Chapter 51
Chapter Fifty-One
Lily
When I wake up, I’m in the room alone. Throwing off the covers I buried myself in last night, I hold onto the metal chain leash as I get out of bed.
Killian’s room is exactly how I’d imagine it would be.
Minimalist, dark wood furniture, simple.
I start scanning the room. Beside the bed is a nightstand that has a note.
On an errand. Make yourself at home.
Killian
My stomach growls. I need food. Making my way toward the door, I’m not sure if I’ll be alone in the house. Wearing nothing but Killian’s T-shirt and boxers, I poke my head out of the door, and a woman comes rushing toward me.
“Miss Liliana,” she says with a thick Irish accent. She doesn’t question the collar and leash, which makes me think this isn’t a new occurrence under this roof. “I have a warm bath waiting for you, and breakfast is spread on the table when you are ready.”
“I don’t have anything to wear.” I step out.
“That’s fine, my dear,” she assures. “Sir Killian has left out what you need. He’ll be back by the time you’re finished, then you’ll find him in the study.”
Following her into a massive bathroom fit for a king, there’s a bathtub full of steaming hot water and floating rose petals.
“Everything you need is right here.” She pats the countertop where a bottle of coconut oil sits beside a few towels. Her other hand gestures to the hook behind the door, where a pink silk robe hangs. She smiles and lets me be.
The inside of this house has a modern touch unlike the mini castle back in Ireland.
Taking off my clothes, I step into the tub; the fragrance of the rose petals gives me a sense of serenity as they surround me like soft clouds.
The tub is placed directly in front of a large window where light floods the bathroom.
I exhale slowly, feeling the warmth of the water wrap around my body.
My body is relaxed despite the aching from giving in to Killian’s aggressive touch that lasted throughout most of the night.
I can still feel his touch on me, dancing along my skin, making me feel alive and cherished.
His touch had been firm but tender, like the sound of his voice as he called me mo chuisle, like a fierce protector and an insatiable lover all at once.
I lean my head back against the side of the tub, the tip of my hair just along the water line as the water laps gently at my collarbone.
The water ripples as I shift, the rose petals swirling around me.
Killian has this way of making me feel invincible, even when darkness threatens to creep in, causing a knot of worry in my stomach.
Alessio wants Killian dead, and the thought of Killian gone hangs over me like a storm cloud—dark and menacing.
If I tell Killian, it will start a war. I just want peace—peace of mind, heart, and life.
Once Alessio knows I’m with Killian, he will call it off. At least that’s what I’m banking on.
When I am shown the dining room, there’s a place setting for me with a bowl of porridge topped with honey and fruit, a plate of smoked salmon, grilled tomatoes mixed with mushrooms, and a slice of whole wheat bread.
“Would you like anything else?” the woman from before says as she pours steaming hot tea into a cup placed on a matching saucer.
It’s not my ideal breakfast. I am fine with just some eggs and toast, but I’m not going to insult whoever took the time to make this.
“Do you have coffee?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “Only tea here.” She reaches for some milk, mixes it with the tea, and adds two cubes of sugar. She smiles and then steps back to stand against the wall.
I start with small bites and am surprised that I enjoy this odd mix of food first thing in the morning. The air shifts in the room, and I know Killian is here.
“You’re eating.” Killian sounds surprised as he walks in, removing his black leather gloves and leather jacket. He’s not wearing his usual three-piece suit.
“I’m hungry,” I shoot back.
“You like it?” He sits down.
I nod. “Kudos to the chief.”
The woman, maybe a house manager, places a saucer and cup in front of Killian to pour him a cup of tea. Milk and sugar, just as mine was done.
“I didn’t think a killer like you drank tea.” I laugh. “Kind of lose your bad-ass appeal.” He smirks. The newspaper is placed in front of him, and he picks it up to read. “Am I supposed to live in this robe?” I question.
“I have someone coming with a few things,” he replies with his eyes still on the paper.
His phone rings, and when he pulls it out, there’s a smile on his face. “I guess Alessio got my package.”
He answers the phone, putting it on speaker. “Good morning, Cameron.” Killian looks at me with amusement.
“Lily’s gone. The Russians must have taken her. I thought you had everything under control once we kicked them out.” Cameron snaps.
“I do. Looks like you’re not the one in control.” Killian nods to me.
“I’m safe, Cameron,” I say into the phone.
“Lily? What are you doing with him?” Cameron is angry.
“Well, Killian bought me. So technically I belong to him.”
Cameron lets out a laugh. “Lily, that wasn’t a real transaction. He doesn’t own you.”
“Did anyone pay him back for the auction?”
He’s silent. “This is business, Lily. You don’t understand how this works.”
“No,” I shoot back. “I know how this works, very well, actually. Now if you don’t mind, I have to tend to my master.”
Killian is wearing a mischievous smile. “Are we all squared away?”
“Are you fucking crazy?!” Cameron breathes heavily into the phone.
“Define crazy.”
“Holding Lily hostage just cost you an alliance.”
“Oh boo-hoo,” Killian says.
“Killian. Where is Lily?”
“Right now, wearing nothing but a robe. But that will come off shortly.”
Cameron starts yelling, but Killian hangs up and looks at the time.