She turns to me, taking a deep breath and exhaling it in a sigh. “Well, no. I was in my room for most of the first two days we were here, and then yesterday I was a bit frazzled, so I forgot to take off the ‘do not disturb’ sign while I was…out.”
I give a nod, understanding her a bit better. “Do you usually get sofrazzled? Or is this entire situation particularly taxing for you?”
She cringes a little, and I find myself wondering why she always seems a bit embarrassed by my words. “Um, a bit of both, really. This entire situation has really been stressful and overwhelming, but I always struggle with anxiety. Especially in social situations and loud places.”
I nod again, crossing my arms in the middle of the tiny entryway of her hotel room. I rock back and forth on my heels as I think. “I see. But you do still like to go out and explore?”
She nods hurriedly, as if wanting to reassure me as soon as possible that she isn’t some strange hermit. “Yeah. Just…depends on what it is, and for how long. I’m not the type to go clubbing, for example, but I like seeing new sights and stuff.”
I feel my chest tighten as I’m reminded of what Amy told me at the coffee shop.I want to be able to control how much I go out into the world.It stuck with me, because why the fear? Why the need to hide from the world? I didn’t get it. But now, I think I do, even just in part.The world isn’t kind to someone it’s not built for.She’s not built for the world, and the world isn’t built for her. It’s like they’re both at odds, struggling with each other.
It makes me like her more. As someone who never listens to the world’s rules and instead goes by my own laws, it’s something I can admire. Perhaps we have more in common than one might think.
I step forward, my fingers grazing along her cheek as I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “I see. Thank you for sharing with me, leannán. Now, give me your phone.”
She raises an eyebrow and then furrows it. “Sorry?”
I smile a bit. “Give me your phone. I am going to put my number into it, so if you need me, you can call me. No matter the time, do you understand? I don’t care if it’s so much as a nightmare from what happened. Tell me you understand.”
She gives a slow nod and brings out her phone, unlocking it and handing it to me. “I understand.”
I plug in my information. I already have her contact information, so there’s no need for me to even text myself. I hand it back to her before caressing under her chin. “Good girl. I expect you to take that seriously. You have the slightest inconvenience, you come to me, you understand?”
She nods. “Okay. Thank you.”
I chuckle. “You’re welcome. Now get some rest. Enjoy your peace and quiet tomorrow, leannán, and then we’ll enjoy each other’s company the next day, hm?”
“Okay.” The way she’s looking up at me is making my cock harden, so sweet and precious, as she hands my jacket back to me.
I turn, leaving the room before I can think more about burying myself in her and tasting her sweet flesh. The more I think of it, the more I’m at risk of losing control. But I need to build my little leannán’s trust before I ruin her like that.
I’m not a man accustomed to waiting to get what I want. But my sweet Amy is worth the wait.
15
Kerry
I’m going to shoot Astero in the fucking mouth.
He’s been chatting all the way to the docks. I can tell he’s nervous. He’s incessantlyannoying.But my agitation is only making him more nervous, causing him to joke around and trying to get on my good side again.
It isn’t working.
By the time that we step out of the black SUV into the New Jersey sunlight, I’m irritated and want nothing more than for this to be done with so that I can get back to the hotel. I’m eager to plan how I’m going to spoil Amy tomorrow. I’ve made sure she’s taken care of today, sending her plenty of food, drinks, and goodies so she feels better. I want her rested and relaxed for our time together.
All of the workers have been sent over to another section of the dock by the time we get there. A short, squat man is already waiting for us, looking out over the water and smoking a cigar. Astero steps forward and grins. “O’Neil! How are you, buddy?”
Buddy?Americans are so strange sometimes.
The squat man, O’Neil, looks over in our direction at the sound of his name. “Wow. You’re actually on time, Astero? I’m surprised. You’re always running late.”
Astero chuckles. “Eh, my uh…future son-in-law here likes to keep to a tight schedule. He’s keeping me on my toes.”
Is he really criticizing me for not allowing him to be late? What an imbecile.
O’Neil looks me over, arching a brow and smirking. “As he should. You know I don’t like waiting. But you usually make me do it, anyway.” He steps forward and offers his hand for me to shake. “So you’re the new addition, eh?” He turns back to Astero. “Your granddaughter did good, he’s quite the pretty boy, isn’t he? Foreign, you said? And in a suit no less. Classy.”
I give him a charming smile. I know that I look good in my crisp all-black suit, but it feels nice to get the gentleman’s approval, especially if irks Astero. Considering he looks like he just sucked on a lime, I’d wager it did.
