Page 14 of Mastered By Lust

My phone rings. It takes me a second to fish it out of my bag. Once I do, I see an unfamiliar number. I get a lot of those. It’s often parents calling to hire me for tutoring, so I answer.

“Hi, is this Leah?” a feminine voice asks.

“Yes, it is,” I say.

“Hey. I’m Janelle. I saw your post about looking for an apartment. My roommates and I are looking for one more. Do you want to meet us for an informal interview, and check the place out?”

Is that disappointment I feel? Even though I’ve been trying to get a place for two weeks?

Shoving it to the side, I say, “Yeah, I’d love to come by.”

* * *

Gage

“Hey.” Leah looks up from a tattered paperback when I walk into the penthouse.

“Hey yourself, little girl.” I was hoping she’d be awake. I even left the club earlier than usual, eager to return home to Leah.

It’s a rather strange sensation, having a reason to come home early.

And home smells…good. I ask, “Did you cook something?”

She stands and starts toward me, then stops awkwardly a few feet away. “I found some things in the kitchen and made breakfast for dinner—muffins and a breakfast quiche. I hope that’s okay?”

“More than okay. Is there enough for me?” I drop my keys on the table by the door and hold out my arms, walking toward her. I feel like I’m playing a part. Man coming home to his affectionate partner.

“Of course.” She meets me in the middle of the living room and slides easily into my embrace.

This isn’t a part I’m playing. I’ve really come home to an affectionate partner. And my enjoyment, the warm gratitude filling my chest, isn’t faked. I don’t have to pretend with her.

“Did you have a good day?” I ask.

“I did—and I have news.” She steps back to face me, out of my arms. “There’s an apartment available. I got a call in the afternoon and went to look at it. They have several people interested, but I’m at the top of their list after our interview?—”

“You interviewed?” Does she want to get out of my penthouse so quickly? “Sorry, I interrupted. Continue.”

Her nervous tone increases and she looks away. “Well, I could have a place of my own. I mean, with several roommates. And I could stop imposing on you.”

“Imposing?”

“Um. Well. I know you took me in because I didn’t have anywhere else but Dmitri’s, and I won’t stay with him, and you didn’t want me at the hotel.”

Seeing her bruised cheek below her shining blue eyes, all I want to do is hold her and offer comfort.

“I want you here,” I finally say. “I thought I made that very clear.”

“Gage, we’re not even—I mean, are we dating? What is this?”

“I told you I want a relationship. I want you in my home and in my life.” I keep my voice quiet and hold my face as still and emotionless as possible. If she’s in a rush to get out of my apartment, I’m not going to stop her.

My chest hurts, though. There’s a dull, aching void where my heart should be.

I haven’t been in a real relationship in over a decade. I gave up on love. But with Leah, I wanted it. I still want it. If I lose her, I’ll never find someone like her again. She may be my last chance at happiness.

She stares at the floor. “I thought that was just because I didn’t have anywhere to stay.”

“Leah.” I step forward until our toes are nearly touching. “I realize it may seem fast to an outsider. You probably aren’t used to moving in with someone after only two weeks of knowing them. But you’re here now. I would like you to stay.”

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