“An hour?” I rubbed my eyes, chasing off the cloudiness from my nap. “For what?”
The maid with her brown ponytail and pink lips never stopped tidying. “Wasn’t told. I only know you have to get ready.”
My heart unfurled. Could it be Jethro’s way of asking me to prepare for a long overdue conversation?
Could he be taking me on the date he promised the night of the Second Debt?
I hugged myself at the thought.Finally. After weeks apart, we could finally connect and be true. Like we should’ve done at the start.
He’d admitted we were on the same team, yet he’d avoided me ever since.
Teams have to stick together, Kite.
He’d been raised with siblings but always so alone. However, he wasn’t alone any longer.
He has me.
“Tell, Mr. Hawk, I won’t need an hour.”
Without waiting for her reply, I charged into the bathroom.
* * * * *
Fifty-one minutes later, I stepped from the misty steam back into my bedroom.
I’d never been so diligent in my appearance before. I’d used the expensive soaps and lotions stocked in the bathroom. I’d showered, shaved—ensured my legs were silky smooth, and the hair between my legs manicured into a perfectstrip hiding just a little but not a lot.
I wanted to be perfect for him.
I fully intended to seduce him and force Jethro to admit who he was, what it meant, and to finally accept that I wanted him—faceted flaws and all.
To ensure I looked the best I could, I’d straightened my glossy hair and shaded my eyes with a mixture of blacks and pewters. My lips however were left virginally pink with just a swipe of clear lip balm.
I wanted Jethro to drop to his knees the moment he saw me. I wanted him panting and so rock-hard, he forgot to be gentle and slammed me against the wall in his rush to take.
I was already wet imagining everything we’d do.
The maid had disappeared, leaving me free to strut around naked if I wished. Instead, I clutched a towel around me and made my way to the imposing carved wardrobe. Swinging open the doors, I inspected my choices.
I’d made a few dresses while here, but nothing screamed first date with the man I would spend the rest of my life with.
However long that might be.
A tentative knock came.
“Come in.” I tightened my knotted towel, deciding on a fuchsia pink wraparound dress that would set off my tanned skin.
“Ah, Miss. You don’t need to choose. Your outfit has been arranged.”
I spun around.Jethro picked out a dress for me?
I tripped a little bit more in love. “Really?”
Keeping her eyes downcast, the maid came toward me holding a large zipped clothing bag. “This is the chosen outfit.”
My heart did an excited two-step, dying to see what Jethro had chosen. It was romantic. Sweet, in a way. And also telling of his preferences—a glimpse into his inner desires. I shadowed her as she placed the garment on my bed and unzipped it.
“Once dressed, your presence is required in the gaming hall.”
