Chapter 144

I surprise myself with my wicked grin, then, as I look down at him. Because this, at least – this cat and mouse game? It’s familiar ground. And really, I do know, after last night, that Kent isn’t going to enforce that contract if I don’t want him to. He wants me to want it.

And, if I’m honest? After a day to think about it, and looking at him right now, staring up at me with his muscular arms crossed, his diamond-cut jaw clenched, all power, and all at my command?

I still do.

I want it.

Just...on my terms, like Janeen said.

“We have a contract, Kent,” I say, my smile growing as I lean over the banister to get a better look at him. “But that contract had no specific timeline.

So, I guess...” I shrug. “We’ll just have to see.”

Then, without a look back, I jog the rest of the way up the stairs.

______________________ At around eight o’clock, a knock comes at my door, making my stomach plummet almost to my feet. I hesitate, knowing it could be one of only a few things. I’d pushed Kent this afternoon – so it could be him, ready to push me back – but...

I take a deep breath in through my nose and steel myself, moving towards the door. It’s better to know, I think, than to sit on my bed for fifteen minutes speculating about it. Which is something I know I am perfectly capable of doing. But...I’ve got to be brave.

So, I pull my door open and hear a little plop as something falls flat at my feet.

Surprised, I look down to see a box there, tied with a white ribbon tonight. I lean down and scoop it up into my arms, closing my door behind me as I hurry to the bed. Eagerly, I untie the bow and shake the box open.

I’m absolutely stunned by what I see.

Slowly, I unpack the box, marveling at the incredible softness of the little silk pajama shorts and matching camisole, each embroidered with the most delicate lily details along their edges. Then, I gasp when beneath it I find the most luxurious robe I’ve ever seen – cut short, but trimmed at the neck and the cuffs with soft white fur.

I glance back at the box then and marvel again at the last gift – a pair of the most delicate white moccasins I’ve seen with fur lining the inside and the most incredible beadwork on the top. I line these treasures up on the bed and take a moment to stare at them, a finger curled on my chin, curious.

Fall For My Ex's Mafia Father Chapter 0143 This was...well, it was still lingerie, I supposed. But it was not anything like the lace teddy he sent me the first night, or the corset he made me wear yesterday, which were each designed to intimidate me. This collection, alternately...

Well, it seems like Kent really wants me to be comfortable. I feel a little twinge inside me at the...well, the sweetness of that sentiment. I have to admit myself shocked and surprised.

I turn this all over as I carry my new clothes into the bathroom, tying my hair into a knot so that I can take a quick shower without getting my hair wet.

What did it all mean? Was he...not going to ask me to go to the third floor with him tonight? Did he want something...different?

As I step out of the shower and towel myself off, I wonder what new challenge Kent is setting up for me. How are we supposed to play cat and mouse when the cat is...being really cute? And perhaps even trying to romance the mouse?

I admit I feel some anxiety at this change as I slip the silky pajamas onto my body and pull the chillingly-soft robe over my arms. I’m still marveling at the luxurious comfort when a knock comes at the door.