Page 23 of Room One Hundred & Twenty-One: Kiss of Fire

“How’d you know it was from me?”

“Because there was no note.”

I simply nod but say nothing.

“Chance would’ve whisked me off to some fancy restaurant and Brody would’ve hand delivered the basket. And I seriously doubt Mrs. Abernathy would’ve made such a gesture.” Selena laughs but what she says is true.

I ordered her an oversized snack basket and left it on her desk when I noticed she skipped lunch. Much like me and Brody, if left to her own devices, Selena would never eat. She’s a workaholic, often going hours without eating or even refilling her water bottle, especially if she’s nose deep in her tasks. It’s fine when I do it, but I can’t have our girl wasting away because she’s too busy to take a break.

“You’re welcome. Now, have you eaten yet?” I question her.

“I ate one of the granola bars earlier.”

“That’s not what I meant. You’re working late. Have you eaten dinner?”

She presses her lips between her teeth, and I almost crack a molar. This woman will be the death of me. I pull out my black card and hand it to her.

“Order two of whatever you want.” If the only way to get her to eat is by having dinner with her, then so be it.

She nods and takes the card, hustling toward the door. Less than an hour later, the food arrives, and we eat side by side in my office. Selena wanted ramen, and I learn that she’s exceptionally adept at using chopsticks—although I’m not surprised.

“Slow down. The food isn’t going anywhere,” I admonish as I brush back a wayward strand of her hair before it lands in the broth. She chuckles and sticks her tongue out at me, making melaugh. It actually feels good and I can’t remember the last time I felt this relaxed.

We eat in companionable silence, and I find that I’m enjoying something as mundane as eating takeout while overlooking the city. We don’t try to fill the quiet with small talk nor do we find it necessary. Being with Selena is… comfortable. And I feel content. Fuck, why have I ignored my feelings for her for the last few months? If I had known being with her would feel like this, I would’ve made her mine from the moment I saw her.

“Done,” she announces as she sets her chopsticks next to her empty bowl.

I chuckle as I cup her cheek with my palm and wipe away a drop of broth from the corner of her mouth with my thumb. “Glad you enjoyed it.”

“How’s your headache?” Concern once again creases her brow.

“Better,” I admit with a slight smile that she returns.

Selena rises from her chair and begins to clean up. I stand and help her clear away our dishes. “Besides my mom, I’ve never had someone worry about me before,” she confesses. “It’s always just been the two of us, and now I want to take care of her the way she took care of me. She’s getting older and I want her to finally live the life she had to sacrifice while being a single mom. She worked two jobs to pay my tuition, so I work as much as I can to return the favor. I know I don’t have to, but she deserves it, and I want to give that to her.”

“You’re a good daughter, honey. I’m sure she’s very proud of you.” I follow Selena into the kitchen to dispose of our trash.

“I know she is. But she’s been the only one who’s ever been concerned about my well-being.”

I lean against the counter while she washes her hands. “So you’re telling me that you’ve never had a boyfriend before?” I look at her skeptically.

“Yes, I’ve had boyfriends.” She pauses as she dries her hands. “But maybe not very good ones. I seem to have cared about them a hell of a lot more than they cared about me.” She tosses her paper towel in the garbage can and walks with me back to my office. It’s eerily quiet up here when it’s just the two of us.

“That’s the difference between boys and men, honey. Boys take care of themselves. Men take care of their women. And I’m all man.”

She blushes as she brushes past me to enter my office. “Well, I guess I’m sayingthank you. For caring.” Her smile is watery as she lifts her shoulders into a subtle shrug.

I lift her chin with my index finger. “You never have to thank me, Selena. As much as I want to fuck you on every flat surface of this suite, I also want to spoil you and give you everything you need,” I tell her bluntly before tugging her body against mine. “The fact that you’re grateful for me worrying and caring about you means you still don’t understand the lengths of what I’m willing to do to make you mine.” I press my hard cock into her. “But you will. I’m going to show you.”

In one quick motion, I lift her off the ground and set her plump ass on top of my desk. Her amber eyes blink at me in bewilderment.

“I’m a greedy man, Selena. I won’t be satisfied with just a piece of you. I want all of you. Your heart, your mind, your body… I want your fucking soul.”

Her pulse races at the base of her neck while her breaths quicken.

“I’d set the world on fire just to light it up so I could get a glimpse of your smile. I’d give anything to hear you laugh and I’ll always be there when you need me.” I hike her skirt up around her waist. “When you’re frustrated, I’ll listen. If you’re exhausted, I’ll hold you until you fall asleep.” My fingers slide inside her panties and I lightly stroke her hot little pussy. “Andwhen you need my cock, I’ll fuck you until you’re writhing beneath me, clawing at my skin and begging me for mercy.”

“God,” she whispers as her eyes fall closed.

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