Page 67 of Savage Game
“Ah”—he turned with a spatula in his hand—“there you are. The blouse is lovely on you. Why don’t you have a seat, so we can eat?”
Seat? She’d gotten used to being on his lap or kneeling beside his chair as they ate the breakfast she prepared. Like a soldier crossing a minefield, she went over to the chair and lowered herself onto the seat.
Folding her hands in her lap, she lowered her head as if in prayer. Movement in her peripheral vision startled her and she glanced up. Byron had placed a plate with her favorite foods in front of her on the table. She wasn’t the least bit hungry, however.
The coffeemaker whirled and roared, hot air spluttered, and the smell of warm milk and dark espresso filled the kitchen.
A mug appeared beside her plate, and Byron slid onto the chair on the opposite side of the table.
As if he wants to put as much distance between us as possible.
“Please.” His tone was cordial, and she looked up to see him indicating her plate. “Eat.”
Charlotte lifted her fork and shoved the food around the plate. She dropped the utensil without taking a bite and took a sip of the cappuccino instead.
“If you’re not going to eat, then talk to me.” Byron lifted his own cup to his mouth and studied her over the rim. “Have you decided what you’re going to do?”
She shrugged.
“You’re welcome to stay, Kittycat.”
“You know I can’t.” Swallowing her tears, she shook her head. “I’m not returning to my husband, but I need to stand on my own two feet.”
“At least come work for me.”
“No.” The word came out harsher than she intended and hurt flashed over his face.
How could I have pegged this man for cold and heartless?
She held up a placating hand. “Sorry, that wasn’t what I meant to say. I would love to come and work for you, but if we end up together, you and me both will always wonder if my decision was from free will, laziness, or desperation.”
“You’re not lazy.”
“No, I’m not.” Amusement tickled the corners of her mouth.
Amazing how he can make me smile —even now.
Bravely, she reached over the table, slid her palm against his hand, and interlaced their fingers. “In my head, I’ve always believed Liam and Michael as they trash-talked me. I allowed them to have power over me. I will never allow anyone to make me doubt myself again.” She squeezed his hand as he opened his mouth, and he stayed silent. “I love when you take control, and I’m definitely a submissive. However, I want to discover more about myself before I jump into another relationship. Meanwhile, I can go to secretary school and get some counseling.”
Now it was Byron’s turn to squeeze her fingers. “I’m proud of you, Kittycat, and even with how much it pains me to let you leave, I understand why you have to do so.”
“You do?”
For the first time that morning, he smiled and tilted his head.
Oh yes, he did! She swallowed around the lump in her throat. “I love you.”
His entire face brightened with joy before his expression softened with affection. “I love you too, Kittycat—enough to let you go”—he paused and added—“for now.” He released her hand, picked up his fork, and pointed it at her plate. “Now eat before the food gets cold and tell me about your plans.”
And so, Charlotte talked. Humming and nodding, Byron mostly listened and occasionally offered advice and assistance. There wasn’t a shred of doubt in her mind that he would be there for her, whatever her decisions would be, and maybe this would work out. “So, secretary school is nine months, but the classes don’t start until February. It will give me enough time to find a place to live and a part-time job to pay the rent.”
A thoughtful expression took over his face. “That will mean you’ll have your diploma in about one year from now.”
She nodded. “Yes. It isn’t going to be easy, but my life with Liam wasn’t easy either. However, I’m not going to dwell on my mistakes. I can’t turn back time. There isn’t a way to travel back, not even to a location because time inevitably will have changed the place from what I remember. Instead, I will go ahead and look forward.”
He took her hand in his again. “I’m so proud of you, and I’m certain you’re going to make a success of everything you decide to do with your life. I will give you the time and space you apparently need because I want what’s best for you. What I think is best for you might not be the same as what you think, but I’m not you and I have my own experiences and past to cloud my judgment. Also… my special future-showing binoculars are broken. What I want to say, my advice—although well-meaning—is colored and will hardly help you on the path you have to go. I love you, Kittycat, whatever you choose to do. Trust your heart, what does it tell you to do?”
He meant every word and she was so overwhelmed and happy she couldn’t speak. Awkwardly, while still holding hands with him, she got up, rounded the table, and straddled his lap. They kissed and cuddled for a long time, their breakfast forgotten.
