted me about Arthur’s change in plans and Mark left Thursday, well in advance of Arthur’s arrival. Plenty of time to open all the windows and remove any lingering scent of sex.
Now, it was Arthur and me sitting on the balcony, overlooking the beach, enjoying a breakfast he’d ordered through room service. At least I thought he was enjoying it. I was struggling to casually sit there quietly while I nibbled on my toast. While two thoughts kept running through my mind.
When was I going to see Marc again?
How long was Arthur going to stay?
“More orange juice?” Arthur asked me.
“Yes, please,” I said politely, as he refilled my glass from the carafe of orange juice he’d ordered.
Marc and I had never ordered room service. I didn’t want that to show on the bill. I’d also politely asked the staff, to the tune of hundred-dollar tips for several of them, that there be no mention of any guests who had stayed with me, should my father ask.
Although I didn’t think he would. He seemed too confident in my docility.
“You know, I was reviewing your expenses this past semester. I noticed there were quite a number of purchases.”
I shook my head regretfully. “We spent so much of our time shopping. There were times I felt as if I needed to keep up. But I’m having the school ship everything home. I don’t want you to think I’m not grateful for all you’ve provided.”
He crunched on a piece of bacon. “Of course. Understood.”
“Thank you.” I nearly had to choke on it.
“Your friend, from the estate, came to see me recently. He seemed concerned over your health.”
“Marc came to see you? About me?”
I made sure to add just the right amount of wistfulness in my voice. I couldn’t immediately convince my father I was over Marc. It had to come slowly, gradually. Just a girl getting over a crush and moving on with her life.
“To check on your condition. George told him about your attack in Switzerland. I informed him that as much as you loved it there, it simply wasn’t healthy for you to continue your schooling.”
I nodded. “I did love it. It was so beautiful, but yes, a little difficult on my lungs.”
“I’ve decided he’s going to work for me.”
Again, I blinked. Playing dumb. “Really? I thought you considered him to be beneath your attention.”
Arthur glanced at me and lifted his chin. “Maybe I’ve underestimated him. He’s applying to finish his degree in three and a half years. Top of his class, too. I’d be foolish to let that talent go when I have a certain sway over him. Perhaps if I train him right, there might be some potential there. To break away from his less-than-auspicious origins. Would that make you happy? If you thought I approved of him?”
