Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
F iona
I wait, hoping, wanting him to come clean, to offer some silly reason he interfered in my life.
“Seriously. Nothing. I only meant that I tampered with your life when I first brought you here and look at us now. Have you ever been happier?” he asks.
I think. “No,” I say. “I haven’t.”
“Neither have I. So, it all worked out.” He smiles.
I study his face, deciding to let this go. “Alright.”
“I’m a very lucky man.” He goes to hold me, to kiss my cheek. I soften to let him. He stands to leave me. “Let me make you a cup of tea,” he says, having learned my love language.
The idea of a fresh cup brings a smile to my face. It always tastes better when he makes it. “Thanks. Two sugars?—”
“And a cow-udders worth of milk. I know, I know.” His nose crinkles in disgust.
“I can’t help it. I hate to burn my tongue.” I laugh, knowing that he, Carol Ann, and Kitt all have one thing in common: they hate how much milk I pour into tea. “I’ll finish up here, and then we can shower to get ready.”
“Shower.” His eyes brighten. “Together? Save some water?”
“Aye,” I laugh, knowing how much he enjoys using his two-headed shower together. I bend down to retrieve my trowel, feeling something hard poke into my side. “Oh!” I say. “I almost forgot!”
“What?” He comes back to where I kneel. Offering me a hand, he helps me up from my gardening pad.
"I made you something,” I say, feeling shy. “A seal.”
I pull the gift from where it's been hiding in my apron pocket and hand it to him. He holds it close to his face, investigating the little picture on the metal seal that I carved just for him. “It’s a Viking ship sailing the seas,” I say. “But the waves are made of long strands of the island’s Strawberry Grass instead of water. The ship shows how the clans arrived, and the wheat represents the island’s fertile grounds?—"
“The reason they stayed.” He finishes my thought. “I love it.”
“I’m glad.”
“It’s perfect. Just like our wee island.” He leans in, kissing me. “I’ll be happy to thank you in the shower. Come up as soon as you can. Tea and a naked Viking will be waiting for ye.”
“Oh Lord!” He wiggles his ass as he leaves, giving me a taste of what he’s promised me. Honestly, I’m so tired from gardening. I’m looking forward to the tea, but whenever I see Callum with no clothes on, I’m instantly in the mood.
What girl wouldn’t be? The man is a god.
And I always get a nice shoulder rub after.
He stops at the open French doors, pausing till he catches my eye. “Seriously, Fiona. Thank you for the gift. I’ll cherish it.”
Aww, bless. The man is going soft on me. I love it.
He’s becoming…husband material.
I clean up, staff hovering over me, eager to take over my duties. Looking at the time today, I’ll let them finish up. I untie my apron, handing it to the landscaper’s assistant. Trying to remember everyone’s names has been a task. “Thank you, Duncan.”
“Welcome, ma’am.”
“Please, call me Fiona.”
“Aye, ma’am.” He gives a nod worthy of a soldier.
His young face is so serious, so eager to please Callum and anyone at Norse Garden.
“Everything can go back in the shed,” I direct him. “And Duncan, there’s lemon cake in the kitchen. Nan made it this morning. I know it’s your favorite. Get to it before it’s gone. ”
I leave, meandering through the open French doors, thinking of what I’ll wear tonight.
It needs to be something Callum’s not seen yet.
Freya and I hit the shops yesterday, leaving Buchanan Street with our arms loaded with bags. I still have to get used to him spending money on me, but it does get easier, haha.
I pass Freya in the hall as I go. Arms filled with swatches, she’s clicking along the hall in a black dress, black stilettos, black reading glasses perched on her head, her hair pulled back in a severe ponytail that she manages to make look incredibly sexy.
“Hiya, Freya!” I ask, “Should I wear the red or gold dress tonight?”
“Och! That’s right. It’s Thursday. Date night. Playhouse this week, right?” She taps her pen against the swatch book.
“Aye. My first taste of sushi at a wee hole in the wall off Haghill?—”
“By the college?” she asks.
“Aye.”
“Try something cooked first,” she directs. “Maybe a shrimp tempura roll? Ease into the sashimi.”
“Will do.” I have no idea what she means by sashimi. I put my hands on my hips. “So. Red or gold?”
“Hmm…” Freya eyes me, bringing the top of the pen to the corner of her mouth. “Red.”
“Red it is. ”
We go to move our separate ways, but she pulls me back. “Fiona?” she asks. “Have you seen my glasses? I can’t find them anywhere!”
“On the top of your head,” I laugh.
“Thanks! You’re a lifesaver.” She pulls her glasses down, looking at the wording on the swatch. “Much better. Now, Charcoal Delight no longer reads as Chocolate Delight. No wonder I was so confused.”
Her attention to detail is typically second to none. “You okay?”
“I’m meeting with Fredrick about which whisky to serve for All Hallows’ Eve, and he wanted my opinion on leather for his barstools. I’m feeling a wee bit flustered. The man is gorgeous!”
“Aye,” I say, laughing. “I’ve heard.” She’s not alone in her thinking. Carol Ann’s eyes were on the man as well. I’m sure he’s as handsome as they say, but I only have eyes for one man. “Good luck with Fredrick!”
She gives a goodbye waggle of her fingers. “Have fun tonight!”
“Thanks.”
Kathy, our housekeeper, meets me at the top of the stairs. She’s hovering by the bedroom door, waiting for me. “Miss Fiona. I have a wee question for you.”
Freya and Callum are busy with work, so the staff have been coming to me for opinions. Nan says it’s because I’m less intimidating than the siblings. “Sure. How can I help?”
“The Golden Girls are coming for trivia again next Saturday. Did you want to squeeze them in here? Double them up in the four queen guest rooms?” We don’t mention that I’ve fully moved into Callum’s massive bedroom, and the fourth guest room is now available. “Or book them each a room at the Sherwood?”
Callum’s grumpy side comes out when there are too many guests and not enough privacy for…other things. Also, my sweet Golden Girls would be positively beside themselves if they knew I was living out of the guest room, living with a man, living in sin, as the older generation would say. “Hotel. They’ll be more comfortable, and they love the continental breakfast.”
“Right. Then I’ll set the table for twelve and tell Cheffie how many for dinner—eight of them, the three of youse, and Fredrick. The plane arrives at six, and I’ve arranged for Declan to pick them up in the big van when they arrive.”
“And ask Nan for her German Chocolate cake? Please? It’s the girls’ favorite.”
“Will do, ma’am.” She gives a curt nod.
“Thank you, Kathy!” I say. “You’re such a help. And please, call me Fiona.”
“Anything to please you, ma’am.” She shakes her head, laughing as she corrects herself. “Miss Fiona.”
We part ways. Upon entering Callum’s room, I find a sweet, milky cup of warm tea on his dresser in my favorite pink piggy mug, the one with a curly tail for a handle. I hold the mug in my hands, inhaling the spicy scent.
Life here is so grand. Callum is so grand. I’m starting to see myself living here long-term.
Seeing myself with him, long-term .
I’m happy, glowing even, as I shed my clothes, climbing into the already steamy shower to join him.
The warm water cascades down my skin, mingling with the heat rising from my core as I close the distance between us. His eyes meet mine, sending a lightning bolt through me. Every nerve in my body hums with anticipation as I reach out to touch him, the planes of his chest smooth beneath my fingertips.
His hands roam over my body, igniting a fire within me that threatens to consume me.
I arch against him, feeling the hard press of his body against mine. The water glides over us, turning our skin slick and slippery as we move together, kissing and running our hands over one another’s bodies. Every touch is electric.
He kisses my neck, murmuring in my ear. “Did you buy an outfit for tonight when you went shopping with Freya yesterday?”
“Aye. A red dress. I think you’ll like it.”
“What about shoes? Jewelry?” He grabs my ass, one cheek in each palm, squeezing till I’m shooting up on the balls of my feet.
“I have plenty,” I squeak.
“I thought I told you to spoil yourself.” He leans in closer, his lips grazing my earlobe as he speaks, his voice low and filled with desire. "You know what I think, my love?"
My breath hitches as I meet his gaze, my heart pounding in my chest, the sexual tension between us almost unbearable.
"I think you've been a very naughty girl, not spoiling yourself enough." His lips brush against my cheek, grazing my skin gently. An electric current runs down my spine.
He lifts my right leg, holding the back of my knee so I’m standing on one leg, my other pinned to him, and begins massaging the skin behind my knee slowly, the feeling sending shockwaves of pleasure coursing through my body.
He slaps my ass cheek, causing me to gasp and arch my back. "You need to be punished for not buying yourself enough pretty things," he growls, his voice deep.
My skin tingles from the spank, and I feel the thrill of him taking control. His cock grows, hardening against me as he uses his other hand to explore my body with his fingers. The way he holds my leg up spreads my ass cheeks, giving him easy access from behind to my pussy, making me writhe in pleasure.
As the water cascades down our bodies, he whispers in my ear. "I'm going to give you a spanking that will make you see the error of your ways."
I moan, my eyes widening with anticipation as his fingers move inside me, his thumb pressing against my asshole.
With a devilish smile playing at the corner of his lips, he leaves my pussy and gently lowers my leg. He pushes me into the wall, his hand gripping the back of my neck, guiding my hands and face to press against the cold tile. He spanks me again, harder this time.
"That's right, baby. You've been so naughty," he croons, the low rumble of his voice making my core throb with desire. The pleasurable sensation has a hint of pain that adds to the excitement .
"You're right," I finally manage to whisper. "I have been very naughty."
As he continues to spank me, his other hand reaches around to caress my breasts, gently pinching my nipples until they harden beneath his touch. My moans echo through the steamy bathroom as he dominates me, pushing me farther into the depths of lust.
He spanks me harder, each slap landing with a satisfying crack, and I can't help but arch into it, yearning for more. My pussy feels empty, throbbing with need. My hips thrust back against him, seeking the release I know he's capable of bringing.
His hand leaves my ass, and I brace myself for what comes next. His fingers slide down between my ass cheeks, and he presses against my entrance. A finger delves inside, probing my tight hole, and I gasp, my body trembling as the thrill courses through me.
It's such a taboo place to have him touch me. I shiver with shame."Are you ready for me?" he grunts, his voice nearly primal.
“Yes.” I beg, “Please. I need to come.”
His hand withdraws from my ass, leaving me gasping and wet. I turn around to face him, my eyes pleading for more. “Good girl.”He releases me, and I collapse against the tiles, my breath ragged as I try to catch my balance. My body is trembling, a delicate blend of pain, pleasure, and desire coursing through me.
His hands grip my hips, turning me around again and pulling me back against him. He guides my hands to the wooden arm of the shower bench I sit on while I shave my legs. Bending over, I grip that bar, so ready for him to be inside me.
I feel him lining up, his thick cock pressing against my entrance. My heart races. "You better be wet for me, little one," he warns, his breath hot against my ear.
I whimper in response, already dripping with arousal.
“God, you’re wet. And so tight.” With a single, powerful thrust, he sinks inside me, filling me completely. A cry escapes my lips as he fills my pussy. My muscles clamp down around him.
He groans low in his throat, his body shuddering with the force of his pleasure. He begins to move, his hips rocking against mine, slowly at first, then picking up the pace. Each thrust sends shocks of pleasure coursing through me, his cock sliding in and out of my wet pussy.
His hand wraps around the front of my neck, pulling me back against him. His lips brush against my ear as he growls, “You like this, don’t you? You love being fucked like a bad girl, don’t you?”
My eyes roll back in my head as he hits a sensitive spot deep inside. I can barely breathe, lost in the haze of pleasure and pain.
“Yes,” I whisper, my voice barely there.
He thrusts harder, each thrust more powerful than the last. My body is on fire, every nerve ending heightened with pleasure. His hand leaves my neck, pushing me back down into place, then sliding between my legs. His fingers find my clit, caressing it gently at first, then increasing the pressure.
My body tenses, the orgasm building within me. “My God…”
"Come for me, baby," he demands, his voice thick with lust. "Let me hear you scream my name."
The pleasure builds to a crescendo, an explosion of ecstasy that makes me gasp and arch my back, my body convulsing as wave after wave of bliss crashes over me.
I scream his name, the sound lost in the echoey, steamy bathroom. “Callum! Yes, Callum!”
He rubs faster, and he continues to thrust, matching the rhythm of my orgasm. He slams into me, grinding against me, his cock pulsing deep inside me, adding to the intensity of my climax.
Finally, he stills, his cock twitching inside me as he throws his head back and moans, releasing his orgasm. The warmth of his cum spills inside me, mixing with my own wetness. His arms wrap around me, pulling me up and back against him.
“Callum,” I gasp. I turn my head so he can kiss me.
We clean up, soaping one another’s skin as we bask in the warm water and afterglow. Happiness, euphoria even, flows through my body as we finish. I’ve come to crave his touch, as well as these quiet, easy moments.
Could this be my forever?
Could he be my forever?
A niggling doubt creeps up in the back of my mind: the garden disagreement from earlier today.
What was he talking about ?
I dry my hair with the blow dryer Freya gifted me. It tames my unruly hair into long, soft waves, taking me from a simple islander to a Hollywood starlet in four minutes. In my imagination, at least. I put on my expensive, glossy makeup, dabbing my lipstick as she taught me. I shimmy into the red dress, pairing it with black heels.
He was right. I should have bought the heels to match.
We have a fun night out. The show is okay, but the comedian’s humor is a bit crass for me. As for sushi, give me a fried haddock from the Chippie any day.
We fall asleep in one another’s arms. When I wake, he’s already gone. A cup of tea sits on my nightstand, nestled in the electronic warmer he bought me, and a slice of lemon cake waiting for my breakfast.
The cake looks fantastic, but my stomach clenches, that niggling doubt surfacing in Callum’s absence.
What did he mean?
I need to clear my head.
After getting dressed, I go to the garden, leaving the French doors that lead to the kitchen open wide. It’s such a lovely day. In the shed, I grab my apron, trowel, and knee pad, nestling back to the bed I was weeding yesterday before I left to get ready for the Playhouse date.
I’m lost in my work when Callum comes striding out to join me. Leaning against a low brick wall, he watches me. “Did you have fun last night?”
“Last night was amazing,” I answer, thinking of the sexy shower, the fun of getting fancy, and the time spent alone with him .
“I love trying new things with you,” I say. “I’d love to keep trying new things with you.”
“Same,” he says with a peaceful grin.
“But,” I add, “if I’m to make such a commitment, I need to know what you’re hiding. If I’m to stay, Callum, if I’m even to consider becoming your wife?—”
“My wife?” His eyes go wide. “You’ve never said that before.”
My pulse quickens. “Did I say that out loud?”
“Aye and you cannae take it back,” he laughs. His face looks so happy I can’t help but not take the admission back.
“Well, I just said it. And I will think about it. Only, I’ll have no secrets between us.” I stare at him, wondering what he’s keeping from me.
“And?” he says.
I stand, brushing my hands along the front of my apron. “I’ll start,” I say. “I don’t like sushi. Even the fried kind.”
“I could tell,” he laughs. “Your adorable wee nose was wrinkled up the entire time.”
I put my hands on my hips. And I wait. “Now, you tell me yours.”
I need to know what he’s been keeping from me, how he’s tampered with my life.
And how uncovering his secret will impact this delicate relationship we’ve created.