Page 51 of Hawthorne

Her eyes widen in surprise, but she still does as I say.

Good.I like when she’s obedient.

My initial plan was to come here, fuck her like there’s no tomorrow and leave her dry and wanting more.

I wanted her to feel used, just like I felt this morning when I woke up alone. But somehow, it feels completely wrong.

While I know why she did it this morning—to protect herself and maybe even me—it’s not fair to make her feel like that just so I can feel better about myself. Just so I can show my jealous side and that I have control of the situation and her.

No. She doesn’t deserve that.

That’s why I get in the bathtub with her and wash her slowly,carefully. She does the same back without question, and it is oddly comforting. It’s the kind of experience I’ve never had with anyone before, mainly because it always felt too intimate, but with Camilla, it feels…right.

Like it’s supposed to happen.To be.

I’m already a sucker for this woman.

In a matter of minutes, the innocent aftercare turns into a heavy make-out session. Knowing she is tired, I tone it down and stop the kiss.

“Camilla,” I call her when we’re starting to wash up. Picking up the sponge and soap, I pour some on it and start washing her. She freezes for a second before relaxing, and I take the cue to continue, “Next time, I expect you to tell me before leaving the bed.”

“Of course.” She nods before turning around when I motion for her to do so.

Her stance is still calm and relaxed as I wash her back, totally different from the euphoric state she was just an hour ago, begging me to come. And while it shouldn’t affect me as muchas it does, it’s satisfying that I can experience different sides of Camilla.

I can’t help but kiss her once more before we get out of the bath and finally get dressed.

Tell me to spend the night.

“You need to go back,” she suggests instead.

As much as I was expecting it, my heart drops at the sound of those words. Will this always be the dilemma of my life?

A constant battle between what I should do always against the what I want to do.

“I know,” I sigh, defeated. “But next time, you’re sleeping in my bed.”

She nods but does nothing to keep me here with her…Of course, theshouldalways wins, and I leave her to rest after a quick goodnight kiss.

16

Camilla White

“Good morning, Your Grace,” I greet the duke’s mother as soon as I open the door for her.

The Duchess is—as always—in her perfect posh outfit. To top it all, one of those expensive little hats that don’t even protect the head from the sun is on her hair. The kind that nobility think is fashionable.

They’re hideous and pointless.

“Where’s my son?” She asks, pushing past me and forcing her way into the manor.

“The duke has already been informed of your presence, Your Grace,” I start, and she glares at me, probably for not telling her where he is and letting her just head over, as if this was her house.

She knows better than anyone all the kind of formalities we’re told to go through. It doesn’t matter if she is the duke’s mother.

“The duke asked me to escort you to the visitation room while he was wrapping up a few things from work. He shouldn’t be long.”

“He is in the office?” she dismisses my words and his direct orders. “I’ll meet him there, then.”

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