Page 136 of Whispered Promises

It’s hard to stay uncomfortable when this man does everything to make me feel anything but. Thankfully, exhaustion from my period, coupled with the post-orgasm haze, means my brain’s able to brush that panic aside to deal with at a later date. Most likely in the middle of the night, just to torture me.

“Come on. Let’s shower off before getting you dressed and cosy for bed.”

Noah pulls me off the sink and onto my feet. Feeling slightly unsteady, I freeze when our combined release drips down my leg. Not wanting to make a mess on the floor, I dart under the warming shower stream, letting it wash everything away. Noah steps in behind me, and as I turn to face him, he moves in closer. I watch as the water falls steadily down his face then he drops his head back, hands running through his hair. This man has just given me a soul-sucking orgasm, and already I want to climb his body and claim another.

He takes a step back, tugging on my arm to pull me under the stream, then reaches for the shampoo on the side. Standing face-to-face, he massages it into my scalp. The moment is so intimately tender that I struggle to catch my breath. He’s concentrating hard, making sure he doesn’t miss anything.

As he massages the suds into the base of my neck, I can’t help but drop my head forward onto his chest to provide him better access. I struggle with tension in my neck and having him soothe the dull ache has me light-headed with relief.

“So much tension. You have four pairs of hands at your disposal; all you need to do is ask and any of us will happily ease your aches.” His voice vibrates through his chest, and I tilt my head to smile up at him.

“You all look after me so much already. I don’t want to ask for something when I don’t need it. It doesn’t seem like I’m doing enough for all of you.” Letting myself voice some of my concerns is both freeing and a little terrifying. I’m still not used to putting myself out there or letting myself fall and hoping someone will catch me.

“I can promise we’re all holding back from doing more. It’s hard to control the urge to come on too strong and smother you with our attention. So if you need the occasional neck rub, all you need to do is ask. We don’t expect anything in return. You give your care and kindness so freely already.”

“I appreciate you more than you know,” I whisper into his chest, my heart tight and yet bursting at the same time.

“You’re important to me. Now let’s get you clean before we both turn into prunes, then we can snuggle to sleep.”

FIFTY-EIGHT

ROSY

My eyes fall closed as I inhale deeply, trying to centre myself. Exhaling audibly, I breathe in again, holding it before releasing it. I can’t seem to conjure the calm today. My patience is wearing thin, and I’m worried I’ll snap and say something.

I need this job.

As I retrace my steps back and forth past the sinks, I try to push away the agitation. I brace my hands on either side of one of the basins, and my head slumps forward. I just want to go home and not have to deal with people today, but that’s not an option. There’s nothing I can pinpoint that’s triggered this feeling, but I just don’t have the bandwidth for people today.

I don’t try to hold back the sigh that escapes me as I head out of the communal toilet and back to my desk.

The smile plastered on my face even feels fake, but at least I’m trying?

Sliding onto my chair, I give myself another moment to breathe before pulling up an email. Trying to work through some of my tasks proves more difficult today. My attention’s split between the work in front of me, and the corridor to Peter’s office. That nervous anticipation that he might appear and reprimand me for something buzzes beneath my skin.

“Rosy.”

I startle and knock over my desk organiser. Pens roll in all directions. I scramble to grab them, and Brett merely watches instead of assisting.

“How can I help?” I grind out, but I force a smile, so he barely seems to notice my agitation.

“I’ve got an urgent position with a quick turnaround time. So I need you to stay late tomorrow, as there’s a shitload of applications to shortlist. Then we’ll do some telephone interviews before I select the candidate.”

“Oh, ah…” I trail off. Do I want to stay late for this? No. But I don’t know how to say that. He has four other people in the team, plus Peter. Surely any of them can help? Does it really have to be me?

Then it clicks.

If he gets the others to help fill the position, the commission’s split. I’m salaried, so I don’t receive a commission. I’m being used so he can get more of the money. It hurts, but it’s also not a surprising revelation either.

His gaze narrows when I don’t respond.

“This is an important contract for the company, do I need to speak to Peter?” His usual flirtation is missing, as his tone turns hard and threatening.

“No,” I reply, my eyes dropping to my desk as my head bobs. “I’ll assist and stay later if needed.”

“Perfect, I’ll come get you when I’m ready tomorrow.” His switch in mood has me spinning, but it doesn’t matter how I feel because all he cares about is getting what he wants from me.

“Enjoy the rest of your day.” He winks, then strides away.