Page 5 of Keep My Secrets
“Aria.” I smile, and look over my shoulder at him. “Did you hear me?”
“Yes, Daddy.” I smile, he presses his lips to my neck.
“You’re going to be so much trouble aren't you?” I let out a breathy moan as he grazes his teeth over my neck. “Keep shopping,” he instructs.
I lift my phone up and do as I am told. I scroll past a drafting desk and pause. I want it, but I also don't need it right now. I don't even have a job lined up or a place to put it. I start to scroll away when Theo stops me.
"Why didn't you get it?" he asks.
"I don't even have a job or any idea when I'll get one. Plus, where would I put it? All your rooms are full of furniture." It's not like on night one I can insist on him throwing away a room full of furniture so I can have an office for a non-existent job.
"You have an interview on Monday, so you'll need it soon. And tell me which room you want and it's yours."
"You can't be serious."
"Which part?"
"Both?"
"You have an interview on Monday with Castin Construction. It's for a receptionist position, but it's at least a foot in the door, getting you closer to where you want to be." He sounds so assuring, like he really believes I can just walk in and get a job at one of the top architectural firms in the state.
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why did you get me an interview? Don’t you want me to fully rely on you and let you provide?" Isn't that the Daddy part he was talking about, wanting to be the one providing for all my needs?
"Yes, eventually. But I know there is no way in hell you are going to trust me overnight. I want you to take all the time you need to build trust between us, and if having a job and your own income gives you some peace of mind while you do that, then that's what we need to do." He is still providing for me, just in a different way. He is giving me the space to become comfortable with letting him take care of me. Maybe this can be real.
"The loft." Theo tilts his head back to look at the metal railing above us that circles an open loft.
"Done, it's yours. We will have someone come clear out the furniture when I get home from the trip."
I smile as I settle against his chest and begin scrolling for new furniture.
Chapter
Three
Aria”
Hey, Baby," Theo whispers.
"Mmmhhmmm," is all I reply while I try and roll over so the sun is not in my face.
"I'm leaving, so I need you to sit up." His tone is still gentle, but he is giving me instructions to follow. I momentarily contemplate not listening, but I have a better idea. I sit up, pulling my pillow against my body and resting my head on the top. He said I had to sit up, not that I had to wake up.
"Aria," he scolds.
"Daddy," I scold back. I can hear the quiet laugh he is trying to suppress. I slowly open one of my eyes and peek at him over my pillow. He is looking down at me with an amused smile.
"Hey, I am getting ready to leave and need to talk to you before I go." I let out an over dramatic sigh before lifting my head off the pillow and look at him.
"I should only be gone a night or two. If you need anything, I put Mia’s number in your phone, and Enzo is downstairs and can get you anything you need.” He pauses, taking me in. “Do you remember the rules I laid out yesterday?" He rolls hissleeves up over his forearms, and I can't help but watch. I never understood the stereotype of women finding forearms sexy, but watching Theo definitely has my heart racing.
"Uhmm, home by nine, proof of life, and send you screenshots of how I'm spending your money," I rattle off.
"And?" he asks, encouraging me to remember.
