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“Mine it is,” I decide for her.
The car pulls up just as we step out, and holding the door open for her after taking her suitcase, I can see the wheels turning in her head before I slip in after her.
“Who are you?” she asks me bluntly once I tell the driver to take us home and raise the privacy screen I’ve missed all day.
“I’m Lucian,” I remind her, pulling her close and relaxing only once I feel her melt into me, her hand resting on my chest.
“And you’re mine, Carol,” I tell her again, hearing my stomach groan and making us both laugh.
“Hungry?” she asks me, and I know she is too. I can just tell.
“Starving, even though I did eat already,” I joke, tickling her ribs and feeling the weight of her chest in my hand.
Making me think about having the same again for dinner, but we both really need something to eat and some rest I think.
It’s been a big day, and something else tells me that tomorrow is gonna be a whole lot bigger.
It’s Christmas Eve, and I figure Carol has to know sooner or later.
One way or the other.
But for tonight, for now, I want it to be just us.
Some dinner, some conversation and then-
Her gentle snores break my concentration.
She’s fast asleep on my chest, making little mewing sounds with her lips and clawing at me in her sleep, like a kitten.
I daren’t wake her just for the sake of asking what she wants to eat.
We’ve got all the time in the world, and she’s not going anywhere.
Not if I can help it.Chapter NineCarolI don’t remember much after getting into Lucian’s car, except both of us being hungry and him telling me not to worry about anything.
Whatever happened after that is a blackout for me, I just remember his hard chest under my hand as I began to drift off to sleep. The rest is a blur.
I still feel hungry, but well rested apart from that before I even open my eyes.
I can tell straight away I’m not in my own bed, because I’m in a real bed.
A huge, comfortable and very expensive bed, I can just tell.
Hugging the sheets a little closer, I can smell Lucian’s cologne on them but I don’t feel his warmth anymore.
My eyes spring open and I hold my breath while I scan my surroundings.
It’s a huge room, and gray early morning winter light is creeping through the floor to ceiling windows.
I’m in just my T-shirt and panties, nothing else, but I don’t have to check to know.
Nothing else happened last night.
I sigh heavily, almost disappointed.
The mysterious and majestic Lucian whoever he really is, gave me a taste of pleasure at my apartment, took care of my super whatever that means, and then drove me home to his house and just put me to bed?
As soon as I spy the note on the dresser, I know that’s exactly what happened.
The furniture is heavy, solid wood with light colored everything else.
Clean and fresh, like an ad for ice cream.
God, I’m so hungry.
I lay for a while, soaking in the atmosphere and hearing nothing but complete stillness.
A silence I’d never get in my apartment.
The single thought of the place makes me wince, hoping I still have a place if things don’t work out.
But somehow I know they will.
Somehow, all of this feels like home already.
I stretch and squeak a little yawn before I venture out of the warm bed, noticing the temperature of the room is constant too. Just right, and I grab the thick cream envelope with my name on the front before opening it.
It’s dated, Christmas Eve.
Carol,
I had to leave early this morning, but don’t let that stop you. Ring the bell by the bed and breakfast will be there in a moment.
Help yourself to the bath and anything else you need, if you can’t find it, ring the bell and ask for it.
Anything you want.
I laid out your clothes in the dressing room, along with another Mrs. Claus costume for your shift at three.
Don’t be late!
A car will take you to work.
Lucian.
P.S: You cute-snore in your sleep.
I laugh out loud at his last comment but feel torn as well for a few different reasons.
He’s left me alone, and only a note by way of letting me know.
Plus, he’s telling me to be ready for work this afternoon.
I feel excited, sick, and more than anything, hungry all at the same time.
I check the door straight away, making sure I’m not being held prisoner or anything.
The hallway is as big and wide as the bedroom. It’s an old stately house.
A mansion. The kind I’ve seen in old movies, but this is the real thing, not a set.
And it’s in perfect condition, with immaculate carpets, drapery, and more of the same heavy furniture.
