Chapter 11

A few hours later, Ace returned with a drug. He urged me to take it as he stood there, watching me. As I did, he left with its packaging, claiming he would dispose of it himself. After that, we didn’t speak. He just disappeared while I returned to my reading, but still time, I sat at the balcony of my bedroom. 

Towards evening, I rushed downstairs, waiting for the sound of a car rolling into the driveway, waiting for the click of the front door. Waiting for Mr. Scott. After last night, I couldn’t deny it anymore. Something inside me had changed. I felt... attached to him. Or maybe drawn was the better word, like there was a quiet pull I didn’t know how to resist. He filled a space I’d spent years pretending didn’t exist, the kind of emptiness I covered with fake smiles and laughter. Being near him only made me realize how deep that space really was. 

Maybe it was his age, the presence I’d never known at home when it was just my mom and me. Whatever it was, he appealed to me in a way I didn’t want to name. 

By the time I finally heard the lock turn, I was already at the entrance, my heart racing. The door swung open, and there he was. He looked tired, and yet, when his eyes landed on me standing there, waiting, the corners of his lips lifted in surprise. 

“Sabrina?” he called out in a low and warm voice that was touched with disbelief, making me smile. “What are you doing here?” 

I rushed towards him without thinking, my arms wrapping around him before my mind caught up. “I wanted to welcome you home.” 

He froze for a while, then slowly and hesitantly, his arms came around me. When he pulled back, his hand didn’t leave me. Instead, his fingers slipped down to mine, brushing across my knuckles softly. He held on to me gently but firmly. 

“That’s... unexpected,” he murmured as his eyes stared right into mine. “But nice, very nice.” 

I felt a warmth crawl up my neck. “You work so hard, I thought it would be good if someone waited for you.” 

His thumb stroked absently along my hand, and for a second, his gaze softened in a way that made my stomach flutter. “It’s more than I deserve.” 

“No,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “You deserve it. At least this much.” 

He looked at me, pressed his lips into a faint smile, then he gave a small nod. “Well, thank you. It’s a welcome change, I’ll admit.” 

He didn’t let go of my hand as we walked up the stairs together. His skin brushed mine. We entered our room, he set his briefcase down, loosening his tie with his free hand. I hovered near the dresser, unsure at first, then moved closer. 

“Let me help,” I said softly. 

He glanced at me, brows raised, but he didn’t protest when I stepped in front of him. My fingers fumbled with the knot of his tie, tugging carefully until it came loose. He tilted his head down slightly, watching me. 

“Sabrina,” he said gently, “you don’t have to—” 

“I want to,” I interrupted, too quickly. 

His lips curved as though he wasn’t sure whether to laugh or sigh. Still, he let me slide the tie from his neck. My fingers brushed his collarbone, and I swear I felt him stiffen beneath my touch. 

“You’ve had a long day,” I murmured. “Just let me take care of you once.” 

His eyes flickered, but he didn’t say anything as I moved to his jacket, slipping it off his shoulders. I draped it over the chair then turned back to him. 

“Sit,” I whispered, nodding toward the bed. 

He chuckled, shaking his head slightly. “You’re giving me orders now?” 

“Maybe,” I teased, emboldened by the way his gaze lingered on me. 

To my surprise, he obeyed, sitting on the edge of the bed. I moved behind him, sliding his vest down, then circled to undo the first button of his shirt. My hands trembled, but I forced myself to keep going. 

“You’re full of surprises tonight,” he said quietly, watching my face. 

I swallowed, lowering my gaze to his chest as another button slipped free. “I’m just learning. This is my role now, isn’t it? To take care of my husband.” 

He laughed softly. “You don’t have to do anything for me, Sabrina.” 

I met his eyes. “But I need to.” 

He tilted his head. “Why?” 

“Because if I don’t try, then what am I even doing here?” My voice cracked on the last word, surprising him. I looked away. 

His expression softened instantly. “Hey,” he said gently, reaching up to touch my chin, guiding my gaze back to him. “You don’t have to prove yourself to me. You’re already here.” 

But I shook my head, my hand catching his wrist. “It’s not enough for me.” 

His hand lingered on my face, thumb brushing against my cheekbone. My heart thundered in my chest. 

“Mr. Scott...” I breathed. 

“Just Scott,” he corrected softly, leaning a little closer. 

“Scott,” I whispered.  

His eyes darkened at the sound of it, and I smiled faintly.  

“I like undressing you,” I teased, fingers grazing the buttons that remained. “Maybe I should do it more often.” 

He chuckled. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Sabrina.” 

“Am I?” I leaned closer, my lips hovering just above his. “Or maybe I’m just being a wife.” 

His breath hitched as his hand slid to my waist. His fingers pressed lightly against the fabric of my dress. His touch burned through me, sending shivers racing across my skin. 

“Sabrina,” he murmured in a strained voice. “You don’t know what you’re asking for.” 

“I do,” he whispered. “I want you, I want this. Don’t tell me you don’t feel it too.” 

His eyes blazed, his grip on my waist tightening, pulling me closer. His lips brushed mine softly. My knees nearly gave out. I leaned into him, desperate for more, but then, he pulled back. 

“I can’t,” he said, shaking his head, though his hand remained on me. 

Frustration prickled at my eyes, but he leaned forward again, pressing one more soft kiss to my lips. His thumb stroked my cheek as he pulled away. 

“Don’t think I don’t want you,” he said. “Because I do. But I won’t take you like this, especially not when you’re still trying to convince yourself it’s what you want. When I have you, Sabrina. I want it to be with real feelings.” 

I bit my lips, heat curling low in my stomach. 

“Okay,” I whispered 

He smiled faintly, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Stop trying to adapt into a role and just be yourself. You’re a beautiful girl, Sabrina. A beautiful young girl. I’m not sure you’re ready to take this.” He grabbed his bulging dick, pressing and rubbing it softly through the fabric of his trousers. “I don’t want to hurt the little angel in-between your legs.” 

I bit my lower lip as he stood, slipping off the rest of his shirt himself, and moved toward the dresser. 

“Now,” he said with a smirk, “go change into something comfortable. We’ll have dinner brought up here.” 

I sank onto the bed, my lips still tingling and my body humming.