THOR

We made good time getting to Maura’s flat so she could pack a case. It didn’t take her long and then we were on our way home to Crow Manor. I’d been worried that it would be awkward and not have anything to talk about, but I was wrong. We didn’t stop talking. It was a first for me, I wasn’t one to flap my gums for just anything. Maura was funny and a lot more down to earth than I’d expected considering that she’d been brought up in one of the wealthiest families of our era, but there were no airs and graces about her.

I drove through the gates and parked in the garage. Switching the engine off, I turned to Maura, who was gazing out the window, taking everything in.

“Maura,” she turned to look at me. “Darling, I need to know where to take you. Gunny and Bev have a room set up for you in their wing or,” I hesitated, not wanting her to think I was pressuring her, but dammit, I wanted her in my wing. I’d set up the spare room for her just in case.

“Or,” Maura prompted.

“Or you can sleep in the spare room in my wing,” I continued.

“Not your room?” she questioned, eyebrows raised.

Heat flared in my stomach at the thought of her in my room, in my bed but I knew her history or as much of it as she’d allowed me to know, and it wasn’t good, so I didn’t want her to feel pressured.

“You want in my bed, darling, you’d be welcome but only if that’s what you want.”

Maura bit her lip as she considered her words, her eyes held a sheen of tears, “I haven’t been with anyone since I was forty years old, Thor. That’s fifteen years and the last time wasn’t consensual. Thankfully, he lost interest once I hit forty. I’ve never trusted anyone enough to go there with, but with you, I’d like to try.”

Cupping her face in my large hand, I was taken aback yet again at how tiny this woman was and I couldn’t fathom how anyone could hurt someone like her.

“Maura, listen to me, this is your show. I’ll do whatever you want, we’ll go at your pace. Nothing has to happen until you’re ready. You want to just sleep while I hold you, that’s what we’ll do. You want to try something I’ll be your willing slave. The only thing I ask is that you tell me if I do something that makes you uncomfortable. I’m a big fucking guy, so I’m aware that I can come across as intimidating. I’d never hurt you, though.”

Maura smiled tremulously at me, her hand raised and held mine to her face where I cupped her cheek.

“Oh, Thor, I know you’d never hurt me. I knew from day one that you weren’t like that. I think that’s enough seriousness for tonight. Let’s go in. I’ll stay with you.”

“Okay, darling. One more thing. My name’s Theo.”

Maura returned my smile with a broad one of her own, “I love that name and thank you. I know what it means that I get to use your name.”

Taking her hand, I pressed a kiss to it, before getting out of the vehicle and going around to the back to get her suitcase, then helping Maura out.

Hand in hand, we walked to the back door and into the quiet kitchen.

“Do you want anything to eat or drink?” I offered.

“Maybe just some water,” Maura replied, looking around the kitchen. “This is lovely,” she murmured.

“We spend a lot of time in here,” I told her, going to the fridge and taking out a bottle of water. “It’s where we all tend to congregate but it’s mostly Maggie’s domain, she keeps us fed and watered.”

Walking back to her, I again took her hand and pulled her along with me towards the hallway and the stairs. Picking up her case before we climb them.

Not long after that, we were in my wing, and I was walking towards my room when I stopped in the hallway.

“Last chance, darling, spare room or my room.”

Maura smiled up at me, “Your room,” she assured me.

“Okay then,” I replied, going through the open door to my right and into my room. It was nothing fancy, I’d lived alone since Silvie left when I was twenty-nine. I’d never brought another woman home until now.

Like most of us, once Sam had come into the family, I’d commissioned a bedroom set from him. My bed was a super king, with matching bedside tables and a long and tall set of chests of drawers along one wall that was mostly empty. I had a walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite. Leaving Maura to have a look around the room, I took her case to the walk-in wardrobe and put it on the luggage rack. Smirking slightly, thinking it was probably the first time it had ever been used.

Walking back into the room, Maura was still standing exactly where I’d left her. I couldn’t resist turning her and taking her in my arms.

Her eyes widened when I did, she stiffened until she realised it was only me, then she relaxed into my hold. I silently cursed myself, I needed to me more careful with her.

“Sorry, sweetheart, I didn’t mean to startle you,” I apologised.

Maura shook her head, wrapping her arms around me and holding on tight, “Don’t apologise, I’m just not used to having someone hug me but please don’t stop. I love that you’re affectionate.”

My laughter rumbled out of me, “Darling, that is something you never have to worry about. I’m afraid I’m a hugger,” I smiled sheepishly down at her.

Letting go of her with one arm, I waved it around the room, “You can do whatever you want to make this more comfortable for you. I’ve been alone a long time, and I have no clue on what duvet covers and shit like that would look good. I don’t really give a shit how it looks as long as you like it. I just need to be able to sleep comfortably and trust me, the bed is comfortable. Also, just so you know, Sam made all the bedroom furniture.”

“Sam made all this?” she asked, surprised, taking a closer look at the bed and bedside tables.

I nodded, “Yep, your grandson is talented as fuck, Maura.”

“My grandad worked with wood. I managed to save a few of the pieces he made before the arsehole cleared out our house when my parents died,” Maura told me.

Hugging her tighter at the sadness in her tone, I wanted to resurrect the bastard and kill him all over again for the hurt he’d caused his family.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart, we can bring them here if you want.”

Maura hummed and then yawned. Letting her go, I said, “Come on, let’s get you sorted and into bed, it’s been a long day.”

I showed her where I’d put her cases and where the bathroom was. Once I was assured she was comfortable, I left her to it. Gathering some of my own clothes, I went and showered in the spare bathroom.

Maura was still in the bathroom when I got back. Putting my dirty clothes in the laundry basket, I settled in on my side of the bed. Picking up my glasses, I decided to read a bit while I waited for her to come to bed.