“Well, I’ll let you get settled.” I take a step back, but she quickly clutches my hand.
“Where are you going?”
“To my room,” I answer.
“You’re going to leave me by myself?” she asks, her eyes wide. “Keller, you can’t leave.”
“Love, I can’t be here with you.”
“Why not?” she asks, her eyes panicking now.
“Because my room is in the servants’ quarters.”
“Yes, and I’m used to sleeping next to you, your warm body wrapped around me, so unless you want me to follow you to the servants’ quarters, I need you to stay here, with me.”
“Lilly—”
“Please, Keller,” she begs. “Please, don’t leave me in this room all by myself. Not after the day I had. Please, just stay with me.”
Hell, when she looks at me like that, with those pleading eyes, there’s no way I can deny her what she wants.
“Okay,” I answer.
“Thank you.” She stands on her toes and pulls my mouth to hers, giving me a soul-searing kiss as she holds me tightly. When she releases me, she slips out of her heels and then turns her back toward me so I can undo her dress.
She moves her hair to the side, and I carefully pull the zipper down until the dress is loose enough to fall to the ground. Wearing a matching bra and thong, she turns toward me and takes my hand. Together we walk into the bathroom, where we brush our teeth, her eyes on me the entire time. I know that fucking look. I know exactly what she wants from me, and even though I think I should leave right now, I know my heart,and my body, won’t let me.
Once we’re done, I set her down on the edge of the bed’s mattress. “You need some pajamas.”
She unclasps the front of her bra, exposing her breasts, and shimmies out of her thong. “Why? I like sleeping naked, especially with you.”
“Yes, but Runa will be in here in the morning. Do you want her to see you naked?”
“Better get it out of the way. Give her an eyeful first thing in the morning.” She tugs on my pants. “Seriously, I’m not worried about that right now.”
“What are you worried about?”
“Getting close to you, finding my happy place in this crazy new day, and settling into the comfort of your arms. That’s what I need most right now.” Her fingers dance under my shirt. “Please, Keller.”
As I said, I can’t deny her.
I reach behind me and pull my shirt over my head. Instead of dropping it on the floor like I usually would, I fold it and put it on her dresser before taking off my shoes, socks, and pants. When I turn around, I watch her eyes roam over my body, mainly fixating on my chest and abs. I turn the chandelier light off, then shut the curtains, leaving only a sliver open to add light to the room, because I know that’s the way Lilly likes it. When I reach the bed, she’s already climbed inside, so I join her.
I’ve always wondered what these beds feel like, whether they were comfortable or simply luxurious looking.
I can make an accurate assessment right now and say that they feel incredible. Or as Lilly said,opulent.
Once I’m settled on my pillow, Lilly curls against my chest, her breasts pressing against my bare skin. Her legs tangle with mine, her head rests on my chest, and her arm loops around my waist.
Chuckling, I ask, “Think you can get any closer?”
“I’m trying.” She grips me tighter as I move my arm to her back and hold her close.
When she finally settles in, I ask her, “Comfortable?”
“Very. Thank you for staying, Keller. I wouldn’t want to sleep in this giant room by myself. I’d be far too scared, questioning every sound I hear. But with you here, I know I’ll sleep well.”
I gently move my thumb over her back, soothing her. “How are you feeling? Still think you made the right decision?”
