His smile widens, and he gives me another soft kiss. “That means the world to me.”
He pulls out slowly, and I moan at the emptiness. Leo grabs a napkin from the table, gently cleaning me up. His tenderness touches something deep inside me, and I blink back sudden tears.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice thick as a fat tear slips down my cheek.
He pauses, looking at me with concern. “Are you really okay, my sweet lass?”
I nod quickly, offering him a watery smile. “I’m happy. I don’t know why I’m crying.”
His face softens, and he lifts me into his lap like I weigh nothing, wrapping me up tight. “It’s normal to have a lot of emotions after an intense scene like that, sweetheart. You did so well.”
My body starts shaking as I burrow my face in his neck, breathing in the familiar orange scent that’s become my anchor. Leo holds me tighter, one hand cupping the back of my head, theother rubbing soothing circles on my back. “Shh, it’s okay, Alice. I’ve got you. You’re safe.”
I cling to him as the flood of emotions pours out. I’m raw, exposed, yet utterly safe in his arms.
“That’s it, let it all out,” he murmurs. “You were brave. I’m incredibly proud of you.”
His voice steadies something inside me, and I take a deep, shuddering breath. Leo presses a soft kiss to my temple.
“You’re doing so well, sweetheart. This is the hard part, processing all those intense emotions. But you’re not alone. I’m right here with you.”
I nod against his chest, my tears slowly subsiding. He’s right. This is hard, but being in his arms makes everything better.
Leo stands with me still in his arms and carries me into the living room as if I weigh nothing. My legs are still trembling, and the cool air against my sweat-damp skin makes me shiver. When he wraps the blanket around us, I burrow into him like he’s the only warm place in the world.
“How about some water?” he asks softly.
I nod, and he reaches for a bottle on the side table. Did he plan this? If he did, it makes me like him even more.
We sit in silence for a while, his arms wrapped around me, my head resting on his shoulder. It gives me time to gather my thoughts.
“Feeling better?” he asks.
I snuggle closer, breathing in orange and comfort. “Yes. Thank you for...for everything.”
He kisses the top of my head. “You don’t need to thank me, lass. This is what I’m here for, and I need this just as much as you do.”
I look up at him, my eyes searching his. “I thought I was here to be your freeuse fucktoy?”
He laughs, and the rumble in his chest makes me giddy. “That too. You are my freeuse fucktoy, but that doesn’t mean I won’t take care of you.”
I sigh happily and kiss his neck. I never expected to be cared for like this.
“Now, how about we get you tucked into bed?” he suggests. “You’ve had a big day, and you need your rest.”
I give him a shy smile. “Only if you come with me.”
He smiles back. “That was the plan.”
As Leo leads me to his bedroom, contentment settles into my bones. Agreeing to be his freeuse toy until the New Year might be the best decision of my life. But I’m not sure how to explain what I’m doing to other people. I want to talk to Willow, but what would I even say? That I’ve found something I didn’t know I was looking for? That the man I met at a Halloween party has somehow become the safest place I’ve ever been?
The thought sends a flutter of nervousness through my belly, but I push it aside. Who says I have to tell Willow anything? This could be my secret for as long as I want it to be.
Something has shifted. I’m not just enjoying this arrangement anymore—I’m starting to need it. Need him. The thought should scare me, but when he pulls me closer, all I feel is safe.
Tomorrow’s problems can wait. Tonight, everything feels right, and I’m exactly where I want to be.
Chapter 6
