Era smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. I could feel she wanted out of her marriage, but the hold her husband had on her was something. Then, a thought came to my mind. “If you had plans to stay here overnight, where were you going to sleep?”
She smirked. “This place is fully equipped to fit my needs. There’s a full bedroom in the back, private bathroom, and mini kitchen,” she replied with a small yawn.
“Music to my ears. Let’s get you ready for bed because I plan on holding you all night long.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. Furthermore, tomorrow or Sunday, we can have a little dinner and a movie here. How does that sound?”
“Like a dream, baby.”
“Good to hear.” I scooped Era up into my arms, then we headed to the back, leaving all of our troubles there.
CHAPTER
SEVEN
Era
Sunday was here,and I was too thirsty to see Muse. Friday night was the best damn night I’d had in years. It was also the best sleep because it’s been a while since I’d slept so peacefully.
Syris kept me on alert at all times but lying in Muse’s arms was so damn peaceful. I was carefree and the old Era when I was with him. The Era who wore her natural curls and enjoyed life.
Saturday, we rented bikes and enjoyed the early summer weather. With him was where I wanted to be. Without a shadow of a doubt, I would choose him over Syris any day.
Muse was a man after my own heart. His celibacy wasn’t an issue—it was admirable. I only went celibate years ago simply because I didn’t want to have sex with Syris, but Muse was trying to be his best self for the next woman he met.
I envied that because I wanted to be that woman. Hell, I deserved to be that woman, but I feared Syris because he would kill me before he allowed me to leave. I needed to come up with an exit plan and fast. There was a knock on my door while I admired myself in my full-length mirror.
“Come in!” I shouted. The door opened, and Poppy stepped in. “Hey, baby doll! What are you up to?” I queried, turning around to face her.
“Hi mo—I mean, Era. Everyone is gone, and it’s just you and me. You’re dressed to leave, so it would be just me,” she replied sadly and climbed onto my bed.
I let out a dramatic sigh then plopped down on the couch in front of my bed. This was a disaster. I wanted to enjoy my day with Muse, not take Syris’s child with me, but I didn’t want to leave her alone either.
What would Muse think about me bringing her? I wasn’t sure, but it was best that I gave him a heads-up. I grabbed my phone off my bed and sent Muse a quick text, then stood.
“Well come on, baby doll. You’re hanging out with me today, but you can’t tell anybody. Do you understand me?” I inquired, looking deep into her eyes.
She nodded with a bright smile. “My lips are sealed.” I looked over her now five-year-old features and smirked.
“Good. Come on, let's go.”
What I was about to do was wrong, and if Syris found out, he would surely bop my ass up, but the need to be around Muse was trumping everything nowadays. Poppy and I exited the mansion, then climbed into my luxury sedan. Once I made it down the driveway, the gates opened, and we took off to have some fun.
As the wind blew in our hair, we sang along to her favoriteDescendantsplaylist as we drove through downtown Halla Grove. Poppy’s energy was outgoing and carefree like mine once was, then gloom filled me. What was going to happen when she got older? Would Syris send her off to live this same harem lifestyle that I am now?
I shook my head and dismissed those thoughts because I didn’t want to ruin my day. However, I needed a plan soonbecause that life wasn’t made for her or her big sisters. When we pulled up, Muse was already there.
He climbed out of his SUV dressed in a navy blue, utility styled, short waist jacket with the utility pants to match and brand name black boots. My man could dress his ass off. His white tee highlighted his complexion and slightly revealed his neck tattoos. My clit throbbed with anticipation, although we both knew we weren't going to get any action. He was still beautiful to look at.
I climbed from my own car; Muse pulled me tightly into his arms and swung me around a bit. Damn he smelled so good, and it felt so damn good to be held by him. “You look amazing,” he voiced as he placed me onto my feet then nuzzled my neck.
“Thank you. You look pretty damn good yourself.”
“I do what I can,” he recited in a smug tone, and I shoved him playfully. “So.” He clapped his hands and looked at me. “Are you going to introduce me to the little lady in the car, or you came all this way to let me down? I hope you choose answer choice A because I missed you so much.”
Chortling, I pecked his lips then stepped back. “The answer is choice A, it is.” I walked over to my Benz and opened the door for Poppy to come out. Muse stared at her a beat before he looked back at me with a perplexed look. “Muse, this is Syris’s daughter, Poppy. Poppy, say hello to Mr. Muse.”
