Spark ( Book 3: Stronger Series )

32. Christmas Eve

When I woke up the next morning, Darren was gone. And thank fuck for that. Rolling over onto my back, I stretched out like a damn cat before pulling myself out of bed. Noticing that the curtains had been drawn, I couldn't help but rush over and yank them open.

For the first time, I felt mesmerized by the sheer beauty of nature. Last night, I had only seen the mountains in the dark, the only light gifted by the moon, but now, now, they were in the spotlight of the morning sun. Pine trees surrounded us, but they did nothing to hide the unbelievable scene in front of me. The mountains of Alaska were everything I thought they would be and more. White powdery snow continued to cover everything like a thick blanket of icy cotton. I found myself wanting to go outside, to go out and play in the snow like I was a ten-year-old girl again. Hopefully, Darren would let me.

I didn't know if any of the rules had changed or what considering my damn electroshock perimeter was still up, but it was best to assume they were rather than break them and risk pissing him off after he'd done all this for me. I wanted to tell him that the capabilities of his money wouldn't seduce me, but I didn't want to start a fight either. He'd likely try to fuck the ungratefulness out of me after bruising my ass for the rest of the week. I didn't need that shit. Best to just go with the flow and enjoy the change of scenery.

Turning back around to admire the room once again, I looked over to find a note on the nightstand. I sighed and headed over to the little table, knowing I probably wasn't going to like what it said.

Jaden,

Get dressed and go downstairs to the dining room. The staff will ask you what you want for breakfast. You may order whatever you'd like. After that, Romero and Alex will escort you through the house so you can explore. They are waiting outside: I will see you later.

- Darren

So it looked like Darren had my day already planned for me, yet again. Yawning, I put the note back and looked over at the clock to see it was 9:36 a.m. My stomach immediately dropped. I felt my body shudder as I realized I was late for breakfast, but if that were true, why wasn't I bent over Darren's lap at the moment? He must be letting me sleep in for once; at least, I hoped.

Trying to calm my racing heartbeat, I headed into the bathroom for a quick shower. Wrapping the towel around my still dripping body, I went into the closet to see if my wardrobe had changed to more favorable outfits. They somewhat had. I found a shit ton of fleece-lined leggings, some black, gray, dark purple, and burgundy, along with a bunch of sweater dresses, some shorter than others, some that hung off the shoulders, and some thicker and heavier than others were. To my surprise, I saw mostly black, gray, forest green, dark red, purple, and blue—not much pink at all. I even found workout clothing for me without a single skort in sight. Now, this was more like it.

I also found thick thigh-high wool-lined socks, along with hats, gloves, coats, and scarfs of all colors and designs. Most of the shoes at my disposal were knee-high boots, either riding style or snow boots, but some were high heeled, and some were actual slippers. The only thing I didn't find in that closet were panties. No thongs, no nothing. Just bras. Maybe it was his compromise for the leggings.

Selecting a black pair of leggings, a long gray sweater, and black riding boots, I got dressed quickly, dried and flat ironed my hair, and headed out, but as I opened the door, a wall of a human stood in my way. Upon hearing the door open, the wall turned around to reveal two men; one with short dark hair, a clean-shaven face, and the same type of sunglasses Clive and Owen usually wore, only these were much dimmer. The other had shaggy blond hair with a little bit of fuzz on his face. They both wore heavy black turtlenecks and black pants, and they were both so muscled, I thought their sweaters were going to pop open. The dark-haired guy actually kind of looked a little like John Cena with all that bulk.