“It’ll also enhance sensation,” Claire was saying, “making intimacy more pleasurable in many instances.”
I felt my cheeks heat, my face flaming from embarrassment. Here was this woman giving me a course on sexual intimacy and the value of a Brazilian wax. All because my stepbrother had requested it.
My thoughts instantly shifted to Knox. Did he prefer women this way? Should I be offended that he would make such a decision for me? Or should I take advantage of his generosity and view it as a chance to experience something I’d never experienced before?
“Shall we begin?” Claire prompted.
I stared at her, swallowed hard, and made a decision. “Yes. But I’d rather be bare if you don’t mind.”
She smiled again, her eyes glittering with approval. “Not at all, Miss Campbell.”
For the record, waxing was not a fun process.
Not fun in the least.
~~~~
Kieran
I usually spent Saturday mornings with arun through Central Park, but while I had considered skipping my ritual for today, I pushed through the procrastination.
On my way back to the apartment, I resisted the urge to swing by Emily’s apartment, see how things were faring there. If I hadn’t been in need of a shower, I probably would have.
When I got back, Knox was gone. No note, no text, nothing to tell me where he would be. I had a good idea because this was Knox and he spent a majority of his time at the office. The man’s work ethic was unrivaled, and I knew his father would’ve been proud at all the success Knox had had with what he’d been so graciously given. I, on the other hand, wasn’t quite as rigid with my schedule, although I ensured I was reachable twenty-four seven. Unlike Knox, though, I entrusted my companies to those who knew how to run the day-to-day. I was part of the big decisions, of course, and I kept abreast of any escalated situations, but I didn’t believe in micromanaging. Then again, I also didn’t have the vast portfolio that Knox did, which took a considerable amount of time to deal with.
And because of that, I had time to spend with Emily.
After I showered and dressed, I made myself a bowl of oatmeal and snagged a banana. As I sat at the dining table, I pulled out my phone, shot a quick text to Knox, informing him that I would be heading over to the penthouse to check on Emily.
KNOX:She’s at the spa.
Ah. Right. The spa.
As I wondered what Emily’s reaction to the requested Brazilian wax would be, I smiled to myself. Knox was nothing if not manipulative, and part of me suspected Emily would decline the treatment if she knew Knox had personally requested it. Either way, I was eager to see the result firsthand.
Two hours later, after I’d confirmed with Stewart that Emily was back at the penthouse, I decided it was time to pay her a visit. Last night had ended far more abruptly than I would’ve liked, and I was looking forward to spending more time with her.
I considered calling up to be granted entry but decided to use my personal passcode instead. Being that Emily was likely getting familiar with the space, I doubted she would be the one letting me up anyway.
When the elevator stopped on the second floor of the residence, I stepped out, looked left and right, paused to listen. I heard voices coming from the great room, so I ventured that direction, strolling into the room to find Emily alone with her phone sitting on her lap.
“Yes, Siobhan, I promise. All is well. I’m not being held prisoner.”
“We were worried,” her friend admitted, her voice a bit tinny through the phone’s speaker.
“Hence the reason we called,” another person said.
“I texted you, Priya,” Emily stated defensively.
“There’s no proof of life with a text.”
That got me smiling as I moved closer to Emily.
She must’ve noticed movement, because she looked up, her pretty brown eyes skimming me quickly before her face relaxed.
“Hey, girls,” she said in the direction of the phone. “I’ve got company. I’ll talk to you later.”
A chorus of goodbyes sounded and then Emily disconnected the call and set the phone on the table.
