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  I smiled to myself and let the tiredness take over. It had been a long day and I was exhausted, totally satiated, and very sleepy. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep, feeling as safe as houses, here, in this stranger’s arms.

  Chapter 9

  I woke to the sun streaming through the windows and a soft warm breeze causing the voiles to billow gently. There was the heady aroma of fresh roasted coffee lingering in the air.

  I sat up, stretched and slipped out of bed. I grabbed the first thing I could find, which happened to be the sheet and wrapped myself in it toga style. Clutching the sheet to my chest and with a new found spring in my step, I left the bedroom and followed the scent of the coffee.

  I entered the huge kitchen once more and saw him there, sitting at the island, coffee cup in hand. He was bare-chested; wearing only a pair of faded 501s and was reading the Sunday papers. He looked up as I entered and immediately rose from his seated position.

  “Good Morning Elise.” He moved towards me.

  “Nice outfit.” He pulled at the sheet where I was clutching it and pulled me against his chest. He planted a soft and sensual kiss on my lips before releasing me and moving to the counter.

  “Coffee?” He asked.

  His back was to me, and I swear I could see him smirking to himself as he poured the glossy liquid into a cup.

  I didn’t respond. I just stood there not really knowing what to do with myself. He handed the cup to me and sat back down with his paper. Without looking up he spoke.

  “Sit.”

  I sat.

  I watched him as he turned the pages of the newspaper. His arms were tanned and muscular. I gulped and shuddered as I pored over about what those hands of his had put me through over the last 24 hours. I sipped at my coffee slowly, still watching him, waiting for him to say something.

  He was also watching me intently, as if he too were waiting. Was he waiting for me to speak first? I had no idea what I was supposed to say in these circumstances. Did I thank him for rescuing me and politely leave? I had no clue as to what was expected of me.

  “You look confused Elise.” He stated before looking back to his newspaper.

  “I am a little.” I said. “I suppose I should think about making a move.”

  I wanted him to put the newspaper down. I wanted him to tell me that I didn’t have to leave. Damn it! I wanted him to ask me to stay. He did none of those things. He barely even glanced at me as he shrugged his shoulders and carried on reading.

  “Let me know when you are ready and I will have my driver take you home.”

  My cheeks burned with embarrassment. I was just a one night stand, no more. I should have listened to him. He did try to warn me. I stood up abruptly almost knocking the stool over in the process, and forgetting that I was dressed in a loosely draped sheet. He peered over the top of his paper and smiled at me, his eyes lowering briefly to my now naked chest.

  I pulled the fabric up around myself and bunched it tightly in my fingers.

  “You look very beautiful when you are angry.” He said with a laugh.

  “I’m not angry.” I barked, turning away from him.

  “Elise, please. You are furious with me.” He folded the paper neatly and placed it on the counter. “If you are going to have a temper tantrum, then at least have the courage of your conviction to follow it through with some kind of reasoning.” He stood slowly, and my shoulders tensed with anticipation. I didn’t know what to expect from him next. I took a breath in and held it as he approached me, waiting for him to reach out to me, to touch me...

  “Shower!” He said and snapped his fingers at me.

  I felt my feet start to move in accordance with his order and I was infuriated by my own self betrayal. I stopped walking and stood perfectly still.

  “NO!” I shouted.

  He stopped and turned on his heel.

  “Elise. Darling.” He stepped closer to me, our bodies were almost touching and I could feel the heat emanating from my skin against him. “You are new to me, and so I will be lenient.” He reached up and smoothed his hand through my hair. I relaxed instantly, an immediate reaction to his touch. His hand rounded the back of my head and settled at the back of my neck. He squeezed, putting just the right amount of pressure to make me gasp. “For future reference, if I give you an order then I expect you to follow it.” He released his grasp and took my face in his heads, moving in till our foreheads touched. “Do you understand?” he asked me before kissing the tip of my nose.

  “I...” I looked into his steely blue eyes. “Yes...” My voice was barely a whisper.

  “Good.” He walked away from me toward the en suite bathroom, and like a lost puppy...I followed him.

  I hovered in the doorway, unsure of what I should do now as he reached into the shower and turned the dial. The steam started to build and the only sound was the running water...and my heartbeat. He unbuttoned his jeans slowly as I watched him, his biceps rippling with his every move. As he pushed his jeans down off his hips he looked at me and gestured with a downward nod to the floor. I knew instantly what he wanted and I released my grasp on the cool cotton of the sheet. It fell in a pool of crisp whiteness around my feet and he smiled in appreciation.

  He held out his hand and I moved forward taking his hand in mine. He stepped backwards into the shower and I followed him under the hot jets. He turned me around so that my back was facing him, and pressed himself against me. I could feel him growing inch by inch against my back as he filled his hands with shower gel and began to gently wash my shoulders, my back and my neck. He rubbed the foam into my skin, smoothing his hands over me tenderly. I let my head fall back against his shoulder as he moved his hands to the front and massaged the lather over my breasts. He stopped occasionally to nip at my shoulder with his teeth and tug on my nipples till I groaned. The water mingled with the lather and ran in creamy rivers between my cleavage. It continued its journey down over my stomach and then met with my own wetness between my legs, mingling together in creamy rivulets. I was panting now and desperately yearning for some kind of release.

  He clearly sensed this as he gripped one breast firmly and moved his other hand down towards the apex of my thighs, pushing his way between them roughly; he grasped my pubic mound in his hand and rubbed me firmly with his palm. As he moved he slipped a finger between my folds holding them open and letting the water trickle down over my exposed flesh.

  “Do you want more Elise?” He asked with a growl.

  I nodded, unable to find my voice.

  “I need to hear you Elise.” He said gruffly. His hand stilled and I tried to grind myself against him in an effort to force him to move, to finish off what he started.

  “Ah ah ah...” He squeezed my breast and moved his mouth so his breath was on my ear. “Tell me...” It was an order...not a request. I was becoming used to his manner and I knew that if I didn’t respond in exactly the way he wanted me to then he would leave me hanging.

  I cleared my throat and found my voice.

  “Yes. Yes I want more.”

  He didn’t need any more from me; he pushed his way in and opened me up with his fingers. I sagged against him feeling totally powerless as he continued to probe inside of me. My breath caught in my throat as he pushed his fingers forwards, putting a heavy pressure on that most sensitive spot. I groaned and my knees buckled underneath me as my orgasm ripped through me. I screamed his name as I was overcome with ecstasy.

  “Dominic!” I was held up now only by his hands, the skin of my breast taut and stretched in his grip and the pressure building in my core threatening to knock me off my feet altogether.

  “I have you...” He whispered. “Just let it go”

  He plunged inwards again and I lost all of my senses for a split second. The sound of the running water seemed to fade away and my eyes closed, everything around us disappearing until there was just us, and my rip roaring climax taking over.

  It controlled me.

  It took
over my entire body.

  Just like he did.

  I felt his mouth on my neck, covering me in soft kisses which were gentle like feathers brushing against my skin. My breathing was laboured and I whimpered.

  “Oh fuck!”

  It took me a moment to realise that we were sitting on the tiles, my legs were splayed out across the watery floor and his arms were around me, holding me close.

  “Sssshhhh.” His kisses and the soothing sound of his voice were the only things keeping me on this plane. He had taken every tiny piece of resolve I had to stay away from him, and turned it into a need. A desire. He owned me...every part of me... and he knew it. I couldn’t fight it any longer.

  “Dominic...I...” I tried to speak.

  “Elise.” He said calmly. “Don’t try to rationalise this.”

  He smoothed my wet hair with his hand and held my forehead, pushing my head back uncomfortably against his shoulder. I looked up into his eyes, cold, unfeeling and lacking emotion. I was searching for any sign of intimacy within them. I couldn’t understand how he could give so much to me physically, and still remain so aloof. He was like a closed book. Though I didn’t want to be drawn in...I was falling in love with the cover even though I had no idea what lay within.

  “We both know that this is how it has to be.”

  He released his hold on my forehead.

  “Can you stand?” He asked. There he was again with the concern, like a loving partner. I nodded.

  “I think so.” I replied quietly.

  “Good.” He smiled and for a second there was a flash of something. A sparkle, only brief, but it was there, and right at that moment in time, that was enough for me. I would take what I could from him.

  He pulled himself up and took my hand, gently tugging it till I too was stood under the jets once more. He hooked his finger under my chin and tilted my face to his. His lips touched mine, briefly, tenderly. But seconds later, the moment vanished abruptly.

  “I have an appointment.” He said.

  The brusque mysterious man was back in the room and he stepped out of the shower, wrapped a towel round his waist, and left the bathroom.

  I stood for a moment, trying to make sense of what had just happened. I didn’t feel like me anymore. I was no longer Elise, wife of Adam, mother of 2 children. I was Elise, property of Dominic. There to be subservient but worshipped and adored like never before.

  I turned the dial to halt the flow of water before I stepped out of the shower and dried myself with the huge fluffy towel left on the rail.

  I would NOT over think this. Just for once, I was going to go with the flow and to Hell with the consequences.

  I wanted him.

  I trusted him.

  I needed him.

  But first...first I needed to go home and sort out the mess I had left behind.

  Chapter 10

  Dominic’s driver dropped me off at the end of the road, and I walked slowly to the house, not really sure of what I would find when I got there. Adam’s car wasn’t parked on the drive, and I was pleased. I couldn’t face him right now. I didn’t want to speak to him, and I certainly wasn’t interested in anything he had to say to me.

  I fumbled in my bag for my keys, and let myself in.

  Once inside, I wandered from room to room, taking in the state of the place. Everything was as I left it the night before. The table still set and the sink in the kitchen still overflowing with dirty dishes. Our desserts were sitting on the tray untouched. I sat down at the table, put my head in my hands and cried. I could not stop the flow of tears and I had absolutely no idea what I was crying for.

  I don’t think I was crying for Adam. He had hurt me beyond all of my expectations and frankly, he did not deserve my tears.

  My phone rang from inside my handbag. The strains of ‘Dancing Queen’ rang out and I couldn’t help but smile. I dug it out of my bag and hit the answer button.

  “Hey sweety.” I tried to sound chirpy. It was Max, and I had never been so happy to hear his voice.

  “What’s up Princess?” Instantly he knew there was something. We were so in tune with each other, we always had been. Each of us knowing and feeling the other one’s pain.

  “I’m okay.” I don’t know who I was trying to convince. Him? Or me?

  “Yeah whatever...now tell me.” He replied. His voice was just the calming influence I needed. I wiped a tear from my cheek and poured out the whole sorry story of what had gone on between Adam and me. He listened intently to every word and then he said.

  “Get in the car Elise. Pack your bags and come and stay with me.”

  I paused before speaking. I didn’t want to put him out.

  “Don’t even think of telling me that you don’t want to put me out or get in the way etc etc.” He was smiling as he spoke. I could tell.

  I smiled.

  “Okay.” I spoke quietly. “I will see you soon.”

  I ended the call and moved away from the table. I was on autopilot as I went upstairs and pulled out two suitcases from the top of the wardrobes. I Threw them on the bed and opened them up, before methodically going through my clothes. I folded everything neatly and managed to pack most of it into the two cases. I filled a vanity case with my toiletries, and when I had finished I stood at the dresser staring at my reflection.

  I looked a mess; my eyes were red and my skin blotchy. I glanced down and saw the silver photo frame which took pride of place. In it was a picture of Adam and I at our 20th wedding anniversary. We looked like the perfect couple. How wrong could I have been? I slammed it face down on the dresser, not caring that the glass made a splintering sound as I did so. I slipped off my wedding ring and placed it on top of the upended frame. I was about to make a new start and I did not need a piece of gold to weigh me down.

  Satisfied that I had cleared out everything I needed. I took the cases downstairs and placed them by the door. I went into the study and sat down at Adams desk. I opened the drawer and pulled out the fire box. I removed my passport and my birth certificate. Then I walked out of there closing the door behind me with a slam. It was not a room I had any intention of spending a single minute longer than I needed to in.

  Finally I picked up my laptop and my handbag and I opened the front door.

  I put the cases in the boot of the car and threw my handbag on the passenger seat. As I moved round to the driver’s side I heard Adams car pull up. I groaned to myself and got into the driving seat anyway.

  “Elise?” He got out of his car and crossed the drive. “Where are you going?” He asked. He looked tired, and run down. I for a brief moment felt a little guilty for just leaving him like this but I held my resolve.

  “I’m leaving Adam.” I started the ignition and put the car in gear, reaching for the door to close it.

  “Wait!” He shouted. His hand was firm on the handle preventing me from closing the door and therefore stopping me from driving away.

  “The kids...What do I tell them?” He looked forlorn and the sadness in his eyes was apparent.

  “Tell them that you don’t love me anymore.” I said brusquely and I pulled on the door till it slammed and reversed down the drive. I didn’t give him a chance to stop me again, turning the car quickly and pulling away from the house without a second glance.

  Max lived in a large Victorian terrace. He had bought it for a great price years ago when it was run down and we had spent months ripping it apart and rebuilding it room by room. It was stunning now, with all the original features restored and muted colours and creams everywhere. I did help with the interior design, but to be honest, Max had most of the ideas himself. He had a keen eye for design and even with my training he could pull things off that I wouldn’t even attempt.

  I parked on the street and leaving the cases in the boot, I grabbed my bags out of the passenger seat and headed for his door.

  I didn’t bother to knock, just walked in and closed the door behind me.

  “Max!” I called. The soun
d resonating around the vast open hallway with its mosaic tiled floor.

  “I’m in here.” He called back from the kitchen. I wasn’t surprised. He was always in the kitchen, even when he wasn’t working.

  I headed for the largest room in the house, my nostrils assaulted by the aroma of garlic and cream. He was preparing my favourite pasta and I smiled at his thoughtfulness.

  “I should have married you, you know.” I said as I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him tightly.

  “You don’t have a cock Princess; I think we would both be disappointed at the lack of bedroom action.” He laughed a loud guffaw and turned to return my hug. I melted into his arms. I felt secure with Max. He knew me better than everyone, and never expected a single thing from me. We were soul mates, well apart from the fact that he was gay. Other than that he really was the perfect man.

  We sat at the massive solid oak table in his regency style dining room for hours, filling our faces with delicious creamy pasta and crunchy brushcetta, while the wine flowed freely. It is safe to say we were both a little squiffy by 9pm.

  I opened up to him and filled him in on the details of the dinner I had cooked for Adam, and everything that he had said.

  “Oh Princess...” He squeezed my hand across the table. “What are you going to do?”

  “I can’t go back there Max.” I told him. “I have to learn to stand on my own two feet.”

  “You are strong Elise, if anyone can do it, you can.” He told me affectionately.

  “I don’t feel strong.” I admitted. “I feel drained.”

  He stroked his thumb across the back of my hand, noticing that I was no longer wearing my rings.

  “Go and run a bath, I’m going to grab your cases and then I will come and wash your hair for you.” He stood up, pulled me to my feet and held me close to his chest. “I love you Elise, and we WILL get you through this I promise.”

  “I love you too.” I whispered.

  Chapter 11

  I lay languishing in the hot bubbles, my leg resting on the side of the huge claw foot tub and the steam enveloping me. I felt all my troubles drain away while I soaked and the sounds of Max moving about downstairs were comforting to say the least. I closed my eyes and let myself drift off to another place. To a place which took me by surprise.