Chapter 2
Chapter
Two
Aria
I don't know what I was expecting Theo's apartment to look like, but this wasn't it; yet somehow it is so incredibly him.
Maybe I was expecting everything to be cold, almost sterile, like walking through a museum and being scared to breathe too hard in a particular direction.
Surprisingly, even with the cool tones and metal accents, it's fairly cozy.
"So if you were serious about wanting to move in, this is yours now. Do whatever you want to make yourself feel comfortable." Theo's voice pulls my attention away from the wall of windows overlooking the city.
"It's perfect." A soft laugh escapes my lips with the words.
"Unexpected, but perfect." Theo's body suddenly presses against mine, the heat from his chest has me remembering how our bodies were entangled less than an hour ago.
It still baffles me how he can go from strong and intimidating to someone who makes me so comfortable, effortlessly.
He smiles as my body relaxes into his. As we walk around yet another floor of his penthouse, I am not sure why someone living alone needs this much space, but I guess when you have money to burn, you might as well spend it.
I try to find any personal effects, pictures, or trinkets that would give me more insight into who I am now living with.
As I look around, everything seems to be specifically curated and not family items that would have been passed down.
Maybe he has the sentimental items somewhere away from where guests might find them, especially since people he works with just show up unannounced at 1:00 a.m. Is that just a social norm for the 1%?
"Do your bosses show up randomly a lot?" I ask as he leads me quietly down the hall.
"Not usually, but due to the nature of our business, there will be times I am given little to no notice, like tonight.
" When Theo talks about work, his entire body shifts, it's almost like he is two completely different versions of himself; the one who does whatever he does for the association, and the one he is with me.
"Why were they here?" I try not to be pushy about it. He didn't answer when I asked before, but I think that is because he was just wanting to fuck again. Maybe asking now, I'll get a more accurate answer.
"They need me on a work trip last minute." I wait for him to elaborate, but he doesn't.
"When?" I am assuming pretty soon, or they could have waited until Monday to tell him. I press my body closer to his, I am becoming addicted to the feeling of his presence. Not just the adrenaline and dopamine high from sleeping with him, but even the calm that being near him brings over my body.
"Tomorrow, but it won't be for too long," he says before kissing my hand.
"You'll have the place to yourself tomorrow night.
" Before Theo, if I had been told I would have a luxury penthouse to myself for a night, I would have been so excited that I would immediately start planning a huge party.
Right now, I am just focused on the spot in my chest that is currently full from the care and adoration from Theo, knowing it will feel hollow tomorrow.
Theo begins to walk us out of the hall and back into the living area.
"What are they needing you to do?"
"Consult on a project some of the younger associates have proposed.
" He is technically answering my questions, but being vague enough that I'm still not given any actual information.
Maybe it's because all I knew growing up was secrets, that knowing he is keeping things from me doesn't sit well, but I also can't be too pushy.
We literally met a few days ago, and with no long term commitments, he doesn't have to tell me anything.
"The rest of the items we purchased from the store will be delivered tomorrow. If you need anything else, feel free to get it."
"With what money?" I laugh as he pulls me down on the couch next to him, "My savings are dwindling, and I need to use it to pay off my student loans. Acadia wasn’t cheap.
" I laugh. I really need to start looking for a job.
I'm sure there are plenty of architecture firms out here. Even if I can’t find something right away, I'm sure I'll be able to find something eventually.
Theo stands and walks to the kitchen, and grabs something off the counter before returning.
He pulls something out before tossing the leather wallet back down. He walks over and begins to hand me a small piece of metal before pulling it just out of reach. I sigh and give him my best puppy dog eyes.
“I will hand this over to you, but I have some conditions.” I look up at him, waiting for more information.
“I want to know what you're buying. I don't care what you spend, but I do want you to show me the things you are purchasing.” I nod my head, it's a reasonable request. “Also while I am gone, if you leave the house I want to know. When you are not home, I want hourly updates unless specified otherwise.” I nod again.
He lowers the card down slightly to where if I stretched the slightest bit further I could grab it.
“And finally, I want you home by nine every night unless you have been given explicit permission, and I want proof of life on that camera right there.” My eyes follow as he points to the security camera that has a view of the living room all the way back to the front entry way.
The weight of the card surprises me when he puts it in my hand.
"What is this?" I ask before turning it over and seeing a centurion engraved on the front.
"My Amex, buy whatever you need. Honestly, just get whatever you want. "
"You're kidding me." I look down at one of the most coveted pieces of titanium in awe. When I look back up to Theo, he is already looking at his phone, like he didn't just hand me access to his entire bank account. “So I could go spend $100,000, and you would just be ok with that?”
"I told you I want to provide for you, I want to give you the best of everything.
While I am away, get the things that will make this feel more like your home.
Get the things you need to start over. We can still have movers go get your things, but there is no reason you should go without when I am more than capable of giving you everything you need. "
"That you are," I mumble. From life-altering orgasms to a fucking Amex, Theo has not held back on giving me anything, but I can't shake the it's too good to be true voice living in the back of my brain.
Theo must see the second-guessing, because he immediately grabs my chin and brings my gaze to his.
His eyes flick back and forth between mine, making sure I'm paying attention before he says, "When I told you I wanted to give you a fresh start, I meant it.
You did not deserve to be treated the way you were growing up, and I want to make sure you have everything you need to take full advantage of this second chance. "
Before I can think better of it, the words tumble out of my mouth, "But what's the catch?" I can see a brief hint of hurt in Theo's eyes, and my chest aches. I immediately try to apologize, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to?—"
Fuck. Here he is trying to help me, and I all but accuse him of trying to buy sex.
"Baby, I don't want you to think I am in any way trying to manipulate you or take advantage of you.” He leans down and brushes a piece of hair behind my ear.
“This isn't a conditional offer. Even though I love how you submit to me in the bedroom and give me control over your body, even if that all stops right now, I still want to provide this for you. "
I nod my head softly. He kisses my forehead before walking back to his spot on the couch. He taps his screen a few more times before putting his phone face down on the arm of the couch.
"Don’t worry about your student loans, they have been taken care of. Now start thinking about the things you are going to need.”
"Yes, Daddy," I say playfully as I quickly add his Amex to my Apple Wallet.
I can see the smile on his face out of the corner of my eye.
He really likes it when I call him that.
It has never been one of those pet names I gravitated towards, but with Theo, not only does it make him really happy, it just feels right.
"So this Daddy thing..." I pause, trying to find the right way to ask without making him think I don't like it. "Is it just a bedroom thing or do you like it all the time?"
"I like hearing you call me Daddy all of the time, in every type of scenario, but I'm not going to push anything you're not comfortable with."
"No, I like it. It feels right." My lips lift into a smile as I can see the slightest sigh of relief in Theo's shoulders.
"I do have a question, though." He focuses his gaze on me and waits for me to continue.
"What does this kind of relationship look like?
Like, I understand the sex part. I love the sex part, but what does it look like during all the other parts?
What is this even called? I mean, other than Daddy issues?
" I can't help but laugh, but it's true.
Most of the time, when women call their partners Daddy, it's assumed it's because they have Daddy issues and are seeking that type of pseudo relationship.
I have Daddy issues, but not in that way, I don't think.
"Are you trying to put a label on us, or asking in general?" he clarifies.
"I'm not sure, both?" It's the honest answer. I want to know where the line is. Do I get to ask questions and know about Theo's life, or is this a sugar daddy situation where we fuck and he spoils me, but that's as deep as it goes? Where do I stand?
He takes a moment before speaking, as if he is trying to make sure he is using the right words.