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“Of course not. And if you do, there’s always next time to remind you.”
Next time. A flutter moves inside me, but I don’t say a thing. I can’t.
There’s too much history between us to believe in…whatever this is. The simple fact is, I was his once, and when I was, he didn’t value me enough to try, to make an effort, to include me.
I see no reason to believe he won’t go right back to that if I make the mistake of letting him back in. And walking away the first time broke me. I can’t risk it again.
I just can’t.
Tears blot the sheet underneath me, and I try to stay silent, but the asshole keeps stroking my hair, and I just…can’t.
I sob into the sheet, letting it all out.
And the man who caused it holds me through it, caressing me, whispering my name, kissing the back of my head.
This is so, so dangerous.
I don’t think I can survive him a second time.
I don’t know how long it takes me to fall asleep, but the next time I wake up, I’m alone. The light outside the window is gone, so I slept away most of the day—though sunset comes pretty early in the winter.
I drag myself to my feet, and peek out into the corridor.
I’m right in front of my room—Less’s is on the opposite side. Figuring a shower is as good an idea as any, I cross the hall towards it, when my name’s called out.
“Ivy-boo!” a familiar voice squeals.
I freeze like a deer in headlights, as though I was caught doing something I shouldn’t, as my mother runs towards me, throwing her arms around my shoulders.
“I missed youso much!”
“Mom!” I hug her back numbly. “I didn’t realize you were back.”
I didn’t even realize the storm had stopped.
“Nicolai, that darling boy, got the jet to come up as soon as it was possible. We hitched a ride,” she tells me. “Let me look at you. My! You’re glowing.”
That, and still sweaty and full of cum after being fucked by two cocks, in front of half a dozen pairs of eyes.
“I’m so glad to see you,” I say honestly, rather than comment. “Where’s Dad?”
“Back at the house—someone’s there to fix the heating. Good god, I’m so glad we bought a house right next door to the Valmonts. Can you imagine if you’d been stuck in the cold alone in the storm for two days?” She shivers. “Can you pack your things? I’ve just popped by to get you girls. Though now that Nic’s here, I’m sure Bella’ll want to stay.”
She rolls her eyes.
My things, it turns out, are just the clothes I came in. I hesitate, but I leave the Kindle where it is on the bed, despite my earlier resolution. I have one of my own, anyway. And I don’t need that memory staring at me, reminding me about everything that happened here.
I have my closure. My mother’s arrival is nothing short of providence. It’s all for the best.
Right?
When we’re back downstairs, in the great hall that I imagine still smells of sex, Less is ever the gentleman with my mother—as usual.
“Thank you so much for taking care of my girls.”
“Always, Maria.”
“You were such a sweetheart for getting them yourself.”
