11. Hailee
Chapter eleven
Hailee
“H oly shit balls,” Beth gasps.
“You can say that again,” I murmur, leaning over Beth to take in the beautiful building through the car window. The six-story structure looks like a modern version of those white cave houses you see on the Greek island of Santorini. And to top it off, directly across the street lies Bondi Beach. Imagining waking up to that breathtaking blue horizon, where the sea meets the sky, has me feeling positively giddy.
Our SUV pulls into the curved driveaway and Dameon swings my door open with a flourish. “Hey, welcome to my humble abode.” He stretches his arms out wide in a grand gesture.
“There’s nothing humble about this place, sir,” I snort, accepting his offered hand. He’s dressed casually in board shorts and a snug tank top, which showcases his remarkable shoulders and biceps. The laid-back beach lifestyle really suits him.
“In fact, there’s nothing humble about you,” I tease, eyeing the outline of his impressive package in those shorts.
“Gross, is that a sex thing? It’s a sex thing, isn’t it.” Beth steps out of the car behind me, fake gagging.
“And you must be Beth. I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Dameon.” He extends his hand with a chuckle and shoots her a charming wink. Beth’s cheeks flush beet red, a reaction I’ve never seen from her before. She shakes his hand awkwardly, avoiding eye contact.
Stifling my laugh, I take pity on her. “Come on, let’s check out our new digs for the next year,” I say, pulling her into my side for a hug.
“Ladies, if you’ll follow me.” The moment he turns away, Beth looks at me and mouths, He’s fucking hot.
No shit, I mouth back, widening my eyes.
We step into the foyer, where cream tiling and luxurious marble reflect the soft palette of the beach across the street, saturating the space with warmth.
“I’d like to introduce you to Kevin. He’s my building manager, and if there’s anything you need, please just let him know.” Dameon gestures to a short, stocky man in his sixties, who emerges from behind the concierge desk.
I shake his hand and Beth gives a small wave. “Nice to meet you, Kevin.”
“Please, call me Kev.”
His kind brown eyes crinkle at the edges, and I instantly take a liking to him.
“You got it, Kev.” I give a playful wink and his large, bulbous nose burns bright red. There’s a lot of blushing going on this morning.
“Kevin’s aware you’re both my distinguished guests, and he’s here to help make your stay more comfortable,” Dameon says.
“Thank you, I appreciate it. I promise we won’t cause any trouble or make your life hell… Well, not much, anyway,” I joke.
“Honestly, it will be a pleasure to assist you in anything you need,” Kevin responds earnestly.
Okay, I’m officially sweet on Kev. It’s funny how some people you meet in life just emit a trustworthy aura that you instantly connect with. Kev is one of those people.
“Let’s head up, and I’ll show you Beth’s apartment,” Dameon calls, leading the way toward the elevators. We follow behind, bidding Kev goodbye with a wave. “There are two elevators: one for the residences, the other private, with only one stop—the penthouse.”
We step into the residents’ elevator and exit on the fifth floor. “Welcome to your new home, Beth.” Dameon unlocks the first door on our left, pushing it open. Beth enters first, gasping dramatically.
“Holy fucking shit.”
“Beth, language!” I chide, though I couldn’t care less about her choice of words. But since we’re in company, I figure I should at least appear to play the role of the responsible older sister and guardian.
She’s not wrong, though, this place is epic. The sleek interior in a muted palette is all quiet luxury and lived-in comfort.
Beth spins around, taking in the open-plan living and dining areas. “Can you believe this?”
“Do you like it?” I ask.
“What kind of question is that? This place is insane. And I get to stay here on my own?” she asks hopefully, but with a hint of healthy skepticism. Ever since I mentioned she would have her own place I could sense her excitement. I know she craves privacy and independence, something her illness has deprived her of. This is the perfect opportunity for her to flex those independent muscles.
“Not exactly,” Dameon interjects. “Allow me to introduce you to Martha. She’ll be your guardian and housekeeper.”
I hadn’t even noticed the elderly woman standing there, too caught up in this gorgeous place and Beth’s excitement.
“Hi, Martha, wonderful to meet you,” I say, extending my hand. She smiles, grasping my palm gently.
“Martha was actually my nanny when I was growing up; I trust her implicitly,” Dameon says. “And she’s Kevin’s wife. Honestly, I’d be lost without them. When I moved to Australia, I made sure to bring them both with me.”
Ah, that makes sense. They both exude that same calm, genuine, and friendly energy. I can see they would make a lovely couple.
Beth gives Martha a shy smile and a soft hello.
“Lovely to meet you both.” Martha’s voice is serene, like a warm hug.
“You’re going to be on your best behavior for Martha, right?” I say, giving Beth a gentle nudge.
“Yes, Mom,” she says, rolling her eyes.
Dameon clears his throat, stepping forward. “Alright, now that introductions are done, I’m sure you’ll want to check out your room and get settled in, Beth. Kevin will bring up your stuff shortly, and Martha will help you unpack.”
“Hell yeah!”
Before she has a chance to dart off and explore, I pull her into a hug and whisper in her ear. “I’m only upstairs if you need me, okay? I’ll be back down in an hour to check on you.” I don’t want her to think I’m abandoning her. We’ve never lived apart. My trip to New York was the first time we’ve been separated.
“Can you please stop worrying? Seriously, I’m good. Better than good, actually. This place is unreal.” I release her from the hug, meet her eyes and find sincerity shining back at me. After a moment’s pause, I relent.
“Alright, I’ll be back in an hour.”
With another eye roll, she dashes off in search of her bedroom, without looking back.
“I know this must be hard for you,” Martha murmurs, “but rest assured, she’s in good hands, dear. I’ll take care of her as if she were my own.”
I scrutinize Martha just as I did Beth, searching for any hint of insincerity. “Thank you, Martha. I really appreciate it.”
“Martha has been briefed on Beth’s health situation, and she’ll notify you immediately if anything changes,” Dameon adds.
Right . Trust. It’s been Beth and I against the world for a very long time. While it’s a relief to share the burden with someone, it’s also difficult to relinquish control.
Thanking Martha once more, I trail behind Dameon as we leave the apartment and take the elevator to the penthouse.
“I want you to know, I trust Martha with my life. I wouldn’t hire just anyone to look after Beth.” He dips his head, searching for my eyes.
“I know.” I offer a small, grateful smile as I gently squeeze his arm.
The lift door opens, revealing the view of a lifetime: Bondi’s spectacular ocean stretching endlessly into the distance. While Beth’s apartment mirrors the vibrant energy of the beach by day, Dameon’s penthouse appears to reflect the allure of Bondi at night—the sand shimmering under soft moonlight; the waves gently caressing the shore. No detail has been spared in creating the striking space. Yet, it’s the breathtaking view that draws my attention.
My heart races and I swallow hard, fighting back the bitter bile of guilt that threatens to rise, bringing with it a wave of sudden nausea.
This is truly beautiful. I don’t deserve any of it.
Walking through the apartment on autopilot, I’m drawn toward the open sliding glass doors leading to the outdoor area. The balcony is surprisingly large and the edge disappears into an infinity pool. I can easily see myself lounging out here in a bikini, getting lost in the view. Beth would totally freak out over this pool. Though the sun’s rays beat down from above, a gentle breeze sweeps through, keeping the temperature pleasantly cool.
I shield my eyes from the brightness and squint at the ocean shimmering before me. Being near water is almost a spiritual experience for me. The gentle rhythm of the ocean draws me in, seducing me into a state of tranquil calm and heightened awareness. If only I could bottle up that sensation and carry it with me, I would. Perhaps that’s why I find solace in baths; they offer a similar experience, albeit on a smaller scale.
Strong, muscular arms circle my waist from behind, and I melt into Dameon’s embrace. His warmth seeps into my back, hotter than the sun above, and the scent of his skin mixes with the salty sea breeze, creating a provocative fusion that I inhale deeply into my lungs.
“What are you thinking about?” he whispers, his breath caressing the shell of my ear.
“The ocean. How peaceful it is here. Do you ever tire of the view?”
“Never,” he murmurs softly. I feel his gaze on me, and somehow, I doubt he’s referring to the coastline. My heart flutters, but I quickly remind myself that any sweet sentiments that fall from his lips aren’t real. Still, it doesn’t stop the sliver of hope blossoming in my chest at the thought, that maybe, just maybe… he meant it. That’s the thing about hope; once you’ve had a taste, you crave more, regardless of how dangerous it might be.
He nuzzles my neck, placing tender kisses along my jawline before forcefully tilting my head back to claim my lips. His tongue massages against mine in firm strokes, and I’m lost in his taste and heat. I arch into him like a needy cat, my ass seeking out his rock-hard cock. As I press against him, his guttural groan sends heat coursing through my veins. I move against him, desperate for more, but it’s not enough.
“I need you inside me, like right now,” I demand.
“Needy kitten, are we?”
“Please…” The ocean, the sun, and the sea air combined with Dameon’s heat and scent overload my senses. My skin is on fire. I’m burning from the inside out, and only he can douse this infernal heat. There’s only so much flirting and sexual tension a girl can endure. I’m not above begging to get what I want, to satiate this ache in my core.
“Another house rule for you: you don’t top from the bottom. You need my cock, you ask nicely.” I hear the shuffle of his shorts being pushed down before he lifts my sundress. He kicks out my feet wider and runs his cock up and down my slit, spreading my wetness. With a sigh of relief, I bend over the glass barrier in front of me, arching my back to give him better access. As soon as he slides home, inch by inch, we both pause. It’s pure bliss. He fills me up, stretching me almost to the point of pain. Dameon’s not a small man and taking him in one go is a challenge. Usually, he takes his time, stretching me with his fingers, making sure I’m well-prepped. But this time I wanted him inside me as quickly as possible.
“You feel incredible. Hot, wet, and… tight,” he grits out through clenched teeth. I push back but struggle to take all of him.
“Only one more inch. You can take it.”
“Yesss,” I hiss when he’s fully seated inside me.
“That’s it. Fuck… Look at that pretty pussy stretching open for me,” he growls, running his palm down my spine. Now that he’s balls deep, he grips my hips hard and drives into me. I cling to the barrier with both hands as he pummels into me. With the ocean ahead and Dameon behind, I plummet into ecstasy a lot quicker than I’d care to admit. Dameon tumbles after me, his heavy breaths on the back of my neck. We remain connected, staring out at the horizon, enjoying the view and the intimate moment. After a few minutes he pulls out, and we both groan at the loss of connection. His cum drips out of me, coating my inner thighs. I can sense he’s enjoying the view, and it’s not the one in front of us. His fingers brushing against my sensitive slit startles me as he collects his cum and brings it to my lips.
“Open.”
I push up from the partition and turn around to meet his eyes, parting my lips and swirling my tongue around his fingers, tasting our combined juices.
“Mmm. Perfection.” He kisses me thoroughly, enjoying the taste of us on my tongue. “Go see your sister and unpack. Your things will be here shortly.” He gives my ass a playful tap.
“Where are you going?”
“Work. I’ll see you tonight. Make yourself at home; I want you to be comfortable here.” He cradles my head in his hands, his eyes shining bright.
Honestly, this place feels more homely than our own ever did. I have no qualms about settling in. “I will,” I assure him.
“Good. Welcome home, goddess.” He flashes those gorgeous dimples, and I wonder how I got so fucking lucky.
***
Dameon
I’m going to be late, sorry. Have dinner without me and we’ll officially start tomorrow.
Well, shit…
I had hoped he’d be on his way back by now. I’m itching to sit down and have a conversation with him, to get a sense of what to expect. How will our nightly routine unfold? Will this become the norm—him working late, while I wait in limbo? With nothing better to do, I run a bath to wash away the grime from unpacking.
After checking in on Beth earlier, I made the most of being alone to explore every inch of his home. Invasive and creepy? Probably… But the urge to snoop was too hard to resist. I craved any morsel of information that might offer a glimpse into the man I’ll be serving for the next twelve months.
When I eventually made my way upstairs and reached his bedroom door, I hesitated, lingering on the threshold. There’s something taboo about entering someone else’s private sanctuary without their permission. I would hate it if someone went rifling through my personal space. Yet, my curiosity got the better of me, and after a brief pause, I stepped inside.
I took my time exploring, rummaging through the contents of the nightstands, the walk-in closet, and the bathroom, but found nothing of real interest. It was mildly disappointing, to be honest. I’m not entirely sure what I had hoped to uncover—something, anything , that would shed some light on the enigma that is Dameon Hayward. Instead, all I garnered was his expectation that I would share his room rather than use the spare bedroom (since my luggage had been delivered here), and his over-the-top orderliness. I briefly entertained the idea of messing up the meticulously arranged suits in his wardrobe just to see if he would notice they weren’t two inches apart anymore.
Stepping into the scalding embrace of the bathwater, I sigh as the heat prickles against my skin. Eyes closed, I draw in a few deep breaths, allowing the steam to fill my lungs and transport me to my usual place of calm and serenity. Then I grab my phone and hit the Play button on my familiar playlist, the pop ballads providing a soothing backdrop to my thoughts as I scroll through my notifications.
One particular email catches my attention—from a Dr. Isla Romey, Dameon’s physician. She wants my consent to access my medical records from my gynecologist for a review of my birth control regimen. Birth control is a routine requirement for all goddesses, but I totally understand why Dameon would want his own doctor to double-check. With a quick response, I send back my approval and set my phone aside on the tiled floor.
With Taylor Swift belting out her heartache into the thick steam of the bathroom air, I reach for the box of pad Thai beside my phone. Twirling the noodles around my fork, I find myself wondering whether this is just a preview of the next twelve months. In truth, it’s not much different from a typical night at home, except I’m getting paid big bucks to chill in this fancy bathtub. I swallow down the guilt that threatens to rise back up.
Two hours later, I emerge from the bath and lounge on Dameon’s bed with my Kindle, but I can’t shake off the uneasiness. It feels odd being in someone’s bed for the first time… without them. I’m unsure of what to do with myself. What if I’ve wrongly assumed that I’m wanted here in his bed? Should I play it safe and move into the spare room? And what do I wear? Sure, the contract said he wants me naked, but since we haven’t officially started yet…
I slip out of my negligée and ease myself under the covers.
Fuck, this is awkward.
Just as I’m about to reach for my negligée again, the bedroom door swings open.
“Hey! You didn’t have to wait up for me.” He flashes that heart-stopping smile, complete with those captivating dimples.
“That’s okay, I didn’t mind.” Internally I breathe a sigh of relief that he’s not kicking me out of his bed.
“You all unpacked and settled?” he asks, already in the process of shedding his tie and unbuttoning his shirt.
“Yep, all sorted.”
“Great. I’m gonna jump in the shower real quick.” He peels off his shirt and heads into the bathroom, dressed in only his suit pants, a sight I could easily get used to seeing every night.
When the sound of the shower fills the room, I gnaw at my thumbnail. Should I join him? But then again, he did say we’d start tomorrow. If he wanted me to join him, he would have asked, right?
Argh!
Fuck it, I’m going in. If he doesn’t want me there, he can ask me to leave. With a determined huff, I throw off the covers and pad to the bathroom. As I push open the door, the steam from the shower carries the rich sandalwood scent of his body wash, hitting me squarely in the face. I pause, taking in the sight before me—the water cascading down his muscular back, his toned ass on full display through the glass shower screen. I resist the urge to wipe the drool from the corner of my mouth.
He turns around, his lips tilting up when he catches me staring. With a playful challenge in his gaze, he continues to soap up his body, tempting me.
Trust me, I don’t need any encouragement.
His eyes roam over my naked body, and he tightens his fist on his hard cock, lazily stroking it from base to tip. I wet my lips instinctively, and his eyes zero in on the movement. He grows even harder before my eyes, and I need no further invitation.
I sway my hips toward him, and his hungry eyes devour every inch of my body. Stepping into the billowing steam of the shower, I’m met with a firm grip on my jaw as he attacks my lips with his own. The force of the kiss presses me back against the cool tiles, and I gasp in surprise.
He skillfully slips his tongue inside, setting off a wildfire of sensation. The kiss feels endless, and I’m lost in the heat of his body, intoxicated by the scent of his body wash and the taste of his lips. In this moment, nothing else exists but the feel of his lips consuming mine.
He pulls away abruptly and lifts me, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist. With a swift movement, he maneuvers us to the other side of the shower, stepping under the cascading water and soaking me in the process. I must look like a drowned rat, but that thought disappears the instant he presses my back against the tiled wall, shielding me from the spray with his body. When I look up into his stormy green eyes, I’m lost in their depths and sudden intensity.
He ravishes my mouth and slides into me effortlessly, as if he knows my body better than I do—a beacon finding its way home in the dark. Despite his tight fit, I’m able to take him in one thrust.
He pounds into me with relentless passion, gripping my thighs tightly to support my weight. Pinning me against the tiled wall, he hits all those spots inside me that make my eyes cross.
“Fuck.” I gasp for breath, the steam thick in my lungs. This is far more intimate than our quickie earlier, way too intimate. I break eye contact first, biting down on his shoulder to stifle the overwhelming connection. His groan is deliciously filthy, and I want to hear it again.
He slows his pace, punctuating each thrust with a force that threatens to unravel me completely.
“I’m gonna come,” I manage to choke out as my walls begin to collapse around him.
“That’s it, soak my cock, goddess. I want to feel your hot cunt squeezing the cum right out of my balls,” he breathes, pushing me back against the wall as I wrap my legs around him again once more. He grips my throat and squeezes. With his eyes locked on mine, I teeter on the edge of release, my body trembling until at last, I detonate, my mouth wide open on a silent scream.
“That’s my girl,” he murmurs, his own release echoing mine as he fills me completely. With my face buried in his shoulder, I sink my teeth into his flesh once again, drawing another throaty groan from him.
After a few deep breaths, I’m able to speak. “Wow, that was…”
“Fucking incredible,” he finishes my sentence, pulling out gently and lowering me until my feet reach the tiled floor. I wince as my locked-up muscles protest the movement.
“Turn around,” he instructs, grabbing the loofah and body wash. With tender care, he washes and massages every inch of my sore muscles, peppering my clean skin with soft kisses. Each brush of his lips reshapes my view of what the next twelve months might hold.
If that was any indication, I’m going to need to start a regular stretching routine.
Like, as soon as possible.