Page 64 of Filthy Dirty Dom

What on earth was that about? She’d seen Alex with his brother’s adopted daughter, Natalie, plenty of times to know that Alex liked kids. He wouldn’t be the type to think anything of a young girl barreling into a kitchen and making noise.

Was this about his past again? His past with this family?

Leslie decided right then and there that when she and Alex talked about what he’d learned on the phone with Luke, she was going to ask him some pointed questions and not give up so easily when he tried to maneuver around them. It wasn’t just that she was curious; it was apparent that whatever Alex’s relationship with was this family, it involved friendship, even love, but it also involved heartache.

“Time to eat,” Renee said. She plated a generous serving of scrambled eggs and toast for Maria, who took it to the small dining table in the kitchen. “Please, take your seats in the dining room.”

Leslie suppressed her instinctive offer to help because Renee had already turned away and was filling dishes, and Leslie didn’t want to offend her. “Thanks for showing me how to knead the bread,” Leslie said instead, and Renee smiled at her over her shoulder. “Go,” she shooed. “The food is coming.”

Leslie and Alex dutifully walked out of the kitchen and sat at the table in the dining room. Renee was obviously some kind of wizard with a talent for storing food in magical places because in addition to the fluffy scrambled eggs, perfectly crisped bacon, and fresh bread Leslie had helped her prepare, she also served fresh fruit and a variety of fresh pastries that would put a Parisian bakery to shame.

After taking a huge bite of buttery croissant, Alex looked at Leslie. "After breakfast, why don't we see what kind of art supplies they have around here? If we can't find anything suitable, we can always send someone to the store."

Leslie appreciated Alex's thoughtfulness. He’d remembered what she’d said this morning about wanting to eat then sketch. He was making such an effort to ensure her comfort and happiness.

After the last bites of breakfast were finished, they went in search of art supplies together and were just about to ask the housekeeper if she knew of any when Leslie looked outside. “You know what? Maybe the drawing can wait and we can go for a swim. It’s beautiful out.”

“Whatever you want, Leslie.”

Leslie frowned. Something was off but she wasn’t sure what. Alex was here with her. He was being attentive, but he also seemed to have slipped into professional bodyguard mode with a side of “I fingered this woman to orgasm this morning so I need to still do my job but just with a lighter touch.” She got that it had to be hard, to be the protector as well as the lover, but she didn’t think that was it. This had something to do with his phone call with Luke…and possibly the appearance of Maria.

“Alex, what did Luke and you talk about?”

Alex’s eyes flickered. “I’ll tell you later, Leslie.”

“Why later? Why can’t you tell me now?”

He clenched his jaw then relaxed it. “Because there’s nothing we can do about it. And as you said, it’s a beautiful day out. Let’s enjoy ourselves a while before we delve back into reality. I know I could use that, can’t you?”

Wow. Of course. Alex needed some time to breathe, too, and it wasn’t something he ever asked for. It was easy for her to observe and try to impart meaning to his every expression or movement, but she had to remember there was so much of Alex she still didn’t know about.

What she did know, however, was that Alex was always on.

If he wanted a break from reality for a little while, she was more than happy to give that to him.

“Okay,” she said, forcing herself to sound cheerier. “Well, what do you want to do?”

He studied her for a moment before he shook his head, his mouth tipped up. “I think you should go for that swim you talked about.”

“What about you?”

“I’ll keep watch over you, of course.”

“Of course,” she echoed. There went her fantasies of Alex completely relaxing and her splashing in the water with him like a couple of dolphins. “Shoot. I don’t have a bathing suit, though.”

“You need a bathing suit?” The voice came from behind her. It was the housekeeper, Rosa, who’d been passing by.

“I was hoping to go swimming and I didn’t bring one,” Leslie explained.

"I bought several new ones for Bella, Renee’s oldest granddaughter. But they never fit her quite right. She’s at school but she won’t mind. I'm sure one of them will fit you perfectly. Come. Follow me.”

With a glance at Alex, who nodded, Leslie followed Rosa, and Alex trailed behind them.

27

Rosa led Leslie and Alex through some hallways until they reached a large laundry room. There she opened the door of an ornate wooden cupboard and pulled out a pile of swimsuits. Leslie couldn't help but marvel at the collection; it was like viewing a rainbow of the most exquisite swimwear she had ever seen.

Every piece was distinct, individual, carrying its unique charm. One was a vibrant red, its fabric shimmering under the soft light, the intricate floral designs hinting at a keen eye for detail. There was a sapphire blue one-piece, the fabric soft and inviting. A black bikini looked sleek and sophisticated, its subtle silver accents catching the light.