“She loves you. Shewantsto see you,” he said, quieter, like it broke him to say it. “So come see her or don’t. But if you make her choose,” his voice had dropped into something darker, rougher, “you will lose her.”
I barely had time to pull away from his door when he ended the call. I rushed down the steps, but I wasn’t fast enough.
Rowen cleared his throat just as my foot left the last step. I turned, my chest aching with deep emotion when his eyes met mine.
His mask dropped, releasing the tension and frustration he had been carrying. He softened in a way he only did for me.
“Morning, baby.” His voice was deep and wrapped around me like a warm blanket, making my toes curl.
It was mesmerizing, the way he descended the stairs effortlessly and pulled me into his arms—something straight out of a fucking movie. He held me close, like he was starved for the physical contact.
His lips landed on my forehead, then my cheek, then my lips. The kiss stayed slow and steady, like he had all the time in the world to claim me, to remind me who I belonged to.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you woke up,” he murmured against my skin. “Especially after last night.” He pulled back just enough to search my face. “How do you feel this morning? Still sore?”
“A little,” I admitted.
His lips spread with a wicked grin. “I spent the morning planning something to make up for it. I know it doesn’t fix things, but I want you to know I’m trying to be better for you.” He brushed my hair behind my ear, his thumb dragging along my jaw, making me shiver. “I made you breakfast. I’ll feed you, and then we can take a long soak in the hot tub.” He rubbed his thumb over my bottom lip. “And how does a full body massage sound? I won’t even tie you up this time.” Our lips were nearly touching. “Unless you ask me to.”
Heat bloomed low in my belly. I was ashamed my body had forgotten his wrongdoings so quickly.
“You made breakfast?” I asked, trying to hide the effect he had on me, trying to remain casual.
His grin deepened. “Of course I did. It’s my job to take care of you.”
He led me to the dining room, his hand on my lower back. Dishes of eggs, potatoes, sausage crumbles, and cheese—for breakfast bowls—were on the table, alongside some cut fruit and mugs of coffee, mine looking the perfect shade of brown.
He knows me so well.
We mostly ate in silence, but it wasn’t awkward or uncomfortable. Every so often, his foot would brush against mine. He even fed me small bites, watching me eat like it was mesmerizing.
When we finished, he took my hand and led me to the steaming hot tub outside.
Rowen removed his clothes and climbed in first then offered his hand.
I pulled the shirt over my head and dropped it to the floor. When I was about to take his hand, I hesitated—barely—but he caught it immediately.
“I won’t push you,” he said softly. “I know I came on strong yesterday, but I meant everything I said. I can’t exist without you. I love you, Avery. I’ll wait for you to catch up, however long you need, but I need you to know I love you more than anything. I always will.”
He was so intentional with every word, like he knew exactly what I needed to hear.
I nodded slowly and let him help me into the water.
It was warm, perfect really, easing my sore muscles the moment I sank into the water. Rowen pulled me into his lap, and I leaned back against his chest, his hands sliding over my shoulders and down my arms.
“So, is she coming?”
Rowen froze for a moment then said, “I honestly don’t know.”
“You didn’t have to threaten her.”
“I didn’t threaten her.” He laughed. “I just told her to make her choice.”
His hands moved to my back, massaging the tension away, then did the same for my thighs and hips.
I should’ve been mad at him, but I melted anyway. I knew this was him trying. In his own fucked up, controlling way—hewastrying.
And I didn’t want him to stop.
