Chapter 13
“That doesn’t look very comfortable, Daddy. You’re more than welcome to join me on the mattress,” I suggest in my most innocent tone.
Zane scoffs. “I’m fine sitting on the stairs. I won’t even be down here that long.”
I’m disappointed, but I can’t say I’m surprised, so I try to focus on the book.
It’s just so hard when Zane is choosing to hang out with me to listen.
I’m way too excited about that to really concentrate on the narration.
Luckily, I know this series very well, so I won’t be lost if I do decide the story is more interesting than watching Zane’s reactions to it, but the odds of that happening seem pretty slim.
Hopefully, he stays down here and listens to the whole book with me.
I’d love to observe his response to the primal play, the chasing through the woods scene that’s coming up in a bit, because it’s one of my favorites.
I wish I could’ve seen how he felt about all the CNC and free use in the last book.
He was down here while I jerked off, obviously, but I had no idea he was actually paying attention to the storyline.
What if listening to these books makes him question not only his sexuality but also his kinky desires? I could be unleashing a whole new side of Zane.
The fact that I’m so into all this and was actually kidnapped by someone as attractive—and clueless in the kidnapping and killing department—as Zane, seems like fate.
Him choosing to stay in the basement and spend time with me, potentially bonding over our shared interest in romance that’s less than conventional, only gives me more hope that we’re headed in the right direction.
Fuck, I wish that I had my art supplies.
I’ve been searching for inspiration for weeks, and now I can’t stop the ideas from coming.
My art is abstract, but the emotions and the ideas behind it are all very real.
The fake blood on his mask the first night, his defined abs I wish he would show me again, even the collar around my neck—I want to add all of it to my canvas.
Right now, the way the harsh basement lighting casts shadows over Zane’s features makes me want to create something with as much conflict as he’s trying to hide in his expression.
He’s clearly enjoying these books, the banter with me, and the time we’re spending together.
But he doesn’t think he should be. He might’ve even liked the show last night, and now he doesn’t know what to do with the newfound curiosity that I’ve inspired in him.
He definitely didn’t need to rip open that shower curtain when I warned him I was fingering myself, but he did.
And without so much as an ounce of hesitation.
I saw the way he gawked at me. The man wants me, and I’m getting so close to getting him to admit to his desires.
We’re both pushing each other beyond our comfort zones, forcing our lives out of the monotony of what they were before we met. Once he realizes how much better everything could be if we act on the tension between us, we could truly be amazing together.
The book stops suddenly, and Zane clears his throat. “We should probably pause there with the end of the chapter. I have to get ready soon anyway.”
Soon isn’t right now, and I’m going to milk him being in my presence for as long as I can. “Wait! Before you go, can we just chat for a minute? I get so bored and lonely down here with no one to talk to when you’re gone.”
He stares at me with his brows drawn together and a skeptical look in his eyes. “What the fuck do you want to chat about?”
Oh my god, he didn’t say no or storm off. Progress!
I sit up a bit straighter on the mattress. “I’d love to get to know you better. You’ve seen me naked, and I don’t even know where you’re from.”
“I did not want to see you naked! That was out of necess—”
“Yeah, yeah. Tomato, tomahto. My point still stands. I can get us started. I’m from a tiny town a couple hours southeast of here, closer to Arkansas than Kansas.
I hated how small it was and dreamed of living in an actual city, but then I visited Chicago during college and realized that was a little too big, so I ended up here. What about you?”
“I already told you I moved here for the brewery,” he grunts.
“If you ever trust me enough to let me leave, I’d love for you to take me to see it.”
His eyes go wide as his mouth opens then closes a few times before he finally shakes his head and responds. “You won’t be going anywhere with me while you’re alive.”
“Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself whatever you need to, Zane. I know you’re worried about jail, but I don’t want you to get into any trouble.
The fact that you don’t want to affect your friends’ business is so sweet too.
I love that you’re such a good friend. But one day, we’ll look back at this time and laugh about it. ”
He stands, shaking his head again. “I’m from Arizona.”
“No way! I’ve always wanted to see the Grand Canyon. I love to travel, but my parents never took me anywhere. I thought about taking a trip recently, but going alone sounded so depressing.”
“It’s not that exciting,” he mutters dismissively.
“Well, where would you go on a vacation?”
“I don’t know. Somewhere in Europe, maybe.”
He answered way too quickly to not know, so I try again. “Well, why Europe? Is there something you’d want to see?”
He shrugs as if he’s trying to cover up his interest. “I’ve been trying to learn about brewing beer, so it would be cool to visit the big breweries there, or maybe even the old monasteries that have been doing it for hundreds of years.”
“So why don’t you?”
He gives me a look like the answer should be obvious. “Well, now I can’t because I’m probably going to jail. But also, did you miss the whole two jobs thing? I’m a waiter. I could never afford a trip like that.”
“Never say never!” I encourage with a big smile. I hate to see him look so defeated when I know I would never turn him in. As long as he doesn’t kill me, he has nothing to worry about. “The brewery could take off. Or you could call it a business expense.”
He laughs bitterly like the idea is completely impossible. “Whatever. I need to get ready for work.”
“Don’t listen to the book without me!” I call out as he walks up the stairs. “If you get bored, start a different one. I’d recommend Stealing His Love or Imprisoned in Love.”
“Not happening,” he yells down before slamming the door.
We’ll see.