Page 36 of Two days, One Pucking Night

It gives me a short moment of respite. It’s not that he suspects anything between us. He’s just asking about his best friend’s whereabouts. “Is that why you sent me that text?”

He is silent for a few minutes. A few minutes, way too long. “He’s my best friend—”

“And what does that have to do with me?”

“Look, Xav has a way with women. They are drawn to him. They lose their mind over him, and well, you’re a woman. And Bree thinks—”

“Seriously, Bree?”

“I agree with her. You’re young, with needs. I just think it’s safe if you know ... keep a healthy distance.”

I hear the car door open, and Bree’s voice echoes in the space between us. Of course, fucking Bree. My dislike for her just went up an octave.

“Sof—”

I don’t wait for him to finish; I drop the call and turn off my phone. I need a moment to think. A moment to process the fact that everything changes tomorrow. I’ll be returning to my repetitive, mundane life filled with angst and excessive expectations. Worst, one of stunted glances, tight-lipped smiles, and pretense. The pretense of not having lost myself in Xavier’s arms and heart.

I fall asleep, haunted by the prospect of an unfilled life.

10

SOFIA

Warm hands against my skin pull me from sleep.

When I open my eyes, Xavier is peering down at me, his gaze warm and affectionate. He is naked, with only a pair of gray colored shorts on.

“What time is it?” My eyes fall on the rope in his hands.

“Eleven; you’ve been out for a bit.” He stretches his hand.

I take it and glide to the edge of the bed and rise to my feet.

“Get dressed. I’ve put your stuff in the wardrobe.”

“Thank you.”

“Of course.” He plants a kiss on my forehead, an act I’ve become so familiar with that the thought of not being able to experience it again makes my stomach churn. “You still want to play?”

My breath quickens, knowing what he’s implying, the one thing I’ve been looking forward to the most. “So, you’ll let me tie you up?”

“I don’t think I can deny you anything, Sofia.”

I grin from ear to ear as butterflies erupt in my stomach.

“The room is set up. Your clothes are in the wardrobe. Get dressed and meet me in thirty.” Xavier heads out, leaving me scrambling to get dressed.

Thirty minutes isn’t enough time to shower, get glammed, and squeeze into the leather dress. So I opt for a quick, hot bath, wiping my body with a wet cloth. I reapply my makeup, adding a thick pair of eyelashes and red lipstick to complete the look.

With five minutes left, I pull my hair into a slick ponytail and try to get into my dress.

It takes me a few minutes to squeeze into the dress, the stockings, and the black pumps, which fit like a glove. I do a once-over glance. Satisfied, I turn off the lights and head toward the smaller spare bedroom.

The room is dimly lit, and Xavier sits on the edge of the queen-sized bed. Two ropes are loosely tied on the openings at the foot of the bed. The other two ropes dangle on the cross-rail at the head of the bed.

My palms are sweaty, and my breath hitches with each step I take into the room. I’m out of my element, and for the first time, I’m self-conscious, unsure of what to do with myself. Is this something I want?

“I got you.” Xavier caresses my face as if he’s attuned to my body, needs, and fears. “You’re in control here.”

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