“Are you serious?” I sigh in disbelief. “But you’re so responsive. I don’t see how that’s even possible.”
“I am serious. And I’m responsive to you because you showed me things I didn’t even know could be so gratifying. I don’t know what it is about you, but it’s like you know exactly what I need. Even better than I do.”
I close my eyes and revel in her admission. How can I tell her that I feel the same way?
“Victoria…” I hesitate uncertainly.
“I know. It’s pathetic, right?” she laughs half-jokingly.
“Not pathetic,” I say. “Don’t talk about yourself like that, ever. I don’t like it.”
I pick her up and turn her so that she’s straddling my lap. Her eyes are once again searching mine, desperate for my approval and comfort.
“Victoria, I feel exactly the same way.”
“What do you mean?” she asks softly.
“I mean that you anticipate my needs and desires better than anyone else. You give me everything I want, in every way.”
She lets out a sigh of relief as she wraps her arms around my neck and nuzzles into me.
“I know it’s still early,” I continue, “but I’m completely captivated by you. You are the most fiery and stubborn woman I’ve ever met, and it turns me on to no end. You’re also a natural submissive when I want you to be, and I’m constantly surprised by you.”
She leans forward and pulls me into a passionate kiss, mounting my growing erection again. I sit back and watch her in awe as she rides me with everything she has, milking my cock until I explode inside of her again.
When we finally climb into bed an hour later, her fingers are pruned and I can tell she is exhausted. I pull her into my arms and fall asleep to the sounds of the water sloshing softly against the bank below.
Chapter Ten
Victoria
I wake early the next morning to the sounds of birds chirping outside the window. Nature. It sounds so unnerving after years of living in the city. I can sleep through trains, planes, and automobiles… but not a little bird chirping.
Gabriel’s beautiful naked body is against me, his leg draped over me protectively. Pure bliss. A warm feeling spreads through my chest as I recall his sweet words to me last night. In his own way, he kind of admitted that he’s crazy about me.
I want to be happy. I want to shout it from the rooftops. But I can’t help the sense of dread that lingers deep in the pit of my stomach. I can want it with every ounce of my being, but it makes no difference. Ultimately, if I stay I’ll be putting him in danger. The thought of Eleanore hurting Gabriel makes me nauseous, and it’s a risk I’m not willing to take.
I gently slide out from beneath him, and he rolls over and mumbles something incoherent in his sleep. I sit up wearily, trying not to let the looming feelings of defeat overcome me. Our relationship might be doomed, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the here and now.
I head to the bathroom and pick up his crumpled tee shirt from last night. As I tug it over my head, I close my eyes and inhale his delicious scent. After splashing some water on my face, I twist my hair into a loose bun on the top of my head and head downstairs.
When I open the refrigerator, I’m surprised to find it fully stocked. I pull out some eggs and an assortment of vegetables and get to work. After chopping and whisking for ten minutes, I wrangle my concoction into a pie tin and pop it in the oven. As I’m doing dishes, Gabriel wraps his arms around me from behind.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he whispers into my ear.
I turn into him, kissing him on the cheek and pressing my head into his bare chest. It’s warm and smells delicious, and I don’t want to move.
“What was that tune you were just humming?” he asks curiously.
“Oh.” I laugh. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow. It’s cheesy I know, but I’ve always loved that song. My Dad used to sing it to me after my mom died. It was our thing.”
He looks down at me and smiles. “Not cheesy at all then.”
“I’m making you breakfast,” I say proudly.
“I can see that. By the way, you look sexy as hell in my tee shirt and those panties. I had to fight the urge to rip them off.”
“Well, you’ll just have to wait.” I smile playfully. “I need sustenance for what is no doubt going to be a very taxing day.”
***
After breakfast, Gabriel told me apologetically that he had to make a business call. I shooed him upstairs and told him not to worry about it. I want to use the opportunity to explore the premises anyway.