A Housekeeper's Secrets

Vulnerability.

Chris' POV:

She sat on the bed questioning my intentions. Bewildered by my actions towards her. Her past has caused reluctance and skepticism upon new people that grace her path. It's understandable, but I'm not like the others.

I took a deep breath and formed a response.

"I've always been tough... been used to seeing shit that would frighten people. The business that I run and the shit that I do is not for the weak hearted. Everyday I'm in business mode because it's all that I've cared about. I always wanted this life for myself. I wanted to help people and I wanted to be able to spend money on whatever I wanted without having to check my fucking bank account all the time." I said as I turned to look at her.

Those beautiful brown eyes stared back at me as I continued to speak.

"I watched my mama struggle every damn day as she raised me. She did everything she could to provide for me and I always wanted to pay her back. So I promised myself that I'd get rich and be able to get her whatever she wanted no matter the cost." I said as I stared at the floor.

"So, here I am today. I've gotten everything I could ask for, and then some. My hard work doesn't stop here. I gotta maintain the shit I built... and the other business I tapped into. I'm a boss. People answer to me every single day. Sometimes I'm so swamped that I don't have personal time for myself. It's the game... it's the hustle and I do what it takes to run a successful five star hotel and casino." I said as I looked back at her and smiled a little.

"Everyday I'm always met with the resilient, business side of me. I'm feared because I'm respected. Things are tough and people get that side of me because I have to be that way. Bein' mushy doesn't get you to the places I've been. Being soft gets you walked over and ion' tolerate that typa' shit. Being in charge of so much can knock the wind outta me sometimes... But, things changed when you got here." I said honestly as I stood to my feet.

I didn't even wanna admit it. My ex made me lose sight of shit that was important to me. I always had to please her with materialistic shit cause everything was handed to her in life. She was rich as well. Her parents had yachts... a mansion... you name it.

But, she was needy... annoying, and the universe revolved around her. It was draining. At that point I valued being alone more than being in a relationship with her or anybody. So, I broke it off.

I got so caught up in my career that I stopped looking for love.

"How did things change?" She asked softly as her eyes met mine.

Now, I feel like I can continue that path.

"When you first got here... I had my work lens on. I was mad as hell that you were late. But, you're energy was so delicate. I could tell you meant no harm by it and you were upset with yourself about it. It showed me how much you didn't wanna disappoint me." I said as I started pacing a little and pulling at the hair on my beard.

"Then, in the middle of a fuckin' deal I hear noise in the penthouse. My associates thought that some shit was off and I had to ensure them that nothing was wrong. As I checked the hotel camera feed on one of my phones, I see yo' ass running across the hallway to the other penthouse... I was mad as fuck." I said shaking my head as she hid her face with a blanket nearby. It made me smile a little.

"But... when I started talking to you face to face... I realized how strong you are under that soft shell. You held your head high. You didn't let me see you sweat even though I could feel how nervous you were." I said as she looked away.