We cut our teeth on the blood of others. Normally, people would understand what they were up against and leave with some dignity intact, but as for the meeting today, I can see the love the Shipmoores have for their sister is so immense they will not be deterred.
“Hmm,” she muses rising from the darkness padding over past the gaiken then disappearing down the short hall way.
Allowing my gaze to drink her in I notice she’s in a silk little whimsical pajamas. I remove my shoes and jacket, leaving my briefcase by the door on a console table.
Muscles tight from the stress of the day, rolling my shoulders to ease the tension, I go over to the living room, sitting amongst the plush pillows Ev insisted on once she got more comfortable as my wife.
She didn’t like the minimalist theme the interior designer installed. Delighted to put her own touches on the place, she kept the color scheme but added soft little touches.
“I thought you’d like some simple fare for your first day back after a long weekend.” Setting the tray laden with thick Hoto soup.
Despite the truth of my words earlier, my little wife makes a lie out of me. Immediately and greedily, my stomach growls.
“Hmm,” I groan at the delicious aroma. “It seems I’m a little famished.” She curls her feet under her after she settles in beside me. Her eyes glow with the keenest of knowing me so well.
“Sometime you don’t know what you need until someone else points it out.” There’s an admission to the levels to which I have pushed her to recognize the needs of her body in her statement.
“Indeed,” I mummer not breaking the steadiness of her gaze. “Perhaps we can continue to learn from one another.”
The blush that steals on her face is made all the more adorable by the way she lower her eyes.
“There is steak,” she rises once I’m done eating, reaching for the bowl.
Grabbing her hand, I stop her pressing a kiss on the inside of her wrist. “Arigato.” The words almost fervent in the utterance.
“I’ll be right back.” A pretty blush rises high on her cheeks.
I nod, watching her leave, emotions rioting in my soul as the need for retribution battles with the need to find solace in the comfort she seems to be so freely offering me.
Something in me tells me not to trust it. Not to give her this opening again so she can eviscerate me so freely. Yet this sound advice, I surmise, will be ignored by the poor sod who’s literally howling in joy that she seeks to please me, feed me, and see to my comfort after such a trying day.
That I could be had by so little should humiliate, but when it comes to this woman, it would be foolish not to acknowledge the power she holds over me. It was my mistake last time not to realize how utterly she sees me. She doesn’t shy away — no. She leans in and I respect that despite the fact she ran from me.
“Itadakimass.” I smile, bowing my head in response to her kindness in telling me to enjoy the food.
Taking my chopsticks, I eat the tender, succulent Kobe steak along with the sides she provided. Again, my appetite makes me a liar. The food is delicious. The smile playing around Ev’s lips is more than a delight as she watches me consume the food prepared by the chef.
“Gochiso-sama,” Complementing the feast she’s presented makes her giggle.
“I’ll let the chef know when she returns tomorrow.” She winks, taking the tray.
This time when she returns, there is a somberness to her mood.
Placing the whiskey in front of me, she pours the drink, handing me the highball.
She watches as I take a sip, then gives a nod of thanks in appreciation.
“Would you like to play a game?” She’s already making herself busy taking the controls out.
My memory prickles. When we were first together instead of leading me into our bedroom, so I can shower then make love to her, she only brought out the game console when she started her cycle.
Explains why she has on pjs instead of greeting me with only her body necklace.
“Of course.” Shifting, I quell my disappointment.
“I’m sor?—”
“Don’t.” Heat rushes up my neck as I struggle with my emotions, allowing muscle memory to take over as I fiddle with the controls.
