For the walk back to the hotel, the argument, the yelling, and Clarkestilltaking the bucket of water for her.
10. “Young and Beautiful” – Lana Del Rey
That bitter question: When the fake falls away, will anything real remain?
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Ceci
Two burning coals peered out from behind those slits. Small oval openings that had been carved in the iron to reveal at least that much of the man.
I thought you abandoned the mask.
Not tonight, Ceci.
He wore a white shirt that gripped his shoulders, hugged his waist and slipped like water over stone revealing every ripple of his core. The sleeves clutched his biceps and were rolled up at the elbows so she could see the taught veins that tracked his forearms.
He didn’t sit upright. His spine wasn’t stiff or erect. Although another part of him was, she thought, as her eyes drifted to the flagpole he’d planted between his thighs.
But that was the only rigid thing about him. The rest of him was loose, languid, liquid. His arms hanging lazily by his sides, his hands and those elegant fingers resting casually in his lap, on either side of his cock. And his legs splayed.
She hated when men did that. And they did it all the time. Everywhere. Sitting on the bus, on the subway, at the theater, in the doctor’s office. They took up not only their space, but hers as well, while she was expected to accommodate them, slap her knees together, make herself as small as possible, give the man more room.
I hate when men do that.
Do what?
Take up more space than they should.
Should, Ceci? Are we going to talk morality?
You take up so much space there’s little left for me. Why do you do that?
Because I can.
Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. You told me that.
Did I? He crooked his finger. Come here.
Her heart beat so hard and fast, she heard it clanging like a church bell in her ears.
Why? What are you going to do?
Nothing you haven’t asked for.
That voice echoed from behind the iron.
She ventured forward. Her steps, slow and hesitant.
I’m going to give you what you want.
But what if I don’t know what I want?
Don’t worry. I do.
When she was within reach, he grabbed her arm and yanked her forward until she was standing between his thighs.
She looked down and suddenly realized she was naked, except for her panties.
