“You need to eat,dkaar.”
And I had to smile. He always knew what was best for me, didn’t he? And being taken care of was nice.
But I was used todoing. Granted, most of my life was me scrambling for my next dollar, making just enough for rent, and hoping I didn’t chip a tooth or end up in a car accident or something…but still. I was used to working, to hustling, and it felt strange to just lie around all day.
That didn’t stop me from enjoying thefuckout of the big tub in Garrak’s bathroom that afternoon. I’d read the phrase “draw a bath,” but hadn’t actually seen it until that Sunday afternoon, when he picked me up—completely naked—and lowered me into a bubble bath as if I were a child. I was laughing too hard to complain, though.
Then he poured me a glass of white wine and deposited a selection of mini chocolate candy bars beside my e-reader, and I shut right up. This was perfectly lovely, after all.
Maybe I could take a few weeks’ break from hustling to enjoy unending orgasms and some pampering?
I’d just settled myself into that decision when my phone buzzed. Absentmindedly—the book was gettingreallygood—I glanced at it to see another text from my father.
Where the fuck are you, Stephanie? Your plane landed two hours ago.
I powered the phone down and scooted lower in the water, an irritated frown on my lips.
Let Dad think I was back in New Orleans, and just ignoring his order to find him. Let him think I’d done as he’d asked—no,blackmailedme into doing. Let him think I was…
I dunno. Let him justleave me alone.
I exhaled.
I could be happy here on Eastshore, couldn’t I? Away from my father and his grimy world. I could be happy being pampered?—
But I’d eventually get bored.
Garrak popped his head into the bathroom. “Everything okay in here?”
Trying to be funny, I affected a posh British accent. “Oh, there you are, my good man. I say, this water has gone a little chilly, could you have the boy?—”
I bit off my joking with a yelp when Garrak plunged his entire arm into the bubbles to open the drain, while simultaneously adding more hot water from the tap.
Well, that’s one way to fix it.
He kissed me again and sauntered out, leaving me to stare after his ass in sweatpants.
This is one of his love languages.
I’d guessed it from the very first morning I was here, when I’d asked him about how he’d lost his leg; he was a protector, someone who took care of others. I’d also seen that he was uncomfortable with people caring forhim, and I wasn’t sure how that made me feel. After all, I wasn’t some shrinking violet, yeah? I got shit done.
Would Garrak Longspear acceptmyhelp if I ever had the opportunity to offer it?
In the meantime, it seemed as if Garrak had discovered a few new love languages:
Gift Giving
Quality Time
