So much for paying her dust.
A few minutes passed before her voice came through, softer now. “Marlon?”
I pushed the door open slightly. “You good?”
“Yeah.” A pause. “I think so.”
When she stepped out, she had the towel wrapped around her, hair damp, movements slower. The edge in her voice was gone, she’d finally managed to wear herself down.
“Come here,” I said.
She did, stopping in front of me without hesitation this time.
“Pajamas?”
“I sleep naked.”
“Of course you do.”
“I took out my robe, though.” She pointed at the bed and I reached for the robe laid across it, holding it open. She slipped her arms through, watching me the entire time.
“Why are you helping me, Marlon?” she asked.
I gave up trying to get her to stop questioning me, especially when she’s like this. But I’m noting that defiance.
“I already told you why.” I tied the robe at her waist, fingers working carefully, not lingering longer than necessary. She stayed still, letting me.
Then I reached for the scarf I assumed she laid out on the dresser.
She raised a brow.
“Sit,” I commanded.
She sat on the edge of the bed without issue.
I stepped behind her and gathered her hair gently, wrapping it up and securing it without pulling too tight.
She tilted her head up slightly. “You full of surprises.”
“Don’t get used to it.”
“Too late,” she sang out.
I stepped back. “Lay down.”
She shifted onto the bed, pulling the covers up halfway before looking at me again.
“You still leaving?”
“Yes.”
She watched me like she didn’t believe it.
“…you don’t have to rush,” she added.
I held her gaze for a second. Then my eyes traveled from her face. To her neck. Then over the swelling of her chest as her breast peaked out of her robe.
This was the part where I should leave.
