Chapter 19 – Cinder
Imust’ve drifted offto sleep while waiting for Xavier because he was sitting on that sofa again when I opened my eyes—this time with a book in one hand, his other curved around his head, dark-rimmed glasses over his eyes, and long legs stretched out in front of him. He looked different, less severe, in blue jeans and a light grey T-shirt. I stared at his arms, covered in black tattoos from his wrist upward, disappearing under his sleeves.
While the hot bath was nice, now that I knew he’d visited Master’s house, I wondered what he thought of me. Did he know that I didn’t have pretty things like him? Did he know all the bad things Master did to me? That I was a dirty little girl who loved her Master even if he punished her? That I hurt Master only because his last playtime wasn’t nice?
He looked up from his book, removed his glasses, and smiled. “Slept well?” I nodded. “You must be hungry?”
Even though I was, I shook my head. He’d done so much for me already. How would I repay him? And now he knew who I was, I couldn’t ask for more.
Frowning, he stood and neared the bed. “You need to eat something, or you’re not going to make it out of this bed.”
It’s so soft I’d stay here for the rest of my life, I wanted to say.
“Right on time, Beth,” he said, looking toward the door.
I followed his gaze as a lady entered the room with a tray. “Chicken broth and a cup of tea, sir.” She smiled, coming around the bed to set the tray on something with crisscrossed legs that looked like a chair or a table.
Whatever was on that tray smelled heavenly, even though my stomach rumbled, I didn’t move.
“What a little angel you are.” She touched my arm. “I’m Beth. You can call me anytime you want, okay?” There was something so pretty about her smile, I nodded. “Now, make sure you get some of this tasty soup into you, it’s good for you.”
“Thank you, Beth.” After she left, Xavier looked at me. “Can I help you to sit up?”
Although my mind felt alive, I didn’t have the strength to move. Wondering if the hot water bath caused that, I shook my head.
He sighed. “What if I gave you something in return.” Confused, I bit my lip. “If you eat a little food, I’ll reward you with anything you want. A book? Paints? Chocolate?”
At first, I didn’t understand. Master only rewarded me if I gave him something in return. This man wanted to give me something to eat. Did I trust him too quickly? “I’ll eat,” I said instead.
He leaned down, bringing his face close to mine. Immediately, my nose twitched. His fresh scent, unlike Master’s, sailed up my nostrils, making my head swim. So strong it overpowered the aroma of the food. Warm breath blew across my cheek as he lifted me to sit with my back against the headboard.
Done, he sat down next to me and reached for the bowl. “Open up.” He brought it closer and held out a spoonful to my lips. I accepted it and almost moaned aloud at the burst of new flavors. It was nothing like what Master gave me. Silently, we sat with Xavier feeding me, my eyes drifting over him, learning his features. He was a pretty man, just like Cinderella’s prince. I felt those bubbles pop in my stomach again, then blushed when I noticed he was also watching me like he could see inside my head.
I shook my head at the last spoon when I couldn’t eat anymore. “Thank you,” I said as he dabbed my lips with a napkin. Next, he held the cup to my lips. I took a sip and stared at the black liquid, lifting questions eyes to him.
“You’ve never had tea before?” I shook my head, taking another sip. He frowned but didn’t say anything. After I finished the tea, he set the cup aside. “Are you ready to tell me your name now?”
