Chapter 6

6

BLAIR

I 'm working late again.

But this time, it's not because I have extra work to do before that night's over. It's because of the email I received right before I was going to clock out. Not to my work email either but to my personal address. I read it, over and over again, and it chilled me to my core.

Right there on the screen in black and white is an email from an anonymous address that's just a string of numbers.

I know what you've been up to, Blair Wright. I know that you were dating the heir of Beckett Industries, but when they didn't make you rich quickly, you moved to the CEO himself.

Are you fucking that old man, Blair? Is he buying you nice things? Designer bags?

It's time for you to quit. If you don't, I'll ruin your professional future by revealing all of this to the entire building. And then if you still don't quit, I'll leak it to the media, too.

I bet that won't go over well for Mr. Beckett.

Have a good night, Blair. Think it over

The implications were clear. If I didn't quit and get out quietly, by next week, this whole thing would blow up. Well, fuck that, I wasn't going to go down without a fight. If there was blackmail, it was time for me to fight back.

Except...I can't deny that I'm scared. Whoever has this information has to be somewhere close, and the idea of walking the short walk from the Uber to my apartment makes me feel sick. What if I'm attacked?

So I linger in the building much longer than necessary. Eventually, though, I know I have to leave. So I sign off, pull my hoodie on, and start for home, trembling and always looking over my shoulder.

Well, at least one good thing comes out of the email. I'm definitely too scared to think of the confrontation I'll have if Brian sees me leaving the building alone again.

Cradling my phone to my chest, I step out into the night. My ride still isn't here, and the app keeps crashing. Once the door closes behind me, I know I can't get back into the Beckett building, and it makes my stomach clench.

God, someone could come up behind me right now. I take a few steps onto the sidewalk, and I'm so afraid that I don't know what to do with myself.

Then, I see the figure across the street, dressed in all black, his face hidden by his hood. He raises a hand in my direction, and my knees turn to jelly.

Hands shaking, I open our work messaging app, hoping that someone might still be inside the building and could let me in. Of course, there's only one person online.

And of course, it's the man who lives in the penthouse. The CEO and owner of the company.

The man who ate me out on the conference table. Brian Beckett.

I have to call him. What choice do I have? The man across the street isn't moving, but he isn't leaving either. Maybe Brian can give me a ride home, but I'm so frightened and disturbed that I hope he'll bring me to his penthouse for a few minutes. At least for a glass of water.

Steeling myself, I click his contact and press the call button. He picks up after two rings.

"Blair, is something wrong?" Brian answers immediately, sounding strong and safe. Just hearing him relaxes me some as the night wind pulls at my hair.

"Mr. Beckett, it's kind of complicated. Listen, I'm still at the building. Could you come let me in? The Uber app crashed, and I'm locked out."

There's a long pause, and then Brian says, his tone deadly serious, "I'll be there in two minutes, baby. Is something going on?"

"I-I'll tell you when I see you," I say faintly, closing my eyes to keep from crying. This is overwhelming. "Thank you, Mr. Beckett. I'll be in front of the building."

"And Blair," Brian adds softly. "How many times do I have to tell you to call me Brian? I think we're well acquainted by now."

He disconnects the call, leaving me a little shell-shocked. Looking across the street, I find the man with his hand back in his pocket, stepping out of my sight. It's subtle, almost as if he meant for me to see him put his hands in his pockets to put me at ease, and it sends a deeper chill through me. It rings so false, and I would bet my life that he's dangerous, hands hidden away or not.

What if whoever has this information doesn't only want me gone? What if they want me dead?

A car finally rounds the corner, and the sign in the window tells me it's my Uber. The driver slows, beckoning to me, and the driver's window slides down as he shouts angrily, "Let's go, girl! Hurry up!"

Then, the door to the office building slams open, and Brian is there, shirtless and in nothing but a pair of silk pajama pants. He's running toward me, and he has his cell phone in one hand. I feel faint.

"Go into the foyer," he tells me, squeezing my shoulder as he passes by me. "I'll pay the cab and send them on their way. You're coming up with me."

I don't have time to protest because he's already crossing the street, and he's giving the annoyed driver his credit card. Brian crosses back over to the sidewalk, heading right toward me.

"You are in so much trouble," he threatens, though his face gives away his concern.

"For locking myself out?" I reply faintly, holding onto him as he tows me back into the building. My face hurts from trying not to cry.

Brian punches the elevator button, turning to cup my face. "You know what I mean, Blair. For staying late and leaving alone. But that's a discussion for later."

We stand side by side in the elevator, and Brian is all business as he types out some text messages as we ascend to his penthouse apartment.

"Brian," I say weakly, gripping his arm in my hands. "There was a man."

"I saw him," Brian growls. "He got in a car across the street. I called a friend from work to find out what they could do about tracking his location."

The elevator dings on the top floor, and Brian lets me out, pressing the button to lock the elevator and keep anyone else from getting on. "Tomorrow I'll take you to your place so you can pack your things. Enough for a week. You're staying with me."

I freeze in his doorway, shaking my head. "No, no, that's too much. You can't. I have my own place. You're my boss."

At first, he laughs. "Blair, when has that stopped us before?" Brian pauses, running a hand through his hair and looking at me pensively, one hand on the door. "Think carefully, Blair. I have security, and here you're safe. You will not win this argument. I won't compromise your safety ever."

My chest rises and falls, and I stay rooted to the spot, my feet feeling like they've taken root in the ground. What he's saying is true.

He's my only safety. That much I'm sure of. And I know he's never going to hurt me. He's bossy and a little demanding, but the safest place for me is right beside him.

"Okay," I say weakly, walking through the doors and following Brian into his luxurious apartment, dropping my hoodie on the floor. For a moment, I'm so weary that I think I might collapse then and there, but Brian stops, picking up my discarded hoodie and draping it over one of his chairs. "Can I get you a drink, Blair? You look shaken."

All the adrenaline I had has drained right out of me, and when he moves to stand in front of me, blocking my view of the large city beyond the glass, I go up on my tiptoes, looping my arms around his neck. I rest my forehead on his chest. "Yes, please."

His big hands wrap around my waist, slipping down to hold me by my hips. "What else baby? We're going to discuss your misbehavior tomorrow. For now, I just want to make you comfortable."

I nibble my bottom lip, thinking, when he adds, "There's a hot tub on the terrace."

Oh. Oh, that does sound nice.

Nodding, I mumble, "The hot tub sounds good."

Brian scoops me right up into his arms, carrying me like a bride over his threshold out onto the penthouse terrace. Even though it's chilly and the terrace is bare save for the bubbling hot tub and some towels sitting beside it, I don't feel a shiver. Because this is so secluded.

I'm safe. I'm out of the cold. I'm in Brian's arms, where no one else could ever touch me.

"Obviously, I don't have a suit," I tell him, cheeks burning.

"I wouldn't let you wear it anyway," he rumbles, already stripping out of his own clothes. "Don't worry. I'll be just as bare as you, baby."

It's dark, and I can barely see his body, but the fact that he really is going to be naked makes me break out in a cold sweat. I want this man. I have ever since the very moment I laid eyes on him, and it's finally starting to be impossible to stop my longing when I watch him shrug his pajama pants off.

Brian cuts such a handsome silhouette even in the dark when I can't see him clearly.

He's already seen me naked, so it shouldn't matter if he sees some shadowed version of me here on the terrace, but it does. This is all so new to me, and it gets to me so strongly that I can hear my pulse pounding in my ears as I slip everything off, piece by piece.

He holds his hand out to me, helping me step into the steaming tub. The jets are on, and I groan as I let the warm water heat me through, right down to the core.

What I don't see is Brian grabbing one of the handheld jets, adjusting the setting, and sticking it in the back of the tub so it massages my back. And god, it feels so good that I actually moan. He lowers himself into the tub, keeping his distance at first.

"So are you going to tell me what was going on out there or are you going to wait until tomorrow?"

It comes out naturally, not harshly or in anger. Because I am so tired, both emotionally and physically, the truth of it all just spills out of me. Maybe I should have just told Brian about the email first thing instead of trying to handle it myself.

"I'm scared, Brian. Something is going on. Something is wrong."

"Tell me what's going on, Blair. Leave nothing out."

Beside me, the man who I'm trying so hard to resist reaches under the water to lay one hand on my knee in comfort, humming low in his throat. It makes a pleasant thrill run down my spine, and somehow, even such an innocent touch from him is attractive. It makes the need to feel his hand in other places all the stronger.

But… I need to focus on what he's asking me. "It started with this weird email I got earlier today. I think it's all connected."

"Have you been harassed, Blair?" Brian shifts in the tub, and I swear I can hear the cogs in his brain turn as he tries to piece it together himself. Brian barely knows me, but I can already tell that he's possessive.

"Yes. I think whoever it is must be at work. This person… they know that I've been involved with you, and that I...um...dated Tanner before. They threatened to make it public knowledge. I don't even know who it is either. The address was just a string of numbers."

Brian sits up in the tub, running his hands through his hair. "If you can send that information to me, I can start analyzing it to determine what information is being collected. I have plenty of information analysts on staff."

And just like that, he has a plan in place. I stare at him, chewing my lip. Maybe it's the steam in the air or the hot water around me, but his words send a thrill through me. Maybe...

Maybe Brian Beckett isn't just turned on by me. Maybe he cares for me. Deeply cares for me.

He isn't the only one. I care for him too, especially after he just rescued me without a second thought. This is not some small fling. My heart does double time inside of me. What I wouldn't give to have his arms around me, holding me tight. God, my chest aches for this man's touch.

"You're quiet," he says, brushing my quickly dampening hair over my shoulder. "Why don't you come here and let me hold you?"

Yes. Yes, I want that more than anything right now.

A few drops of water slide from my neck, tracing a path right down my breasts to where they meet the bubbling water, and I want him. There's no use trying to fight it. I know it with every aching inch of my body. This man already has me.

"Come here."

I shouldn't give in. I shouldn't go to him. If I do, there'll be no stopping me. I've come this far down the path of temptation. But as he reaches for me, his big strong body emerging from the water, he leans in and kisses my shoulder, causing an eruption of goosebumps all down my body.

But worse than that, the lips continue, moving up the side of my neck in teasing little nips. Finally, the other half of my resolve melts away into dust, and I'm rising in the water, the last clinging bits of dignity dripping from me as I do just what he asked.

I go to him.

It doesn't matter anymore that I shouldn't do this because he's whispering against my skin, "This is good, baby," and his hands are framing my shoulders and kneading there. Tired and thrumming with need, I lay my head on his shoulder and sigh. This is wonderful.

Better than I imagined.

"Lean forward," he mumbles into the space behind my ear.

What he's giving me is already so good, causing me to let out a soft little sound of contentment. I know he heard it when his hands slide from my shoulders, going around my ribs and pulling me back and flush against his chest.

"I can just hold you." He breathes the words into my ear. "But I'd be lying if I said I didn't want more, sweet Blair."

I nibble my bottom lip, shifting against him in the hot tub. The city lights twinkle beyond, dangerous and beautiful all at the same time, but I know right here, with Brian, I'm safe.

Safe enough to let him take my virginity, though?

Yes, my heart whispers, acknowledging that I've never ever felt this way before. Yes, you do. Throw caution to the wind. Do it, Blair.

I know it's been some time since he made his statement when Brian gently prompts, "Blair?"

Just the thought of giving myself over to him fully makes butterflies launch in my stomach. I'm afraid, but I can do this. I want to do this. I've never had a connection like the one I have with Brian, and something tells me that I never will again.

This is it. He's the end-all-be-all for me. It doesn't matter if he's my boss or my ex-boyfriend's dad. I'm so sure that the universe has made the decision for me, and that I've always been destined to end up here in this hot tub in this penthouse with this man.

Getting ready to fuck for the very first time.

"I..." I start, trying to figure out the best words for something that feels so momentous. "We can do more if you want, Brian."

His lips quirk in a smile. "I do, Blair. I want you."

I shiver in his arms, his words like a caress across my skin.

"You're not too nervous, are you?" he asks, pulling back to search my face.

"A little," I admit. "But not enough to stop. You... You make me feel safe, Brian."

His smile is a flash of white in the dark.

"I don't ever want to make you feel unsafe, Blair."

"You don't. I promise."

"Good," he murmurs. "So good, baby. Now, how about we get out of the water and go dry off somewhere a bit more comfortable?"

I nod and watch as Brian rises, water sluicing off his body, his cock bobbing heavy and hard. It looks big, too big if I'm being honest. How is that supposed to fit inside me? He wraps a towel around his hips and holds out his hand for me, and I step out of the water.

"Such a pretty little thing," he says. It makes me blush, and it also makes me feel special, cherished for the first time since I can remember.

He leads me by the hand back to his bedroom and I pause, suddenly shy.

"Don't be afraid, Blair. Let's get dried off."

I follow him into the bathroom and he grabs a fluffy white towel, drying himself off quickly and turning his attention to me. Brian is so tall and just packed with muscle, but his skin is warm and velvety against mine. I'm not exactly dripping wet, but he towels off my arms and legs anyway, taking his time.

It's intimate and sweet, and I can't help the butterflies in my stomach that are just multiplying now, unstoppable.

He hangs the towel back up and then, slowly, he tugs me close to him, his hand splayed against my lower back. "Tell me, sweet Blair. Do you want me?"

I nod.

"I'll let you look your fill. Just know that you have to touch me too. Can you do that for me, baby?"

"I...yes, Daddy."

His smile is a flash of white in the dim light, and he steps back from me, letting me drink in the sight of him. He's gorgeous, tall, and broad, with thickly corded muscle and a light dusting of dark hair across his chest. His skin is smooth and tanned, and his cock is thick and heavy between his legs, pressing against the towel. I can't help but stare, and he lets me, standing still while I take it all in.

When I'm done, I meet his eyes, and he's got a look on his face that I can't quite place.

"Do you like what you see, baby?" he asks, his voice a low rumble.

I nod, not sure what to say.

"Good. Come here, then. Let Daddy show you how to touch him."

I do as he asks, letting him draw me close. He takes my hand and places it on his chest, his skin warm and soft under my fingers.

"Just like this, Blair. You can touch me anywhere." He leans in to brush a kiss over my lips, wet heat blooming between my thighs.

I let him guide my hand, stroking over his chest and down his stomach, pausing at the waistband of his towel. He nods, and I slip my hand beneath the fabric, cupping his cock. He's hard and heavy in my palm, and I marvel at how different he feels from me.

"That's it, baby. Just like that," he groans, and I squeeze a little tighter, making him moan.

It's a heady feeling, knowing I can make him feel good. It makes me feel powerful, and it spurs me on. I stroke him slowly, feeling him throb in my grip.

"Fuck, Blair. Your hand feels so good on me," he growls, his breath coming in ragged pants. I lean in and press a kiss to his shoulder, my lips brushing over his warm skin. I can't get enough of him.

Brian pauses, taking the edge of the towel and pulling it off so it pools on the floor beneath us. I inhale sharply, seeing him totally bare under the bright bathroom light and not hidden by the darkness like he was in the hot tub.

With a grin, I take his cock in my hand once more, stroking him slowly from root to tip. His skin is hot and smooth beneath my fingers, and I can feel him pulsing with each beat of his heart.

"Just like that, baby. Just like that." His hands move to cup my ass.

His touch is electric, sending shivers of pleasure up my spine.

"Does that feel good, Daddy?" I ask.

"Yes, baby. It feels amazing. But now, let's focus on making you feel good, okay?"

He guides me back toward the bed and lays me down on my back, his eyes drinking in the sight of me.

"So beautiful." His fingers trail over my skin. "Are you ready for this, baby? Are you ready to give yourself to me?"

"Yes." No hesitation or doubt. Not anymore.

"Good. Then let me take care of you."

He moves down my body, his lips and tongue worshiping every inch of skin. He takes his time, kissing and licking and sucking until I'm a trembling mess beneath him. Brian lingers on my chest, teasing and nibbling my nipples, making them hard and achy.

"Please, Brian. Please," I beg, not even sure what I'm asking for.

"Don't worry, baby. We're just getting started," he promises and continues his slow, torturous exploration.

He reaches the apex of my thighs and inhales deeply, a groan escaping his lips. "Fuck, you smell so good, baby. I've thought about tasting you on that conference table again and again. Do you know how many times I've stroked my cock remembering the sounds you made for me?"

With that, he dives in, his mouth working me over like a man possessed. His tongue is relentless, licking and sucking at my pussy, and I start to pant. He eats me out like a starving man, his hands gripping my hips, keeping me still. I writhe and moan beneath him, lost in the pleasure.

"That's it, baby. Let me hear you. Let me know how good it feels." His words are muffled against my pussy.

I can feel the heat building inside me, and I know I'm close.

"Oh, god, Daddy. I'm gonna come!" I cry out, and he doubles down, his tongue working me over even harder between moments of sucking at my clit.

I fall apart, my orgasm crashing through me, leaving me shaking and spent.

"You taste so fucking good, baby."

I can barely catch my breath, but he's not done with me yet. He crawls up my body and positions his cock at my entrance, rubbing the head against my clit, teasing me.

"Do you want this, Blair? Do you want Daddy's cock?"

"Yes, Daddy. I want it. Please."

He groans, and the tip of his cock presses against my pussy. "Relax, baby. Just relax and let me take care of you."

Slowly, oh so slowly, he pushes inside me, stretching me open. At first, it burns. His cock is so much bigger than his fingers, and my inner walls struggle to stretch and accommodate his length. But Brian is patient, and as I lie sucking in desperate breaths beneath him, I can feel him filling me up, inch by inch, and it's unlike anything I've ever felt before.

"Are you okay, baby?" he asks, his voice strained.

"Yes, Daddy. It feels good."

"Good. Because I'm going to fuck you now. I'm going to fuck you hard and deep and make you scream."

He starts to move, his cock sliding in and out of me, his pace increasing with each thrust. I know, deep in my bones, that this is more than sex. It's more than fucking or even making love. This is a claiming, pure and simple. I know, with startling clarity, that I'll never be the same after this.

The sound of our bodies joining and the scent of our sex fill the air, and it's intoxicating. He's so deep inside me, and I can feel him throbbing, his cock growing even harder as he gets closer to his release.

"I can't wait to feel you come." He ducks his head down and captures my mouth in a searing kiss, his tongue sliding deep. He breaks the kiss long enough to add, "And I can't wait to fill you with my come. Do you want that?"

"Yes," I whimper. "I really want it."

Brian hitches one of my legs over his shoulder, angling his body so his cock is entering me at a different angle than before. He's going deeper than ever, and each time he pushes inside, he hits some secret spot inside me that feels so good I'm seeing stars. Everything narrows down to the pistoning of his hips and the way my orgasm is coiling inside of me, ready to snap at any moment.

With my hands gripping his shoulders, nails digging into his skin, I start to spiral. Brian fucks me hard and deep again and again and again, and before I can take another breath, an orgasm so intense that it makes me scream hits me hard.

Every nerve in my body is firing, every muscle tightening and releasing, my pussy gripping Brian's cock over and over. It's ecstasy. It's heaven.

Then, he groans, his thrusts going unsteady. His cock twitches, and then he's coming, his seed spilling deep inside me. It's a strange sensation but a welcome one, and I whimper as he fills me, dragging my own climax on even further.

We're both panting and sweaty, and he nearly collapses on top of me, his body warm and heavy.

"God, baby. That was amazing." His lips brush against my neck.

I hum in exhausted agreement, still too stunned to speak.

He rolls off me, pulling me close. "Don't worry, baby. There's plenty more where that came from. I'll make sure you're satisfied every single time."

I can only hope he's right. What he just did…it could get addicting. Even as I drift off asleep, I find myself vibrating with anticipation for the next time.

Morning dawns slowly, and while Brian isn't in bed with me, there's a bouquet of red roses and a note waiting instead.

It read, Good morning, baby girl. You've got the week off, but if you feel so inclined, you can do some remote working starting tomorrow. Don't forget to send me the email from the stalker.

I'm sending a driver to come and take you back to your apartment to get clothes for a week like I said, and afterwards, to the spa. You can get everything you want, baby. I've already given them my card.

I figured you might be a little sore after last night, but I don't plan on letting you get much rest. So make sure they get you nice and relaxed.

See you tonight for dinner.

Brian

The butterflies are back in my stomach, fluttering fast and furious. No one has ever treated me like this, so sweet and caring. A girly little part of me wants to roll over and kick my feet in the air. A spa day! I've never even been to a spa before. It's not cheap, and being a poor college student, it's not an option.

Though it doesn't take me too long to realize I better get on up. I don't want to keep Brian's driver waiting. As I slip out of bed, I'm completely aware of every move I make because almost all my muscles are sore. Brian worked my entire body over and made me reach a level of ecstasy I didn't think was possible.

I take my time showering. I wash and rinse my hair and body slowly. It feels good to have this kind of luxury. It's so warm and relaxing. For now, I'm going to try to just live in this moment.

Once the water turns cold and I step out of the shower, I dry off and put on a hoodie and yoga pants. That's as good as it's gonna get. I finger-comb my hair and throw it up in a messy bun. When I step out of the bedroom, the scent of fresh coffee and bacon is strong, calling for me to follow. I go into the kitchen to find a nicely dressed woman putting food on the plate.

"Hi," she says as she glances at me. "Where would you like to eat this morning?"

"Just here. Thanks," I tell her, feeling just a little bit awkward. Does Brian really have a cook on staff?

"Very well." She starts to load a plate with the breakfast food, looking at me out of the corner of her eye. "My name is Mila. I'm Mr. Beckett's housekeeper and occasional cook. He told me you'll be staying here for a week or so. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

"Okay." I walk up beside her, grab my plate, and hop up onto the stool there at the breakfast bar.

Wow. Having live-in staff is a new level of wealth I didn't think I'd ever encounter. I make sure to give her a polite smile, assuming it might be a bad idea to have her think ill of me.

The first bite of eggs is spectacular. They are creamy, cheesy, and perfect. It's almost a shock to my system. It's so much richer and more delicious than the basic groceries I've been buying for myself. I don't even consider calories either. I'm eating it all.

The bacon is crisp. It's perfect with the eggs. If I wasn't horny for Brian, I could very well become aroused by this damn food.

Twenty minutes later, Brian's driver comes up.

"It was nice to meet you," I tell Mila as the driver comes into the room.

"Yes, yes," she responds. She still seems less than thrilled with her orders to babysit me. But Brian still must suspect something since he thinks my emails are a threat, so I guess he must have given his housekeeper instructions to take care of me.

Oh well. I might be annoyed, having to watch out for someone on short notice, but I'm determined to make her friendly with me if I'm going to be here for a week.

This thought gives me pause. When did I decide that it's totally okay to stay here in this luxurious penthouse with Brian Beckett for a week? Just last night, I was hesitating a bit, and now, I have no problem with it.

Somehow, he no longer wants me to deal with everything by myself as I usually have. It's not what I'm used to, but I can't deny how it's both liberating and comforting. My own mother is hardly around enough to come to my place, much less make me breakfast.

It doesn't matter that he didn't cook it himself. He still thought to have the food ready for me. That counts for something.

I head down the elevator with the silent driver, an older woman with steel gray hair. Sometime later, when the driver pulls up in front of my apartment, she says, "My name's Greta, and I'll be picking you up in one hour for the spa. If you're a minute late, I will inform Mr. Beckett immediately. I hope you understand. He's concerned for your safety."

There it is again, Brian using his staff to keep tabs on me. Maybe I should be alarmed or offended. I mean, I'm an adult after all. But I've also never had this much attention showered on me. And it's just his way of making sure no one can harm me. "Very well, Greta. Thank you."

I decide not to waste time. I'm just as eager to get to the spa as I'm sure Greta is to drop me off. So I throw some clothes, underwear, pajamas, anything I might need for the next week into a suitcase. With the extra time I have, I pack some work outfits just in case and, at the last minute, add some makeup in too. I grab my purse, jewelry, and keys and lock the door behind me, rushing out to the elevator.

Taking a second to look back at my apartment building, I briefly worry that I'm being too rash and making a mistake. But then the memory of the man in all-black raising his hand towards me and the threatening email floats through my mind, and I know that I'm making the right call.

Plus…spending time with Brian has been incredible. I don't want to give it up, at least not yet. This might be a week to remember.

The path my life is taking starts to change, and as the doors of the apartment building shut, I wonder how until now, I've never imagined falling in love. Can Brian really change that? I mean, maybe he already has.

When I walk out of my apartment, Brian's driver is parked at the curb. I slide into the car, and Greta starts driving. We sit in silence for a while before she finally speaks up.

"So. How does this make you feel?" she asks.

"What do you mean?" I furrow my brow, confused.

"He's twice your age," she tells me. "Don't you find it odd that he's suddenly so invested in your life?"

I shake my head. "No, I don't. He's worried about me, and he wants me safe."

Her words make my blood boil. How dare she say that about Brian? It's not like that. He genuinely cares about me, and I care about him too. Luckily, the driver doesn't make any other comments. I guess it's possible his staff might just be loyal to him and worry that I might be taking advantage.

Little do they know that Brian wanted me from the beginning, just like I did him. Everything going on between us is mutual. I'll just have to convince them all that our feelings for each other are the real thing.

All the thoughts about anything else dissipate when I focus on the spa day I'm about to experience. I'm giddy with excitement.

We arrive at the spa within minutes, and I step out of the car into a tranquil setting. Everything is exactly what I imagine it to be. Rose petals are scattered here and there, with floral bushes strategically placed throughout the gardens. The waterfall fountain and the bubbling stream complete the peaceful look of this particular resort. Once I'm inside, spa attendants lead me into the main building and introduce themselves to me.

"You can call me Sandra," one of the younger women, maybe about my age or slightly younger, says.

"Hello, Sandra. I'm Blair. I'm so excited to be here."

"Wonderful! This is going to be the best day ever. Trust me. I'm gonna take care of you."

I follow her, and she shows me to the locker room. "First we'll have you change into one of our robes, and then we can get started."

"Sounds perfect."

She helps me change and leads me back to the treatment rooms.

"This is the facial room." She gestures toward a large room with several reclining chairs. There are a variety of facial treatments set up on tables next to each chair. "And over here is the body treatment room."

She continues to guide me through the facility.

"Finally, the massage room."

I have a feeling this is the best room of all. The walls are covered with deep red, velvety material. The floor is rich wood, the lights are dimmed, and soft music is playing in the background. All around us, the aroma of lavender fills the air. I take a deep breath, inhaling the calming scent.

Sandra leads me to a large, padded table in the middle of the room. "You can lie on this and relax. Do you have a preference for what kind of massage?"

"Not really. I've never had one before."

"Oh! Well, then. Let's do a hot stone massage. It's my favorite. I'll have the masseuse come in soon."

"That sounds wonderful."

"Okay, lie down and I'll see you in a bit."

She leaves the room, and I lie back on the table. I feel relaxed already. This is exactly what I needed. The masseuse comes in and introduces herself as Mary.

"I'll start by warming up your muscles. Then I'll use the hot stones to really release the tension."

I let my eyes flutter closed. "Sounds good."

I'm not sure what to expect, but it's amazing. Mary works my muscles until they feel like butter. Then, she uses the stones to continue to loosen them up. By the time she's done, I'm like jelly.

Sandra returns once the massage is done, giving me privacy to sit up and pull my robe back on. "Now, let's get you to the steam room and sauna."

She guides me through the rest of the facility, showing me where the steam room is and then the sauna.

"Take your time in there, and when you're ready, we'll move on to the pools."

"Thanks, Sandra."

I step into the sauna, and it's blissful. The heat and the humidity surround me, and I breathe in the fragrant air. It smells like eucalyptus, and it's refreshing. I sit and enjoy the warmth for a few minutes before heading over to the steam room. The experience is the same, and I relax further. After a while, I decide it's time to move on to the pools. I'm ready to cool off. Sandra meets me at the exit to the steam room.

We head to the outdoor area, and the pools are magnificent. There are three of them, each a different size and shape. They're surrounded by lush greenery, and the water looks inviting.

"Go ahead and pick the one you want," Sandra tells me.

I choose the medium-sized pool and slip into the warm water. It feels so good on my skin, and I feel utterly amazing. I've never had a more calming day in my life.

Once I get back to Brian's apartment, smelling like lavender and eucalyptus and feeling almost boneless, I expect to find him waiting for me. He's not, though, and as soon as I walk into the bedroom, my phone pings.

It's a text from Brian, telling me he'll be a little late for dinner, but we'll have it out at the terrace once he gets back. Smiling, I reply with a heart and scroll through social media for a few minutes to pass the time.

It's when I get to my email that things change. There's another message from the stalker, and just like before, it makes my blood run cold.

You think you're safe, Blair, but you're not. I'm closer than you think, and I'll be coming for you soon. Do you think that, after what I told you yesterday, you can just run to Brian's penthouse and hide away? Just wait. You won't know when or how, but it'll happen. Everyone will know what a little slut you are. I promise you.

My hands are trembling, and I'm not sure what to do. I could tell Brian, but even if he hasn't displayed it to me yet, there was an air of violence about him when he came to let me back in the building last night. I don't want anyone to get hurt, and Brian said he had someone looking into the incident anyway. And I'm fine, really. This person hasn't done anything yet, and who knows, they might not even be capable of anything.

With a sigh, I shut my phone off and decide to explore Brian's apartment while I wait for him. Maybe if I distract myself, the fear will go away.

The kitchen is massive and filled with high-end appliances. The marble countertops are immaculate, and the island in the center is huge. It's the perfect place for cooking, and I can imagine having a party here, with the grill and the bar on the terrace.

The living room is just as luxurious. It's big and open, with plush couches and a huge TV. There's a fireplace, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking view of the city. It's amazing. I head upstairs, and the first thing I see is a huge home gym.

The next room is the master bedroom, and it's just as amazing as the rest of the house. The king-size bed is made of dark wood, and the comforter is a rich navy blue. It's been made, any clues as to what he and I did last night long cleaned up, and it makes me feel flushed just to remember it all. The floor is covered in a thick, plush rug, and there's an en suite bathroom.

It's a little too big for one person, and my cheeks flame when I realize what that means. Maybe...Maybe Brian won't mind sharing this space with me. Maybe we can live together here.

I push the thought away. That's crazy. I've only known the man for a few days, and it's way too soon to be thinking about moving in together. Besides, what if he doesn't want to? What if he wants me to stay in my own place? What if–

"Blair? Baby, are you here?"

I shake my head, push the thoughts away, and step out of the bedroom. "Yeah, I'm here."

Brian's eyes light up when he sees me, and he strides over, wrapping his arms around me. "How was the spa?"

"It was amazing. Thank you."

He lifts my face with two fingers under my chin, kissing me soundly. "Of course. Anything for my girl."

My girl . His words fill me with warmth. I like how that sounds on his lips.

"Come on," he says. "Let's eat. I'm starving."