chapter 9

Teddy's car glided to a stop in the parking lot of his estate. As we stepped out, I was struck by how vast and impeccably neat the place was—manicured lawns stretching under soft evening lights, the air fresh and quiet.

He guided me gently toward the entrance of his house, then paused, turning to look at me with a playful smile.

"What's wrong?" I asked, confused.

Without a word, he scooped me up into his arms.

"Oh, Teddy!" I laughed, wrapping my arms around his neck. "What are you doing?"

"Shhh… you're my bride," he said in an exaggerated, funny voice, carrying me effortlessly through the doorway.

The living room was breathtakingly elegant. A crystal chandelier hung overhead, scattering warm golden light across the space. Fresh jasmine flowers bloomed in a crystal vase, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. A luxurious velvet sofa commanded the center, its silk pillows carrying faint hints of vanilla and clean linen. The sleek glass coffee table rested on a plush cream rug, atop gleaming hardwood floors polished to a soft sheen with beeswax.

Tall windows draped in flowing curtains framed the earthy scent of rain-soaked gardens drifting in from outside. In one corner, a grand bookshelf stood, exhaling the rich aroma of old leather and aged paper.

He set me down gently, and I took it all in, breathing deeply. The room felt rich, stylish, welcoming… and somehow like home.

"Welcome to my home," he said, standing in the middle of the room with his arms wide open.

I chuckled, stepped forward, and hugged him tightly.

"Your place looks amazing," I murmured against his chest.

"Thanks, baby." He stroked my hair softly. "So, what would you like to eat?"

I looked up at him. "Do you cook?"

He smiled sheepishly. "No, I don't. I like my kitchen neat."

I laughed. "I wish you'd agreed to my date plans sooner—I would've made

preparations to make it more romantic," he added, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek.

"We still have all the time in the world for that date," I replied.

"Okay, let me order some food. I'm starving. Aren't you?"

"Yes, I am."

He placed the order, and soon we were curled up on the sofa watching a movie. When he stepped away to grab popcorn, I caught him peeking from behind the wall, hiding the bowl and grinning at me. Seeing my gaze, he smiled widely, dimmed the lights to a soft, romantic blue glow, and walked over to sit beside me.

I smiled back and rested my head on his chest.

"My God, Teddy, this feels so good," I whispered as the movie played on.

"I'm glad you're here with me," he said, kissing the top of my head.

A few minutes later, the food arrived—chicken and chips, simple but perfect. We ate while laughing and talking, the night unfolding effortlessly. It was wonderful; I hadn't had this much fun in ages.

When we finished, he asked if I'd like to freshen up. I said yes, and he led me to his bedroom.

As I stepped inside, I couldn't help but admire it. The large bed was dressed in soft silk sheets that looked impossibly inviting, bathed in the warm glow of bedside lamps. Through the tall windows, the glittering lights of New York City stretched endlessly into the night, a mesmerizing sea of twinkling stars made by human hands.

A sudden shyness washed over me as my mind wandered to the things we could do together in this space.

He showed me to the spacious bathroom, leaving me to freshen up while he stepped back to the living room to handle a few business calls on his phone. Everything in the bathroom was pristine and new—neatly organized with separate areas for toothbrushes, toothpaste, and towels. I brushed my teeth, then stared at my reflection in the large vanity mirror. What am I doing? I thought. But then I reminded myself: Richard is out there with that woman, enjoying himself. I deserve this too. I pushed the doubt aside.

I slipped out of my clothes and sank into the tub, the warm water enveloping me. The fresh shampoo carried Teddy's scent, comforting and intoxicating.

Suddenly, a soft knock. "Can I come in?" he asked.

"Of course," I replied, my voice steadier than I felt.

He opened the door, his eyes locking onto me as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt, then his trousers. In moments, he stood naked before me—confident, unhurried. He grabbed his toothbrush and started brushing, all while studying me with that intense gaze, like he was memorizing every detail.

Then he moved to the sink, rinsing his mouth. Damn, he was sexy. Just watching his bare body sent heat racing through me. My breathing grew heavier.

He turned to face me fully. "Can I join you?"

I smiled shyly and nodded.

He stepped into the tub, water sloshing softly, and in an instant he was on top of me, lips crashing against mine in hungry, teasing kisses.

I laughed breathlessly against his mouth. “Oh, Teddy…”

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, voice low and rough, “I could eat you alive.” His tongue traced the seam of my lips before he claimed them again. “My beautiful Payton.”

The kiss slowed, turned deep and gentle. His hands glided over my thighs, then cupped my ass, pulling me flush against him. A low moan rumbled in his chest as his hard cock pressed insistently between us.

I gasped, fingers digging into his shoulders. His hand slipped lower, finding my clit with practiced ease. I trembled under the slow, deliberate circles he drew. Then his mouth moved to my ear—hot, wet licks and soft bites along the sensitive shell.

“Fuck…” I shivered, overwhelmed. The pleasure built too fast, too bright. Tears slipped down my cheeks as the orgasm crashed through me.

He caught the tears with the pad of his thumb, brushing them away tenderly before sealing his lips over mine again—this time fierce, starving. When he finally pulled back, we were both breathing hard.

“Touch me,” he whispered, voice wrecked.

My hand found him immediately, wrapping around his thick length. I stroked firmly but gently, watching his face twist with pleasure.

“Oh fuck, Payton… yes, baby girl,” he groaned, one hand cradling my cheek while the other braced against the tub. “Just like that—fuck… faster.”

I obeyed, tightening my grip, speeding up until his hips jerked involuntarily.

“I want you to fuck me,” he rasped against my lips.

I froze, then rose over him, straddling his hips. “What did you say?”

“I want you to fuck me.”

I pinched his nipples lightly, rolling them between my fingers. “Say please.”

“Please, baby girl,” he breathed, eyes dark and pleading.

Smiling, I guided him to my entrance and sank down slowly, inch by inch, savoring the stretch. My hands roamed his neck, his chest, nails grazing lightly as I began to move—slow, rolling circles of my hips.

He captured one of my hands and bit down on the soft skin between thumb and forefinger—not hard enough to hurt, just enough to make me gasp. Then he gripped my waist and thrust up harder, faster. I threw my head back, crying out as he took control.

In one swift motion he flipped us, my back hitting the warm curve of the tub, legs falling open for him. He drove back inside me with a single, deep thrust. I screamed in pleasure, nails raking down his back.

He kissed me softly—cheek, jaw, neck—then slammed in harder, deeper, relentless. Water sloshed around us with every movement.

“Teddy—I’m coming—” My voice broke as my body clenched violently around him.

“Me too… fuck—ahhh—”

He pulled out at the last second, pressing his cock against my stomach. Hot pulses spilled across my skin as he groaned my name. His weight collapsed over me, both of us panting, hearts hammering.

For long moments we simply breathed, tangled together in the warm water.

Then he lifted his head, looked down at me, and gave a slow, wicked smile.

“The night is still young, baby girl.”