Page 88 of Until I Own You

I’m different. And apparently, it shows.

Sonia, upon returning from her honeymoon, told me that I was glowing and seemed more relaxed. Amelia remarked that I don’t seem like I have as much on my mind. And Deborah Angelise said I had more confidence in our second meeting.

I don’t feel like I’m trying to be confident.

I guess now that I have someone taking care of me, I can just be me.

I have Seth to thank for that.

After a month, I have learned so much. And I am loving this process every step of the way.

There is something so empowering about walking through my everyday life knowing that when I’m around Seth, I give him the reins. And when it is just the two of us…

All bets are off.

The more we do, the deeper we get.

It’s thrilling.

And terrifying.

No one knows why I’m a different woman. But I do. And Seth does.

I wonder if we can keep it this way forever. However, every time I go too far off track, I remind myself I need to get through training first.

He texted me from the office at almost midnight that he needed to see me. And though his text woke me up, I didn’t hesitate to leap out of bed and run to him.

As I walk through the club, there are no nerves. I’m used to navigating to the Underground, to the room Seth always has reserved for us.

When I arrive, Seth is sitting on the chaise.

I close the door behind me as swift as possible and get to my knees.

“Good girl,” he says.

His voice is edged with exhaustion. I am not surprised given that he was at the office so late. He’s been a workaholic as long as I’ve known him.

I want to tell him not to work so hard. But I must save that for an appropriate time, for when I am allowed to speak without permission.

“Let me see you.”

I realize I haven’t removed my hood. I push it back, toss my hair out of my face.

“All of you, Bridget.”

My breath catches in my throat.

I have done something that might surprise him. Something that he might like. Something he might think challenges his control.

Either way, I am either rewarded for my goodness or punished for my indiscretion.

And I like both. I deserve either.

I unbutton my coat and shrug it down my shoulders, revealing what I’m wearing underneath.

Seth breathes in sharply. “Stop.”

I hold back a smile.

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