Page 63 of The Woman

He’s a very handsome man, and I can’t even credit it all to the symmetry of his face.

I’m not sure which version of him I like better. The one right now who is calm and serious and bosses me around, causing me to retaliate by pressing his buttons, or the wild and out-of-control man who is passionate and has sex with me against a wall covered in water.

I don’t think Thomas knew what to make of the scene when he turned up with the towels and a mop earlier. He glanced from me in Phoenix’s lap to Phoenix – both of us soaking wet – and then to the messy ground and back at us again. He placed the towels down on the desk and said, “I’m just going to leave these here.” Then he started mopping the floor, pushing my underwear to the side using the mop, and left without another word.

I turn my attention to the paper in my hand and the not-so-neat words written on it. I was initially practicing my words by writing simple sentences about my day. Then I switched to drawing, and since I was looking at Phoenix so much, I decided to draw him. I think I did a pretty good job.

I also have the sheet of paper that Phoenix filled out before he picked me so that if someone enters his office, I can place it on top, and it will simply look as if I’m studying it to serve him better.

That proves to be a good decision when, not even two minutes later, there’s a knock before the door opens, and Phoenix’s father, Allard, is walking in. I quickly put the sheet on top seconds before he glances at me, his gaze lingering for a second before swinging to Phoenix.

I’m not sure what to think of him. He kept talking to me on the dance floor the night of the gala. His eyes, two shades a darker gray than Phoenix’s, would watch me closely after every question he’d ask. I tried to keep my answers as simple as possible with a vacant look on my face, but it still seemed as if he were suspicious of me being a WOUN.

Allard sits in one of the chairs opposite Phoenix and lifts his ankle to rest on the knee of his other leg.

“How did the meeting go?”

“It went as well as expected,” Phoenix answers, moving away from his laptop and shuffling some folders on his desk. “I’ll be handling all of Anderson’s projects from now on.”

My being seated behind Allard allows me the opportunity to watch their interaction freely, though I can only see the expression on Phoenix’s face and not Allard’s.

“That’s great, son.” I see him tap the side of his chair. “And the problem?”

“The problem?” I see the moment when the realization hits Phoenix. “He called you.”

My eyes swing to the back of Allard’s head. “He did. He told me you refused to share your woman at the beginning, and then you said there was a problem and had to leave.”

I can see the irritation on Phoenix’s face growing. I’ve been the recipient of it many times.

“I did not refuse. I simply said that he could have her after I was done. If it were up to me, I would have left her home since we were there for business.”

His father lets out a frustrated sigh. “It’s more so common with men of our stature, the sharing thing, that is. It’s seen as a favor and sign of respect between men. But it’s only done when they haven’t had a child yet, which is why your woman is important right now. It’s the normal way of things, so it could be seen as disrespect when you refuse them like that.”

“I disagree. They should respect me as a businessman because of who I am, and if I want to use my woman first, seeing as she was my privilege, not theirs, then I will. It should only further solidify my status and determination since I will not be pressured by some old fool who is desperate to be pleasured by her.”

It’s silent for a moment as Allard shakes his head. I can only imagine what type of thoughts must be circulating through either of their minds right now. I can’t say I love being talked about like I’m nothing more than an object, but it’s nothing new, and in this case, it’s even necessary for Phoenix to do it.

“Not everyone will see it that way,” Allard responds. “Your grandfather included. You know he cares a great deal about this family’s image.”

Phoenix’s eyes drop to his desk at those words. “I understand that.”

“And the problem you rushed out for?”

I watch as Phoenix lifts his gaze, and his eyes connect with mine for the briefest moment, causing my body to tense from my spot on the couch. I don’t think he meant to look at me, and hopefully, his father doesn’t read anything into it.

He waves his hand dismissively. “It was nothing. Just a panicked client of mine overreacting.”

Allard turns his head to the side, almost side-eyeing in my direction.

“And how are things with Avery?”

I shift my gaze to the sheets clenched in my hand. I don’t know why I’m more nervous now than I was at the club with several men there. Maybe it’s the way he looks at me like he’s trying to see past my carefully placed mask.

Maybe he knows or is, at the very least, suspicious of me.

“She’s proving to be quite a useful companion,” Phoenix answers casually.

“Good. Good. And there is nothing out of the ordinary with her? Nothing you haven’t mentioned?”

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