The Stranger

Chapter 24 - Alex

I pulled her close, letting my hands roam over her skin, soft and flushed from the night. Kissing her forehead, her cheeks, her lips—I couldn't get enough. My gaze fell to her wrists and ankles, reddened from the restraints. A pang of guilt mingled with pride; she'd trusted me, pushed her boundaries, and surrendered entirely.

"I'll be right back," I murmured, brushing a kiss against her temple.

She made a soft sound, half-asleep, as I slipped out of bed. In the kitchen, I grabbed ice packs and a towel. When I returned, she was lying on her side, naked and angelic, her hair a dark halo against the pillow.

"Here," I said, taking her delicate wrist in my hand and wrapping the ice pack around it. "This will help."

Her lashes fluttered as she looked at me, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. "I didn't even notice," she whispered. "Thank you."

The corners of my mouth tugged upward. "You were amazing, Cassandra. Thank you for trusting me."

Her lips curved in a faint smile. "No. I should be thanking you. You were... gentle, understanding, and still so dominant. My ex and I tried anal once, and it ended in a fight. I didn't feel safe with him."

My thumb brushed the inside of her wrist, a silent reassurance. "Want to talk about it?"

"Maybe one day," she said, her voice a murmur. "Right now, I just want to sleep."

Though it was late afternoon, I understood. Her body had been pushed to its limits, her trust stretched in ways that left her vulnerable but whole.

"Come on." I held out my hand.

Her brow quirked, her lips tugging into a cheeky smile. "Again? I don't think I can, but I'll try."

I laughed, pulling her to her feet. "Shower."

My bathroom was small but had a wall of windows overlooking the endless green fields. Private enough that no one could see in, but it felt as though the world could reach us if we reached out.

"This view is incredible, Alex," she murmured as she stepped under the stream of water. Her voice softened. "I'd never want to leave."

Her words warmed and shattered me all at once. I didn't want her to leave either, but I knew this arrangement wasn't forever.

I soaped her body, letting my hands glide over her curves, watching as her eyes fluttered closed. By the time I washed her hair, she was leaning against me, her head resting on my chest, utterly relaxed.

When we stepped out, I wrapped her in a towel, drying every inch of her with care. Then I pulled out the hair dryer, working through the strands while she sat on the counter, her eyes soft and trusting.

"You're spoiling me," she said, leaning into my touch.

"That's the idea."

She sighed. "I feel so safe with you, Alex. Safe and... free. I don't know how you do it."

I cupped her face, kissed her gently, and carried her to bed. We tangled together under the covers, her warmth against me, and at some point, we drifted into sleep.

The morning sun poured through the windows when I woke. Cassandra was still sound asleep, her dark hair fanned across the pillow. I slipped out quietly and went for a jog, letting the crisp air clear my mind. When I returned, she was awake, draped in one of my white sheets.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty," I said, kicking off my shoes.

"Good morning, Sir," she replied, her voice soft but with a hint of mischief.