Ispent the next few days unpacking and getting settled in my new home. Asmodeus had an extra dresser for my clothes and an entire side of the closet completely free and empty for my wardrobe that I wished to hang up or store in there. The closet was massive and rivaled the size of my childhood bedroom. All the other stuff I had in the trailer and my car either went into the garage for storage or went into the house. He was enthusiastic over the fact that I wanted to put some of my personal or sentimental belongings in the house. He was taking this very well and helped me whenever I needed it.
Thea completely understood and insisted that I take more time off for myself, especially after everything that happened, but I felt guilty and knew they needed the help. It felt a little weird calling it my home, even though I knew it was and felt it deep within my bones. It was where I was meant to be. It was a new change, and after everything that had been happening to me, I realized I was stressed out and needed a break.
I was trying my best to hold myself together, but I really needed some comfort and a hug. It took a few days for everything to catch up to me. The first few nights I slept in one of the extra bedrooms instead of the room that Asmodeus said we were going to share. I was a mess by the end of the week, crying myself to sleep. At one point during the night, I thought I had felt a warm body holding me close, but when I awoke, I was in bed alone.
I trudged downstairs with red-rimmed eyes and a puffy face, ready for a cup of coffee and maybe some breakfast. Asmodeus was already up and dressed in a pair of sweatpants and a black t-shirt that fit his muscular frame. He was a tall drink of water, and well, I was me. The thought made me want to cry all over again. Asmodeus hadn’t seen me yet, since it looked like he was making coffee for us. I tried backing out of the room, but instead I smacked into the wall, cursing from the pain.
He spun around. “Good morning, Blair,” he greeted eyes wide, concern all over his face when he looked at me. He rushed over to me then.
“Hey little one, you’re okay,” he comforted me. The tears were welling up in my eyes. “What’s wrong?” he whispered. I shrugged my shoulders because I wasn’t exactly sure what to say and did not want to be a burden on him.
He tutted at me. “None of that now,” he said as he bent down to be eye level with me. “I know this is new, but you can talk to me. I will never judge you, and you will never be too much. We are mates, which means I was meant for you, everything about you, just the way you are.” He rubs my upper arm, a sweet and gentle caress.
I lean my head forward, leaning against his shoulder andchest. I took a deep breath, inhaling his scent. The musky, earthy warmth of it calms down my nerves and brain. “Sorry. I’m overwhelmed and stuck in my head,” I mumble.
“What do you need? What can I do for you? You can come to me; depend on me. I will always hold you, take care of you, and be your strength when you need or want it.Forever,” the last word whispered in reverence.
Tears well in my eyes again, I wrap my arms around his waist, needing to be close to him. “Can I have a hug?”
“Of course you can, you don’t even have to ask,” he gives me a small smile as he wraps his arms around me and holds me tight. He then lifts me off the ground, and I wrap my legs around his waist. He turns his head, gently placing a kiss on my cheek. I bury my head in the crook of his neck as he carries us somewhere.
He jostles me slightly as he sits down on the couch, bringing me with him. I’m straddling his legs now, a knee on each side of his hips. I lean forward to rest all of my weight against him as he rubs my back in long, gentle strokes. The stress melts away as each minute passes.
“Feel better?” a gentle voice near my ear, his breath fanning across my skin. I nod my head, unable to form words right now. “Would you be willing to try sleeping in my bed with me tonight? I would love to hold and cuddle you.” I nod my head in agreement.
We stayed there for god knows how long, the time passing but neither of us caring. He didn’t push me off or say anything. He comforted me and gave me gentle kisses until I was ready. I moved back, finally able to look at him now while still sitting on his lap. Shifting slightly, making him groan while he places his hands on my hips, unable to move. A blush spreads acrossmy cheeks, “Thanks, I needed that.”
“Of course, I’m glad. Any time, I’m here for you,” longing and devotion in his eyes. Leaning forward, he brushes his lips against mine.
That night I slept next to him, and it was perfect. He has one of those giant California king beds that felt like you were sleeping on a cloud, covered in the most extravagant, soft sheets and blankets. It was heaven. I couldn’t believe I forced myself to sleep in one of the other bedrooms when sleeping in his bed was the best sleep I have had in years.
* * *
Since I finally felt better and more established, I started work at the bakery again. After my shift ends for the day, the realization slams into me that I am heading to my new home now. When I arrive, Asmodeus is outside in the garage working on his car. I pull into the new parking spot that is mine. When I turn off the engine and get out of the car, he has a scowl on his face.
“What?” I asked, confused and on edge.
“Did you not hear that noise when you were driving?” he cautioned.
“Umm, no?” confused as hell. His eyes were wide, and he had a stunned expression on his face.
“We will talk about your car later. I need to finish up here and then we can figure out what we are having for dinner, okay?”
I nod my head in agreement. “Yeah, that sounds good. I’m going to go inside and take a shower.” He grunts, acknowledging me and goes back to work.Was he mad at me? He was clipped with his answer there. And I hate the phrase we will talk later, I groaned as my anxiety spiked. It sounded like I was in trouble with him. My thoughts stumbled over the way he responded to me outside while I was taking a shower, my nerves shot, my mind and body anxious. I was going to be a nervous wreck until we had dinner together.
A few hours later
“When was the last time you had an oil change, Blair?” he asked as we were having dinner that night. I had to think, I was terrible at making sure I kept up with the maintenance on my car.
“I’m not sure,” I sheepishly replied as I bit my lip, knowing that it wasn’t smart.
He hums in thought. “Can I have your keys? I’m going to take a look at your car’s oil. After you drove a long distance to move here and now with having to drive to work, I would like to make sure your car is in top shape and working order. I want you safe.”
“Uh yeah sure okay. Thank you,” I murmured as warmth spread through my chest at the thoughtfulness and care he was showing me. I never had anyone who could work on my car before; I always had to take it to a shop to get anything fixed. I didn’t have much money either, so it was never a priority. After dinner was over, I handed him my keys and followed him out to the garage.
He popped the hood and took out the oil dipstick. When he pulled it out and wiped it on the cloth he had, it was black and sludgy. He winced and looked at me.Please don’t be angry, please don’t be angry,I chanted to myself. Hating the thoughtof letting him down, I braced myself for the onslaught of negativity I assumed was going to come my way.
“Well, it looks like it’s been a while. I’m glad I checked. I definitely don’t want you driving your car anymore until I can take a better look and make sure there is nothing else wrong with it.”
