Page 41 of Omega Island
I setmy phone down and pressed both hands against my forehead. Hondo always asked questions that went direct to the point. Probably why he got the big bucks.
The past night—all night—had been incredible. I loved caring for Senta. He attracted me. He had my alpha pushing against my insides to care for him in all ways. I wanted to help him but more, I loved being close and intimate with him. It had turned into much more than I’d bargained for, with me caring more about his pleasure than my own.
But when my own came I could not deny there were starbursts. I could not deny the way our bodies merged had me craving more. I wanted to know everything about this man, inside and out of the bedroom. I wanted to talk to him about his greatest dreams and wishes, his likes and dislikes, share funny sentiments, watch sunsets with him.
Oh, this was bad.
Hondo:Raimi? Still with me?
Raimi: I’m afraid I’m not good enough… too broken, maybe. But also, he’s very wealthy. I’m not in his league at all.
Hondo: Oh. I see. Broken is a word I don’t like. It sounds like the word “abnormal.” There is no one who is perfect. No one who is only normal all the time. I like to use the word “experienced.” Who you are is a bag of all sorts of things, the good mixed with the bad. As for his status re: wealth. Is that how you see people? Define them? Or is that how he sees it? Be careful.
“You’re up early.”
I turned fast, nearly knocking my phone to the floor before catching it as clattered back onto the table.
Senta stood a few feet away. He wore a simple white linen robe. The light behind him made it nearly see-through.
I gulped. “I, uh, are you all right? Do you need, uh, me again?”
He clasped his hands in front of him. “If you’re referring to my heat, it will continue through today.”
“Okay. Uh, that’s good. I mean, not good, but, I mean, uh, I’m ready?”
He smiled at me. “Are you hungry?”
I jumped up. “Oh, I can fix us breakfast.” I pulled the chair next to me out from under the table. “You should sit.”
“I can manage.” He turned away casually. “Eggs and bacon?”
“Yes. I’ll help.” My phone had gone dark. Now it beeped.
“You should see to that,” Senta said, turning on the overhead to the dining room and kitchen.
Automatically, I picked up my phone. I needed to tell Hondo I’d get back to him later.
But the text was not from Hondo.
Straten:If you come back, we can talk. We can reassess our relationship. I would like that. Wouldn’t you? It’s only fair after all the time I’ve put in with you, don’t you think? You’re all about fairness, Raimi. And I know you liked the things we did. It’s in your nature. You can’t stay away for long. Communication is essential. Come on. Answer my texts. Let’s communicate!
I turnedmy phone over as my entire body froze and my mouth went dry.
Straten was right and he was wrong. Sure, at first Ihadliked our wildness and our experimentations. But slowly he’d taken over, manipulating me, guilting me into cooperation as a means of showing him love and loyalty.
When I left, I’d already let it go on too long.
My phone beeped again. I turned it over and the screen lit up. Two texts sat waiting.
Hondo:Still there? Let’s set up a time to Zoom whenever you’d like.
Straten:You owe it to me to answer me and you know it. It’s not like we’re enemies. Are you going to wallow in the silent treatment forever?
I turnedmy phone back over and pressed my elbows onto the table, scraping my hands through my hair. “Leave me alone,” I whispered to myself. “Just please leave me alone.”
Footsteps approached, bare feet on tile. A plate of steaming eggs and bacon was set before me. I glanced up, my stomach suddenly growling. “Thank you.”
Senta, still holding his own plate, reached out. Then he did something I had not anticipated. He placed his free hand on the top of my head and moved it back about six inches, petting me gently. Then he turned away and set his plate beside mine.
