“I can’t just turn your home into…mine,” I protest.
“That’s what couples do, right?” he asks with probing eyes. “When they move in together, they compromise so that both are happy. I don’t care what this place looks like, just as long as you’re in my bed nightly and in my life.”
“You’re…insane.”
He smiles with bemusement. “I’ve been told that a time or two.”
For a long moment, I’m left speechless as I stare at him. He really seems okay with the idea of sharing his life with me, sharing his home…his everything. It’s daunting and exhilarating at the same time.
“At least say you’ll try it. Please,” he coaxes.
“I…” I look around the penthouse once more before turning back to him. “I don’t like dark…colors. I like bright, and I like comfortable. Like pillows, soft furniture. I enjoy…thrift stores.”
He nods his acceptance. “Okay.”
“This could never work,” I say helplessly.
“We won’t know unless we try,” he points out.
He has a valid point. I glance around the room, my eyes surveying it critically. I could really love this place if the walls were lighter and the furniture colorful. A home should reflect my character, but this is also Devlin’s home too, and it needs to reflect who he is as well. Redecorating would be a struggle but possibly manageable.
When I feel a touch on my knee, I turn to look at him.
“Charli, I’ve never had a real home. All I know is this,” he says, waving a hand at the room. “Disconnection is the perfect word for it. Make it feel like home, because I can’t begin to comprehend what a real home feels like. Do you understand? Show me what I’m missing.”
I can’t believe I’m doing this, but I nod. Okay. We’ll try it, but it’s still important that this place reflect Devlin as well. It’s going to be slow going, but that’s fine. It’ll be a work in progress.
Devlin’s face lights up, and he draws me into his arms as he holds me tightly. I wrap my arms around his bare shoulders, smiling. When he shows true happiness, I feel like a child unwrapping something precious.
He pulls back and grazes my lips with his. The kiss is gentle and tender, but before it can grow heated, he pulls back to look at me with intense eyes. “I’m going to prove to you that this is where you belong,” he vows.
I give him a stern look and pull back. “There are rules,” I warn.
His expression twitches, betraying his disappointment. “Of course.”
“I am going to work. I will take the subway when I want. Keagan is no longer on your…payroll. And if I want to…” I frown, struggling with the word I want to say. “Detour on the way home, I’m going to. And you’re going to let me.”
His lips tighten. “The subway is non-negotiable.”
“I’m not moving in,” I say stubbornly.
His eyes lift heavenwards, and I can see him visibly struggling for patience. When his gaze returns to mine, his face is stiff. “You won’t allow my driver to take you where you need to go?”
I shoot him a look.
“Right.” He rakes a hand through his hair. “Fine.” Something stirs in his gaze. “What about driving yourself? Buy a car,” he urges. “I can handle that over the subway.”
“I can’t buy a car, I don’t have the money,” I logically remind.
“I do,” he says immediately.
I glare daggers.
His hands fly up in surrender. “It was just a suggestion. Fine, take the subway.” He looks unhappy over the idea, but he says nothing further.
I smile faintly. I think we both have a lot to learn from each other, and Devlin’s going to have to accept that he can’t keep me safe by keeping me in a bubble.
* * *
This is what I was dreading, but I was already preparing for it.
Yesterday, Devlin had helped me replace the things that I would need, but I’d also put my foot down and only allowed him to buy me what I felt was necessary. My next check is less than a week away, so at that point, I can purchase more.
However, it’s now the following morning, and I’m dressed and prepared to leave the penthouse for work. Devlin’s currently backtracking on his agreement that I can take the subway alone. I’m already late since I’d forgotten to set my new phone’s alarm last night. I’d been distracted by Devlin, his arms wrapped around me as we’d fallen asleep. We haven’t had sex since he’d taken my virginity the night before, but I think it’s because he’s being careful not to move too fast for fear of scaring me off.
I fold my arms over my chest and stare him down. “You agreed,” I say levelly.
“You said so yourself that you’re late. It’s several blocks to the nearest station. Let Aiden drive you today,” he insists.
He has a point, but if I cave this once, he’s going to think he can get away with it every morning. This calls for a compromise. “I will take a cab,” I say sourly.
His brows furrow. “Why pay for a cab when you can be driven to work free of charge?”
“You’re my reason.”
“I didn’t say you can’t ever ride the subway.”
I shake my head at him. “I need to go.”
“Do you need cab fare?”
The look I give him has him backing up a step, a muscle throbbing in his cheek. He visibly draws in a deep breath and exhales before he gives me a tight smile. “Have a good day.”
I eye him. He looks displeased, but that’s life. We’re going to have these skirmishes until we both adjust to living with each other. “You too,” I say before I turn and walk out of the main room and head for the elevator. Thankfully, he doesn’t follow me.
There’s always cabs on the street in front of the hotel, and it’s easy to flag one down and show the address of the library on my new phone. Then, I sit back in the seat and begin text messaging Keagan. I’d had a short conversation with him yesterday, but today, I want to check in with him again. The smoke had affected him more than it had me, and it’s taking him a bit longer to recover. How are you feeling this morning?
While I wait, I gaze out the window, watching the buildings pass by and the pedestrians on the crowded sidewalks. The phone vibrates in my hand, and I read his response. Much better. Have you thought about killing him in his sleep yet?
He’s referring to Devlin. He’s aware that I’ve agreed to live at the penthouse, but he also knows how frustrated the man makes me. I make a face and type, Tempting, but no. I’m on my way to work.
Yeah, I gotta start looking for a new job. I’m going to miss you, girl.
My heart aches over not seeing Keagan as much anymore. I’m sorry you’re out of a job.
Eh, it’s all good. Kade gave me a two-week severance check and a generous bonus for losing my stuff in the fire. I’ll be fine until I can find something permanent.
His text brings a smile to my face. Devlin’s always been generous with his wealth, and I’m glad that Keagan is benefiting from it. I bet Lance is thrilled to have you back.
Absolutely. Not getting much sleep around here. ;)
I bet, I text with a chuckle.
You getting much sleep?
I know what he’s asking, and my body warms. I’m wanting to be with Devlin again, and tonight, I am going to let him know. Some, I text.
He good to you?
Yes, very much so.
Good.
Can we meet up for lunch sometime? I’m almost to the library.
Text me a day and time, and I will be there.
I smile and tuck my phone in my purse.
* * *
When I exit the library later that evening, I immediately spy the limo parked at the curb. A hint of exasperation sweeps over me. I know that if I want to be with Devlin, I’m going to have to deal with his overprotectiveness and give up my vision of the ‘perfect life.’ I’ve realized that those ideals that I’ve always tried to steer my life towards are no longer realistic. Still, Devlin is going to suffocate
me if he doesn’t ease up a little.
As I approach the limo, the door opens, and Devlin gracefully climbs out and watches me walk towards him. He begins to smile when he sees my disapproving expression. When I’m close enough, he says, “I have a surprise for you to make up for this morning.”
I falter with surprise. This was the last thing I was expecting. When he holds out a hand, I willingly accept it and let him help me into the limo. Once we’re settled in the leather seats, I can’t help but recall the last time I was in here and what we’d done. Part of me wouldn’t mind repeating it, but I can sense that this isn’t the time to begin something we’re both going to want to finish.
It’s still light outside as the sun’s rays begin to wane, but the light is on inside the limo to make up for the evening shadows, and I can see Devlin’s expression clearly. I clear my throat and ask, “Where are we going?”
He smirks. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise.”
He’s up to something, and I’m going to have to patiently wait to see what it is. I turn my head and watch out the window, curious to see where we’re going as the limo makes its way through the congested streets.
When we come upon Fifty-Ninth Street and Sixth Avenue, the limo pulls over. We’re near an entrance to Central Park, and three horse-drawn carriages are waiting to pick up passengers.
The door next to me opens, and I see Aiden. He smiles and holds out a hand. I accept it and step out of the limo with Devlin following behind.
I look at Devlin with confusion, and he takes my hand and walks me over to one of the carriages. He begins speaking to the man standing beside it, and I realize this is the surprise.
A smile forms on my lips as I turn and allow my eyes to dance over the white, open-top carriage and the beautiful horse that is patiently waiting.
When Devlin touches my arm, I tug my eyes back to him. He’s smiling as he motions that he’s going to assist me into the carriage. I can’t contain my excitement as he helps me onto the seat and settles in next to me, slipping an arm around my shoulders. I snuggle in close, feeling more content than I have in a long time.
The driver hops up into the front seat, and a second later, there’s a brief tug as the horse begins to make its way towards the paved entrance of the park.
I look at Devlin and find his eyes on me. “I’ve never claimed to be perfect. I’m going to mess up here and there, but I’ll always apologize,” he tells me.
His apology brings a smile to my face, and I tilt my head and brush a kiss along his cheek. He, in turn, presses a tender kiss to my forehead. Then we settle in to enjoy the sunset carriage ride.
Both of us are quiet as we admire the scenery. The Belvedere Castle is beautiful and turns out to be my favorite part of the ride. Though the bridges, fountains and statues come in a close second.
The setting sun makes a beautiful backdrop, and I find myself wishing that I had a camera. When I mention this to Devlin, he shows me that my phone has a built-in camera. From that moment on, I make it a point to take pictures of everything we pass by that I deem photo-worthy. I also manage to snag a few pictures of Devlin, who apparently hates having his picture taken but suffers through it without too much protest.
After the carriage ride, Devlin whisks me to a restaurant that has an outdoor courtyard with tables surrounding a gorgeous fountain. It’s quite romantic with candlelight on each table. The other tables are strategically placed far enough apart to give the illusion of privacy.
It’s not easy to read Devlin’s lips, and a few times, I text because I can’t put together the few words I’ve managed to decipher. He looks crestfallen that he’d chosen a place that has proven to be difficult for communication, but I reach over and take his hand in mine, squeezing it.
Careful to keep my voice low since I know my tone is different, I say, “I absolutely love every part of this evening. Thank you.”
He brings my hand to his mouth and kisses it as his eyes blaze at me from across the table.
I dare to give him a naughty smile. “I’m looking forward to dessert.”
Heat fills his gaze. “Me too,” he says slowly and deliberately so that there’s no mistaking what he’s saying.
The rest of our meal is torturously slow, and when we finally exit the restaurant and climb into the limo, I’m aching for him.
As the limo pulls away from the curb, I pick up my purse and pull out my phone. I’m feeling a bit daring this evening, especially when Devlin has gone out of his way to show me how much he cares. I type, Tell Aiden to drive around for a while. I press send and watch him avidly.
Devlin’s slowly learning that just because I can speak, that doesn’t mean it’s the only way I’m going to communicate. It’s a lot of pressure remembering how to articulate everything, so I’m content to switch it up with texting, and when I’m around Keagan, I enjoy ASL.
He pulls out his phone and glances at the screen before going still. His eyes shoot to mine, and I can see the hunger in them.
I arch an eyebrow, waiting.
His eyes hold mine as he brings the phone to his ear and his lips move, telling Aiden to drive around until further notice.
As soon as he ends the call and tosses the phone aside, I make my move and climb onto his lap. Gone is my shyness. If there was any left, he took care of it the other night when he’d had his face between my thighs.
Tonight, I want to do the exploring, the tasting. I want him to know that I am open to trying anything, and that my deafness doesn’t mean I need to be treated with kid gloves. If there’s something I don’t like, I’ll let him know.
Devlin’s hands settle on my hips as he looks up at me, intuition gleaming in his gaze. “I take it you know what you want.”
“Mmm,” is all I say as I lean down and brush his lips with my own. His lips part beneath mine, and as I explore his mouth, my fingers work at the buttons of his shirt. When the last button is undone, I break the kiss and ease back as I open his shirt. He’s wearing a white shirt beneath, and I shoot him an annoyed look and yank at the hem.
He has the nerve to chuckle at me with amusement before he eases out of both shirts and tosses them aside.
The sight of his tanned, sculpted chest distracts me, and I run my hands over his pectoral muscles. He’s so strong, and all mine. It’s the best feeling in the world, and I lean in and brush my lips against his jaw. He swallows as I run my tongue over his pulse and then down his neck. My hands continue to explore as I make my way further down his body.
The ridges of his abs taste salty and just right. As I swipe my tongue along his body, I begin working on the waistband of his pants. Then, I kneel between his legs and smile up at him as I lower the zipper. The large bulge hidden behind the material tells me that he’s more than ready to play.
His eyes are heavy-lidded as he sits there, allowing me to do as I wish.
I carefully ease his erection from his pants and briefs, and I test the heavy thickness of him in my hand. The skin feels like velvet, and I carefully run my palm up and down him. His hips tense, and I look up to see that his expression is gritted with need.
Good.
It’s nice to be in charge for once.
I lean down and swipe my tongue along the thick bulb of him at the tip, and then open my mouth wide and take him further past my lips. I did a little internet research on my phone, and I know to suck on him like a lollipop. Curious to explore the rest of him, I capture the smoothness of his balls in my palm and gently play with them.
Wanting to see Devlin’s reaction, I flick my eyes up and see that he has his hands braced on the seat beside his hips, and his body is tense, a muscle throbbing in his cheek. He looks like he’s ready to explode, and it’s likely he is. A vein is evident in his neck, and he begins to shake his head, warning me to stop.
Yeah, I don’t think so.
I shove my hand inside my pants and beneath my panties until my fingers are coated with my desire. Then, I draw them out and drag my wet fin
gers along his length, slickening it. I begin to suck up and down as I move my hand along his base. Before I can do anything further, Devlin’s yanking himself out of my mouth and shoving me onto the limo’s floor.
I look up at him with surprise and see that he’s losing control—but in the best way possible. His hands are ripping at my pants, yanking them and my panties down. With eagerness, I part my legs as he hurriedly rolls on a condom before plunging himself into my folds. I arch my hips, anxious for more as I wrap my arms around him and hold on tight. He grips my hips and thrusts into me, quickening the rhythm until our hips are frantically slamming together as we desperately try to reach our pleasure.
When I come, it’s as if the world explodes, and I swear I blackout for a few seconds, because when I come to, Devlin’s hovering over me with concern.
I slowly give him a satisfied grin.
That was so damn good.
* * *
I stir amongst the sheets, my bladder begging me to empty it. When I peel my eyelids apart, I blink and look around. It’s late, but the moonlight is shining through the huge windows across the bed, and I take a moment to enjoy the view. Sometimes, Devlin remembers to close the curtains, and other times, it slips his mind.
When I turn my head to glance at him, I find that his side of the bed is empty. Confused, I glance at the clock on the nightstand. It’s one-thirty in the morning.
I sit up and ease out of the bed, completely naked. We’d had sex in the limo earlier, and then we’d had sex after turning in for the night. There’s a slight chill to the air, so when I spy Devlin’s discarded shirt on the floor, I pick it up and slip it on.
I take a moment to draw the curtains, or the morning sunlight can be brutal when it’s shining in your face and you’re not ready to get up.
Where’s Devlin?
The bathroom door is ajar, and I walk towards it and step into the room. I blink with surprise when I find Devlin standing in front of the mirror. He’s wearing jeans and a hoodie, and he’s inserting contact lenses.
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