Chapter 34
Chapter Thirty-Four
A s we neared Dansport, Madison had drifted into a peaceful slumber on my lap, succumbing to sleep the moment we left Isles. I made a brief stop at her guesthouse, retrieving her bag, and a pang resonated within my chest when I had to get it.
The realization that she felt the need to escape, to run away from the place I had designed as her haven, haunted me. Her perception of the house as a prison struck me deeply. What I intended as a home had become a source of confinement for her.
My absence, meant to give her space, had made the environment feel suffocating. Over the last few hours, I worked tirelessly with the limited manpower available during the holiday, determined to rectify the situation. Each decision was made with her comfort in mind, aiming to make the space one she would willingly return to.
By the time we approached the estate's metal gates, darkness had engulfed the house. Anticipation and anxiety filled me as the car came to a halt. Madison stirred, her eyes fluttering open. The soft glow of the dashboard lights illuminated her features, and she looked breathtakingly beautiful.
Her red hair spilled over her shoulders, tousled from sleep, and a delicate flush graced her cheeks. Her vulnerability stirred a mix of emotions within me. For a moment, the weight of my efforts felt justified as I glimpsed the potential for her to find solace in the transformed space.
"I want to show you something, sleepyhead," I murmured as I guided her out of the car and into the main house.
She paused and glanced over at the small apartment over the barn, tugging me to a full stop so I had to see what she was looking at. But instead of the pain I expected to cross her face, a soft smile graced her lips.
"I named her Fire." I narrowed my eyebrows, not understanding what she was talking about. "The horse that you’re apparently allergic to."
There was a long pause before I broke out into a laugh. "You told me when I first met you. I asked you to tell me something truthful, and you said you always wanted a horse."
I could see the words as they swirled around in her brain. "You remembered."
"Of course I did," I responded as if that was the silliest thing she ever said, because that was the fucking truth. I cared about everything she did. I always had.
"Thank you." She pushed up to her toes, and for a moment, she hesitated kissing me.
"What?" I pulled back.
"I just am not sure if we are there, like am I able to kiss you freely now?" I huffed out an annoyed breath.
"Of course you are." I pressed my lips to hers before pulling away slowly. "We have a lot to talk about, but let me show you something first."
She let me pull her through the front door where I’d called everyone I knew to set up an entire winter wonderland inside.
As I opened the large double doors to the house, the warm glow of Christmas lights welcomed us. The air was infused with the scent of pine, a delightful mix of holiday music playing softly in the background. The charm of the decorations embraced us, a testament to the festive spirit that Ember, Rain, and my staff had meticulously curated in the last few hours.
When I left Ember’s house, I called everyone I could because I wanted to plan something special for Madison. I wanted her to feel like this place was a home. I wanted her to sleep in my bed and to remind her she wasn't a second string in my life.
Kitschy Santa Clauses, undoubtedly from Ember's extensive collection, dotted various corners of the living room. Strings of twinkling lights adorned the walls, and a beautifully decorated tree stood proudly in the corner, its ornaments reflecting the soft radiance of the room.
I led Madison through the cozy space, pausing by the kitchen where the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air from Ms. Luchesse. My gaze met Madison’s and I could see a mixture of surprise and awe in her eyes.
It wasn't until I guided her toward the fireplace that her expression transformed into sheer wonder. Above the mantel hung two stockings—one with her name and one with mine. The sight seemed to render her speechless, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"I've never had anyone do this for me before," she uttered, her voice a mix of vulnerability and gratitude. In that moment, the weight of my past mistakes lifted, replaced by a glimmer of hope that we could build something new, something that felt like home for both of us. "How?"
"It is nice to have a house full of staff and an endless bank account in these types of situations."
"It seems so magical," she whispered, letting go of my hand and walking over to the fireplace where she carefully thumbed over the stocking.
"Madison Solis."
I let out a small laugh and shrugged. "You’re my wife."
She stared at me for a moment, taking me in as we stood there in the living room with the fire behind us.
"I still hate you," she whispered as she lifted her sweater and peeled it over her head.
Whoa. That was unexpected. A welcomed surprise, but definitely not where I thought tonight would go. To be honest, I thought I would have to grovel a lot more.
"Are you primed and ready for me, especially after riding your saddle upstairs? Maybe I should bring it down and you can show me how well you can grind on my cock?"
Her face remained stoic, and it wasn’t but for the small twist of the corners of her lips as she furrowed them into a devious smile. I knew she was my good little slut waiting for me to come home.
"Is this what you want, Muse?" She nodded as I stalked toward her, closing the distance between us.
"I am not going to take it easy on you," I whispered, dropping down to the shell of her ear where I gave her a gentle kiss before tugging at her lobes. "Use your words."
"I don’t want you to," she murmured, letting out a small moan.
I pulled back slightly, looking her in her eyes. She had no fucking idea what she sparked inside of me. "You don’t understand how deep my needs run, Muse. You have no idea how dark my desires are."
She didn’t falter. No. This is why she was made for me. My equal—in every single way.
"Take it all off," I demanded, quickly following and removing my black pants and shirt.
My muse gasped as I slid the shirt over my shoulders. "I forgot how much I loved your tattoos."
I laughed. "I thought you were maybe surprised at seeing me."
Her hooded eyes lit up with joy as she stepped out of her leggings, leaving her standing in a bralette and boy shorts.
"If you hate me now, Muse. You are going to despise me after this."
She placed her hand on my chest and traced a few random swirls of ink I had right at the collarbone.
"But that’s all I’ve been trying to tell you, Walsh."
Her eyes softened when she glared into mine as though they saw beneath what I carried all day long, as if they held the weight of the world with me and understood me.
"I’ve always been here. You have always been enough for me, and I just want to be that for you."
My fingers stroked the side of her soft skin against her jawline. "I’m here now," I whispered, a promise that held so much more.
"Are you ready to play, Muse?"