Page 41 of King of Ruin

“Thank you.”

I start moving again, making my way into the bathroom, Maddie in my arms. It’s not even eight but the sun has set, and I really do have a great deal of work to do before I go to sleep.

Maddie brushes her teeth in one sink, me in the other. She starts to wash her face and I head back into the bedroom, pulling out a cute pajama set for her. Shorts and a tank.

It’s the right blue to match her eyes.

Returning to the bathroom, I find her brushing out the long strands of her blonde hair.

Not able to help myself, I reach for the brush, gently removing it from her hand before I start to brush the strands myself. “Your hair is so healthy,” I murmur.

“Most men do not notice those particulars,” she laughs back. “But maybe because I can’t see the strands, the feel of them is super important to me. I can’t abide split ends.”

I gather her hair in my hand and kiss her neck. I’m back to being that masochist. I told myself I didn’t want this kind of relationship, and I don’t. So why do I feel so satisfied taking care of her? “I laid out your pajamas.”

She looks over her shoulder. “Roman.”

I can hear the disapproval in her voice. “How are you going to find all these things on your own while you’re here?”

“Help me learn. Okay?”

“Okay.” I take her hand then, slowly leading her back toward the bedroom. “How much can you see?”

“The lighting in your apartment is excellent so I can see the broad shapes. I just don’t make out details.”

I nod. “See the dresser right in front of you?”

“Yes.”

“Your clothes are in the top two drawers.”

She nods but her steps slow. “Is there any room in the closet?”

“Yes.” My stuff only takes up half the massive walk-in.

“Can I hang a few things? It’s easier for me to identify items when they’re on hangers.”

“Of course. We’ll move anything you’d like tomorrow. But for tonight,” and then I pull her toward the bed, “let me help you into the set I picked out.”

She shakes her head as she lets me turn her toward the bed. “I can…”

“I’m sure you can dress and undress yourself,” I rumble. Putting clothes on her isn’t something I’m gray about. This is a job I just like doing, no reservations.

My hands on her skin is just fucking fantastic. “Now come here and let me take off your clothes.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Roman

“I’m comingto pick you up,” Mason says by way of introduction when I pick up the phone.

“For?”

“We’ve got to go to Kincaid Enterprises tonight.”

I take a moment to consider. “You think it’s a good idea to leave Maddie alone?”

“If we’re going to move the tunnel project forward, we need to look over all the documentation that’s in Luke’s office.”

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