No. Fucking stupid idea. I need to stay hidden, at least my identity, for as long as possible. Only one person knows howI actually fit into this equation, and they have no idea what I’ve been up to. Yes, I was tasked with watching her, but my intentions are quite different than the one who gives the orders.
I was raised to be a tool. A pawn in a game I never agreed to play, but what young child has a say in how they are brought up. I went along with it for a while, too. Never complained a single fucking time, either.
Three years ago, everything changed. When Cindel was thrust into this, I threw the damn rule book out the window. She was never supposed to be brought into this.
I’m drawn to her. From the first time I saw her, I felt the pull.
Right now, it isn't any different. Once I am confident, she is asleep, I stalk toward the darkened house. A copy of the key in hand. I actually have a set of keys to multiple houses in the vicinity.
“I want access to these homes, just in case,” he told me.
It was my first assignment, after I was well enough to be out and about.
Turning the key in the lock, I enter the cottage quietly and slip off my boots by the door. Not wanting to chance leaving my car nearby, I hiked up here and my shoes are filthy.
Cindel’s soft nasally breathing remains steady as I inch closer.
Kingston, as if on cue, lifts his head and begins to show teeth. I came prepared. Placing a beefy marrow bone in front of him, his attention is quickly diverted to the offered morsel. Good boy. I pat the top of his head.
Her body is strewn across the emerald, green couch. If she opens her eyes right now, she will see my face. I only have a black hoodie on. Next time, I plan to be a little more creative. Only a blanket covers the top half of her body; tights and schoolgirl skirt are still on from earlier. I grin to myself, knowing she must be out if she was too tired to bother undressing. Just as well, Iwould have little restraint if Cindel was lying here in nothing but her undergarments.
Next, I notice the tools for the fireplace are pulled close to her. Cute. It’s hard to ward off intruders when you pass out, and your pooch is food motivated.
I’m impressed more than anything. The way she thinks ahead. Always on guard. For someone who’s faced so much… she survived. She’s fragile… but fragile like a bomb.
My fingers twitch and I reach for her. With the back of my knuckles, I touch her. Starting at the petite bone of her ankle. My hand glides up her calf slowly. I want to feel her skin. The separation between us is both torture and a blessing.
My stomach does that dipping thing. Like when you’re driving and you go down a hill, only for the road to rise again instantly.
The back of my hand continues to explore past her knee. Her body moves slightly and I freeze. She groans but doesn’t wake. Gently I progress up to her thigh, wishing desperately to delve beneath that tempting skirt, where I truly ache to be. My cock is rock hard now, without even touching her flesh. The curve of her hip is the widest part of her small frame. Cinched waist and small chest. I want nothing more than to sink my teeth into her.
I have a feeling that she has dark desires. Like I’m the only one who can satiate them. They’re there; she just needs a bit of an awakening. I’ve witnessed the last guy she was with. A minute man who fucked his way through Cha-Cha’s in the back alley of clubs. Pathetic. When she’s mine, she will never have to beg for my affection. Her needs come first.
Cindel is stunning… lips slightly parted as she sleeps. I should leave. If she wakes up and finds me, everything will be ruined. Despite my better judgment, I brush my thumb along her bottom lip, making it bounce. Her tongue juts out to lick her lips, and I can’t help but mirror the action. Fuck! That mouth. Iwonder how it would look around my dick. A sleep filled groan escapes her as she tries to power through my toying.
Okay… I’ve had my fun for the night. I adjust my cock before going over to the kitchen drawer to retrieve the piece of tech she’s just going to have to learn to accept. I carefully remove and place her hearing aid on the table beside us, then nestle the little bud into her right ear. I admire her freckle.
Her eyes flutter, from my touch, but she doesn’t wake. My insides burn for this woman.
Gently, I place my lips against her forehead. As if saying the words against her will make them more powerful. My mouth moves lightly on her skin as I soundlessly deliver my message. Listen better, Princess.
Just as stealthily as before, I pull my boots back on and exit the house. After locking up, I head over to the guest suite. There are a few surprises I have in store for her.
CHAPTER
FOURTEEN
CINDEL
Whoever this home designer was, definitely didn’t have people sleeping in the living room in mind. How am I supposed to sleep past seven in the morning, when a gigantic skylight engulfs the room in a cheerful morning glow?
I pull my sore body off the stiff couch and shuffle to the kitchen to find some kind of jet fuel, seeing as the sun has tortured me awake. Sifting through the cabinets, I manage to find some expired instant coffee. I put a teapot on the burner and began to pull up my hair, as I search for sweetener. Just as I guide the strands into a high pony, my fingers brush against my ear. Wait. I try to recall last night. Didn’t I? I yank open the kitchen drawer where I last left it.
“No, no, no…” It’s not there! My shaky fingers dance over my right ear, removing the item. I hold the haunting piece of plastic out in front of me; the periwinkle doodle mocks me. How? Did I—I glanced back to the emerald, green couch I spent last night on, eyes catching on the hearing aid upon a side table. I can’t breathe.
Kingston trots up to me, tail wagging, probably oblivious to my impending heart attack. He just wants to be let out. Taking a staggered breath before attempting to move my feet, Kingston nearly drops something big on my foot.
“Ah! Careful, boy. What’s this?” I picked up the slimy, smelly item. “Where’d you get this?” It’s a pre-chewed marrow bone and Kingston is just delighted to show me. He begins scratching the door. “Okay. Okay.” I let the dog outside, put the mystery bone back down on the ground, and washed my hands.
