Page 43 of Serenity

She looked mighty pleased.

“Taken three times a day, it’ll have that cold cleared in no time.”

“Three?” My wide eyes grew in size.

“Yes, Duke. Three,” she said, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Don’t you want to knock this cold out?”

“Fine.”

My compliance was awarded with gentle fingers digging into the muscles of my back. Hot oil helped to soothe parts I’d scarcely noticed were stressed as her hands plowed into my overworked muscles. The tantric back massage transformed into me massaging her internally.

Hours into the late afternoon, we showered. Under the warm cascade of water, we failed miserably at keeping our hands to ourselves. Far too sore and tired from frequent sex, I gave her pussy rest. Lots of kisses, grabbing, groping, grappling, licking, and sucking took place instead. Lathering up a wash towel, I cleaned her body unhurriedly, taking it all in. Returning the favor, she cleaned me thoroughly.

Clothes were delivered, silencing complaints about not having anything to wear. Underwear, lounging shorts, casual leggings, a top and boots from Loewe, a dress for day two of the conference—matching my suit. Serenity had all she needed and more in my presence.

I wanted her near. Needed her proximity. Needed our synchrony. She was a drug. That night at Sin, I’d gotten my first hit. From the sofa, under a blanket, I watched her move around the kitchen, preparing soup and tea. She returned to the sofa with two cups and a bowl of soup, insisting that I drink and eat.

Time dissolved. Night greeted us, and after room service dinner, I forced her to sit down and relax.

“It just feels like I have so much to do.” Imprisoned in my arms, she lamented over the loss of time.

“What’s so important on your list, Bee? What’s so pressing that you can’t sit on the bench for a night?”

Hesitation pirated her voice. “I—uh.”

“When’s the last time you sat still and relaxed in it? The stillness?”

She swallowed. Shifted a little. Looked away. Stress was having a buffet in her head.

“It’s the expansion.”

I freed her, shifting slightly so she could get her bearings. My bladder summoned me to empty it, so I reluctantly rose to drain the head.

“What about it?” From the bathroom, I called out over my shoulder. Whatever wore on her soul, I sought to carry. Whatever I could do to lighten the load, I would.

“I don’t want one new spa.”

I flushed, washed, and dried my hands, returning to where she was stretched out on the sofa, holding a sphere-shaped pillow. Taking the seat on the opposite end of the lounger, I studied her pretty toes.

“You want several,” I finished, seeking to gauge where her head was at. The figures from her pitch did appear off for a single location. Her explanation made sense. “Throughout the state?”

“Yes. And why should I have to wait for that? Why can’t I open a spa in South Point? In North Banks. In Adelaide—”

“You want to take over the world, Brain.”

“Yes, Pinky,” she tittered. “I mean. It’s more than just a place for relaxation. It’s wellness. Mental, physical, and emotional wellness. We don’t have enough places like that throughout the state. Do you know how many people have traveled from near and far to visit? Do you know how many people require a healthy way to unravel their stress?”

“Yeah, I saw your numbers,” I teased.

“Hush. But seriously. Spas like Serenity are needed.”

I scratched my beard. Already, my brain was brewing up a solution to suggest. Serenity’s eyes lit up when she spoke of the wellness center. That was her passion. Her baby. Whatever the fuck she wanted in regard to bringing her dream to fruition, I’d happily give. I let her drone on about it, watching the way she smiled when an idea came to her, the way her chest rose and fell with excitement when I gave her something to consider.

“Maybe some centers will be bigger than others. That’ll take some of the financial strain off of you. Or a franchise.”

Her face contorted at the mention of it.

“I don’t want to compromise the quality of my service. Franchises are cool, but there’s a certain elegance to the spa that requires upholding a certain standard.”