Chapter 19
DELILAH
Alone at last. I can’t remember when I was. It feels kind of weird, and Ashton left with the promise of returning in one hour, enough time to shower and change into one of the many outfits that hang in the generous-sized closet.
To be honest, they have thought of everything.
Most of the stuff from Rockwell is here, not that I want any of it, alongside new clothes, toiletries, and even a few books.
It appears they meant it when they said I was to make this my home, and as I gaze around the pretty room, I never want to leave.
They told me I could decorate, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
It’s the prettiest room I have ever seen.
Soft cream tones mix with warmer pink ones.
The bedding is crisp and white with a floral comforter draped over the bed; scatter cushions appear pristine as they stand to attention on the bed.
The drapes are also white, framing a beautiful view of the lake.
Soft fur rugs and gorgeous lighting make this room an oasis from the madness my life has become.
I love it here.
To be honest, I’m the happiest I have ever been, what my memory allows, anyway. Was I happy before? I hope so.
The first thing I do is take a shower and wash my hair, and I notice the black dye running down the plug. Why did they dye my hair?
Why did they drug me, and why was I there in the first place? As I dry my hair, wrapped in a towel, there’s a sharp knock on the door and my heart stills. I find my voice and call out, “Who is it?”
“Blade.”
My heart thumps as I clutch the towel close to me and head across the room, and as I open the door, the relief inside me surprises me.
His eyes power through me and I forget to breathe.
“Hey,”
“Hey.”
I smile, the relief on seeing him overpowering, and I don’t even register I’m almost naked and open the door wider.
“Come in.”
“It’s okay. I just wanted to check in on you.”
“No, please.”
I stop because he’s probably only being polite and would prefer to return to his own space.
“Fuck, darlin’.”
He huffs and pushes past me into the room and shakes his head as he stares around.
“This room–”
It makes me giggle because he is so out of place in here it’s funny.
“What about it?”
“It’s well, are you sure you like this shit?”
He shakes his head, and I’m hit by an overpowering surge of affection for him, and before I can stop myself, I head straight over and wrap my arms around him and hold him tight. I don’t even care that the towel slips. I just need to be in his arms, and I can’t explain my reasons for that.
As his arms wrap around me, I’m surprised when he kisses the top of my head and tightens his hold. One hand rests on the back of my head, and he presses me in deeper, his scent familiar, reassuring even.
“What’s wrong, darlin’?”
He sounds concerned, and I whisper, “I’m sorry, Blade. I suppose it’s all a little strange and you, well, I can’t do this without you.”
I mumble against his chest, “I’m sorry, it’s probably the last thing you want. I mean, you’re home. You have a life and you don’t need my problems to deal with.”
I make to pull away, and he tightens his hold, and his low rumble reassures as he says in his husky whisper, “If I remember correctly, you asked to sleep with me tonight. The only thing I ask is that we do so in my room. This one would give me fucking nightmares.”
I giggle, my heart lighter as everything rights itself. We may be back here, but as long as I have Blade beside me, I can face anything life throws at me.
He drags me down beside him on the edge of the bed, and I stem my laughter because he is so out of place in this girly paradise.
“It’s good to be home.” He admits, and I wonder if I will ever find a place where I truly belong.
“It must be.”
I’m surprised when his hand links with mine, and it feels kind of intimate, especially as the towel wrapped around me is fighting to stay there.
“Did you find your brother?”
I’m curious to meet him because I understand they are identical twins, and I’m more than fascinated with that.
“Who says I’m not him sitting beside you now?”
“Idiot.”
I smile, loving his light banter. “I would know you anywhere.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Of course. Your cockiness gives you away.”
“Is that all?”
I squirm a little because how can I tell him my entire soul wakes up the minute he enters a room. He would run like an Olympic sprinter despite the sheer size of him.
“There surely can’t be a bigger asshole than you, Blade.”
He chuckles. “Then prepare to meet a room full of them.”
“Oh.”
I’m nervous about that, and he squeezes my hand reassuringly. “Don’t go to the bar without me. I’ll fight those bastards if they even look at you inappropriately.”
His words cause me to chuckle. “You really are an asshole, Blade.”
He shoulder bumps me and the towel slips. He growls, “For fuck’s sake, darlin’, go and pull on some clothes. And never answer the door in a towel again.”
“Why not?”
“Because anyone could have been standing there.”
“But you told me it was you.”
I toss my eyes and he shakes his head.
“You believed me. What if I was someone else who used my name to gain entry?”
“I recognized your voice.”
“They could have impersonated me. One word is easily copied.”
“Possibly.”
He swings his gaze around the room and sighs.
“This place is making my eyes bleed. Get dressed, and we’ll head for the dining hall. You must be hungry.”
“Oh.”
I’m uncomfortable, and he rasps, “What?”
“Oh, um, Ashton said she’d call for me, and I’m sure she will be here soon.”
“It’s fine. I passed her on my way here and told her I’d show you around.”
“You did?”
For some reason I’m happy about that, not that I didn’t like Ashton, I believe that would be impossible, but Blade, well, he feels like home.
He jerks his head toward the bathroom, “Please, darlin’, you’re messing with my mind wearing that towel. Pull on some clothes and we’ll head out.”
With a small smile, I do as he says, glad I affect him just a little.
There is some damn hot chemistry building between us, and the night is ours, apparently.
Perhaps sleeping with Blade will throw up a few challenges for both of us, but one thing’s for sure: I really hope sleep doesn’t feature much tonight.