33. Hyacinth #3
“I…” I start, then shake my head. Why the fuck do I want to say something stupid right now? I’ve never felt the urge to utter a word like that before in my life.
“You…?” Zane prompts, rubbing circles into my hips. His cock is already softening, threatening to slip out of my hole, but he doesn’t move me yet.
I drop my head against his shoulder and look between us. Most of my cum landed on my skirt. Huh. Maybe I should have worn white this time.
I wipe my hand on his nice shirt. “I am filthy.”
“That’s what showers are for.” He pulls me closer to him, though, not letting me move away from him.
“I probably need to change my bandage again too.” I glance at my arm. The blouse covers the bandage, but I can feel it throbbing. “My clothes need to be dry cleaned. My hair washed and brushed. My crevices deeply scrubbed.”
Zane scoffs at me, but he says, “You’ll need to keep some clothes here. Unless you like running around naked, which is fine with me, but people will always be around and I’m not sure I like the idea of anyone else seeing you that way. That’s just for me.”
I smile. “You plan on fucking me all over your office?”
“I plan on fucking you everywhere I can.” Zane kisses me again. “All right, go shower. I’ll get something sorted out for food. Do you have any allergies?”
“Nope.” I reluctantly get off him, then bend down to brush my lips against his. “I’ll be naked whenever and wherever you want me to be, Zane.”
“Good.” He tucks his cock back into his pants and fastens them back into place before grabbing his food. “Indian food okay?”
“Sounds good.” I straighten out my outfit and head outside. This building has showers two floors down for anyone who might need to clean up. It’s an inconvenient location, though. I’ll need to talk Zane into adding a shower to his en-suite bathroom.
One of Zane’s underlings spots me. His eyes widen, and he seems unsure of how to react to me here without Zane around.
I wave to him. “Careful what you say, or you might lose that tongue.”
The man swallows and shakes his head. “I wasn’t going to say anything.”
“Good.” I pat him on the shoulder. “Make sure everybody else knows, too. If you aren’t completely loyal to Zane… I’ll have no reason not to make you bleed out.”
That’s probably overkill, but it’s important to establish the hierarchy.
And they need to know that I won’t forgive anyone who dares cross Zane.
When I return to the office, Zane is back at his desk on his laptop. “Food should be here in half an hour,” he tells me, looking up. “Feel better?”
“I never felt bad,” I counter. The pillow that had been next to the armchair is now next to the desk chair. I can kneel without issue on hard floors, but the gesture warms my chest all the same.
I go and sit by his feet, resting my head against his thigh.
He smooths his fingers through my damp hair. “How’s the arm?”
“It twinges, but the bandage was clean and it’s healing well.” I glance up, although I can’t see the contents of his monitor from this angle. “What are you working on?”
“Ideas for plants for the house,” he says, turning the laptop so I can see the screen. “I found a few videos and some suggestions for the climate for you to play with. I also ordered some gardening equipment for you. You aren’t allowed to use the shovel to bury anyone.”
“The swamp is easier and faster, anyway,” I point out. I sit up so I have a better view.
The lump in my throat grows larger.
He has a whole fucking gardening supply store in his order history. All the tools, bags and bags of mulch and dirt, and seed and pots and plants.
“You realize I’ll kill most of these,” I say, but I find Zane’s hand and squeeze it.
Zane shrugs. “Then we’ll get more.” He smirks at me. “But you have to start in the backyard. My front yard has appearances to maintain.”
I stand up so I can kiss him, without hesitation this time. Zane kisses back, his hand immediately going for my hair and tugging me closer.
“Thank you,” I whisper when I pull back. “You’re the first person who ever got me anything not related to… to work.”
“You’re the first person I wanted to give gifts like this to,” he replies. “I’m just glad you like these.”
“I love them,” I say. That’s pretty sappy. “I also heard that plants grow best when fertilized with remains of living creatures, so no promises on the uses for that shovel.”
He rolls his eyes. “I also hear it works best when you sing to them, so better work on that singing voice, too.” He pauses, then asks, “Can you sing?”
It’s the most random question.
I smile and drop my arms around him again. “I guess we’ll find out.” I nuzzle my lips against his ears. “I’m so glad I attempted to kill you.”
“I’m so glad it was only an attempt,” Zane deadpans. “Or should I say… How many was that? Either way…” He tugs me back by the hair so he can meet my eyes. “I’m glad you’re in my life, Hyacinth.”
I stare at his honey-brown gaze, and I know those eyes wouldn’t look half as beautiful glazed over in death as they do now.
For once, I’m glad I failed.
For once, I’m looking forward to life—one where I’m known.
One where I’m at Zane’s side.