Writing in my journal gave me the opportunity to describe how it felt the first time he called me treasure and how much I appreciate his patience with me while at the same time pushing me beyond my comfort zone. It’s easy being honest with Victor. It’s easy being exactly who I am with him and because of that, I’ve grown more since he’s walked back into my life.
Everything in me wanted to ask how long was this going to last, but I’m scared of the answer. I make a promise to myself that I will one day. Closing my eyes as he continues to read, every muscle in my body relaxes as he alternates between massaging my scalp and running his fingers through my hair. This is the most content I’ve ever been in my life.
When he’s done, he leans back in his chair, but he doesn’t stop his ministrations and he doesn’t tell me to move, so I don’t. After a few more minutes, he wraps his arms around me and holds me close. I sigh and wrap my arms around his waist, holding him tight.
“You did so good, treasure. I want you to write in your journal every week. Okay?”
“Okay,” I promise.
“There might be times I’ll ask you to write in it more, but I’ll let you know.”
“Yes, Sir.” My body has molded itself to him, and I never want to move.
“Do you have any plans this weekend?” he asks.
I furrow my brows. “I thought I’d be with you.” Unease settles in my gut.
He rubs his hand up and down my spine and shushes me. “You will be with me. I apologize. I didn’t ask that correctly. Do your friends have plans this weekend?”
I release a breath at his explanation. “No, I don’t think so. I can ask. Why?”
He’s quiet for a few moments before he answers. “I need to figure out a way to get Connor McMillian to speak to me. I’d like for him to come to the pub Friday night.”
“I’m not really friends with him, though,” I say.
“I know, but you are friends with Caroline and isn’t she dating his best friend?”
“She is, and her sister is dating his brother.”
“Julian?” He sounds a little shocked, but I nod anyway. “If you can, please ask and see if they can all come.”
“You’re doing this just for a chance to speak to Connor?” I ask.
He sighs. “Yes, I’ve been trying for a while now, but he won’t speak to me and I need his help.”
I finally push up and look at him. “What aren’t you telling me?”
He stares at me for a long time, like he’s trying to decide if he wants to answer or not. “It’s time to take Donovan down.”
Chapter thirty-eight
Victor
Two Months Later
Olivia and her friends will be at the pub tonight. It took a lot longer than I anticipated, but I’m hoping it will work to my advantage. Hopefully, Connor will take the bait.
Their table is already set up for them, and their servers are ready. I will welcome them in and take their drink orders before passing the table off. When we had our staff meeting this morning, I threatened everyone that tonight better go smoothly or they wouldn’t have jobs anymore. It scared the new hires, so Lee stepped in and assured them it was a joke, but I would bitch a lot, which would make them want to be fired. It was in everyone’s best interest to make sure they were on it tonight.
I glance at my phone and smile at the text that’s come in from Olivia.
Olivia: We’re all on the way. Even Ansley will be here.
Victor: I can’t wait to see you.
This will be my first opportunity to see her interact with her friends. She did come that one night with Ansley and Caroline, but we were so busy I didn’t get to watch them. A couple of minutes later, Olivia walks in and tells the hostess who she is. She already knows, but she hasn’t told her friends about this thing between us yet and I haven’t pushed it.
She’s a private person, so she doesn’t share things with just anyone. It’s an honor she trusts me as much as she does. Ansley teases Olivia about saying her full name.
