I rattle the cuffs against the headboard. “Like I can go anywhere.” Holding my breath, I listen for where he’s disappeared to and wonder how long he’s going to leave me here.
A few minutes later, he returns with a wet, warm washcloth. Wordlessly, he wipes it against my body, starting at my chest.
Relaxing against the restraints, I let him take what he wants, enjoying the feel of him and how he takes his time to wash my skin as if committing every curve and crease of my body to memory.
I’m floating as he swipes my stomach with the cloth. No man has ever paid this much attention to me after sex. I worry my bottom lip, wondering if this is all a dream and I’m about to wake up any minute and find my shadow gone.
“Will you stay?” I know I can’t have a relationship with this man, but I don’t want him to go.
He pauses, his soft caress against my skin. “Do you want me to?”
“Yes.” I know I’m crazy and I hardly know this man, but I’m drawn to him like a flower is drawn to the light. Only my shadow lives in the darkness.
He finishes cleaning me, then pulls a knife from his combats and severs the wraps around my hands.
I run a finger over the scrapes on my wrists. It sends a tingle to my core, the sore skin a reminder of probably the best sex of my life.
He turns the ring light off and pulls the blanket over me, tucking me in. “I can’t stay this time.”
This time? There’s gonna be a next time. I curl up in my bed, hating how this scenario is all too familiar and yet again, I’m left alone after sex. I told myself I wouldn’t settle for this again, but my body vibrates with the promise of next time, and I can’t wait for that night to come.
I slump into my house,lock the door, and throw the keys on the side console table before kicking off my shoes. Coming off a twelve hour night shift is exhausting. I should go straight to bed, but I need to do some laundry and clean up.
Stumbling into the kitchen, a fresh floral scent catches in my nose. A vase full of white lilies is the focal point on my kitchen table. My heart thrums faster as I walk over to the arrangement. I stroke the soft velvety petals with my fingertips while I search for a card, but I don’t need a card to know who these are from.
I spin around, wondering if he’s still here. My mystery man who lets himself in and out like a cat burglar in the night. Yet the only thing he stole was a piece of my heart.
My nipples pebble at the memory from a few nights ago while I look for more clues of his whereabouts. I part my mouth, taking in the spotless kitchen and a full washing machine on a finished cycle.
Running up the stairs, my stomach tightens. As tired as I am, I still hope to find him in my room, but upon opening the door, I’m met with an empty space. Though my mystery man has left me another gift on my bed.
21
SHANE
The look on her face when she saw the lilies was beautiful. Her smile stretched wide, eyes sparkling, but the look on her face now as she unwraps the gift on her bed is priceless.
I zoom in, making sure I get a good look at her face inspecting the silk nightdress. It’s probably not as comfortable as her pyjamas, and it certainly won’t keep her warm this winter, but she’ll look fucking amazing in it.
Her fingers glide over the deep turquoise fabric.
I shoot off a text from my new phone. The one I’ll use solely for her and the app so she doesn’t know it’s me. The one I recorded her on last night.
Put it on for me.
She reaches into her pocket, retrieving her phone, and smiles as she reads the message. But it’s short-lived as she scans the room. She’s a smart girl, but I doubt she’ll find the camera I fitted in her metal bed frame, resembling the head of a screw. What she doesn’t know is they’re dotted all over her house.
The security system I set up for her a few years back didn’t give me the access to her I need. Call me unhinged, but if my girl enjoys being watched, that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.
Are you watching me?
Do you want me to?
She scans the room again, this time walking around the bed, searching in the wardrobe and looking behind the curtain.
You need to get some sleep. I want you refreshed for later.
Do you really think I can sleep now?
