It's Saturday morning and they seem to be on a relentless mission to spoil me. I love this. I could get used to this but I probably won't let myself because in there somewhere is the voice of a twelve-year-old telling me I don't deserve it.
Ben woke me at fiveish this morning. Not gently, no. Instead I was lifted off the bed until the only thing touching it was my heels and my fingertips on one hand before I grabbed onto him because as always I am afraid to fall. He was rough but sweet, sleepy but awake and ready to wind me out, letting his own wants stay on the back burner. He put me back down, turning me over first, one hand sliding underneath my abdomen and the other covering my whole face. This was nothing short of glorious and we somehow got perfectly synced, achieved nirvana together and then collapsed on top of the sheets, out of breath, perfectly warmed and smiling, Ben moreso while I practically dozed because he loves the noises I make. He loves everything.
No offers this time to go to the Devil?
I only do that as a front for the fear.
The fear?
Of not being able to make it the whole way.
So Loch is libido backup?
Naw, he's your lover. That's a turn-on too.
Then what is Caleb?
Risk. Darkness. Ever feel like you just need to do things that are more out there? Just to feel alive? Watching the Devil take you over makes me feel alive. There's no jealousy, no regret, just hunger. It's amazing.
So today?
Today you're mine. I have no intentions of sharing you.
A delicious little tingle of bliss runs up the back of my spine and I shiver.
Until Loch comes back. Then I get everything I need.
Same danger?
No. Lochlan's too hippie to be scary.
He can be scary, Ben. You didn't know him back in the day.
I would have loved him just as much as I do now.
Yeah, you definitely would have. I stop talking, relaxing my body one part at a time until the next thing I know it's hours later, the sun is streaming into the room, the curtains are open and so is the door and I am tucked neatly, thoroughly under the quilts and it didn't hurt to open my eyes. First time in two weeks I feel as if I've caught up on rest but could still always use more.
A knock on the door and there's PJ's shoulder hovering just outside. Decent? Ben asked if I could take care of a little project for you.
I am. Where is he?
He and Dunk went to a meeting.
Again?
I think he'd rather stay sober than take any more risks, Bridge. Anyway, here's breakfast. He wanted it to be perfect. He comes in with a tray with coffee, an omelet, toast, strawberries and a tiny rosebud in a shot glass.
I don't think my brain can take this level of spoilage, Peej.
Try yourself. You're a little too austere about shit, Bridge. Just enjoy it. Relish it. Maybe even ask for it once in a while.
Who brings you breakfast in bed, PJ?
Your husband, you little blind tart.
That's deaf tart to you, asshole.
I poisoned your food, FYI. Ben's mine.
Seems to be a lot of that going around lately, doesn't it?
How about you just eat? I want to run the dishwasher before I go out and it's getting late. Some of us have things to do.
I have things to do too!
Like what?
Well, I have to eat! So either sit down and entertain me or get lost and I'll ring you when my dishes are ready.
I should negotiate for some butler pay.
Yes, you should. Want me to talk to the boss about that?
No, Bridget. I've been asked to keep you away from him until Loch comes back. I'll have to enlist Sam because I have to go out.
That's probably a smart move.
It is, because I'm like that. I'm definitely going to ask for a raise.
Hey.
Hey, what, Princess?
Can you stay and keep me company while I eat?
Only if you share.
Here's a piece of toast?
That isn't what I mean.
PJ!
I'm kidding! Christ! Well, I'm not but the joke was begging to be told, you know?
