With a soft grunt, I collapse onto my bed, the aftermath of a soothing shower still lingering. A contented smile tugs at my lips as I recline and shut my eyes. The persistent ache in my muscles, worn out from a day-long hunt, pulses with a bittersweet pain that somehow feels entirely worthwhile. It's been a week since Logan asked me to sign us up for the commissions, and every day since then has been an unrelenting series of hunts—sometimes even twice a day.
Perhaps he finds security in our shared duty, using them as a reason to spend time together without raising eyebrows. Yet, it doesn't compensate for the lack of physical closeness between us. Now that I've experienced the sensation of his powerful, bare arms encircling my exposed body, his solid chest melding with my back, the warmth of his breath grazing my nape, and our legs intertwined, simple touches and caresses fall short of meeting my desires.
Shuffling further, I slide under the covers before turning my head to gaze at the space on the right side of the bed—an area I've instinctively been reserving for Logan like second nature ever since he spent the night after our initial intimate encounter. Not even his departure two weeks ago has disrupted this newfound routine of mine. And I am determined to preserve it. In fact, I intend to mend this, bring back my beloved, and fill the voids in my life that are designated for him and him alone.
But how?
Just as if to answer that very question, my phone starts vibrating on the nightstand. I prop myself up on my elbows, reach for it, and glance at the caller ID only for my brows to knit together. "Mr. Parc", I greet as I answer.
"Mr. Ezra", the male responds, his voice laden with formality, before continuing, "I've called to inquire about this month's installment payment. It was due five days ago." My brows furrow in concern at his words, and I hurriedly glance at the calendar on my phone. My teeth instinctively gnaw at my bottom lip as the realization sinks in—I've missed the due date.
"Shit, I apologize for the oversight. I'll initiate the transfer immediately."
"It's quite alright, Mr. Ezra. Just a friendly reminder. Have a pleasant day.", comes the calm reply.
"You, too.", I murmur before the call ends abruptly. With a sense of urgency, I set to work on processing the online transfer. Despite the usual strain these monthly payments put on my finances, the flurry of successful hunts this week has left my account looking healthier than usual. As I stare at the digits on my screen, an idea sparks within me, prompting me to reach for my phone and dial the number again.
"Yes, Mr. Ezra?", Mr. Parc answers on the third ring.
"I've got 11 more installments to pay, right?", I verify, the glint of hope clear in my voice. Restlessly, my left hand continues to fidget with the hem of my shirt, leaving creases in the fabric.
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"Is it possible to settle the remaining balance all at once?", I inquire right away, my question prompting a brief pause from the other end of the line, probably catching him off guard.
"The entire remaining balance, sir?", he repeats.
"Yeah.", I assert firmly, my voice resonating with resolution.
"I-I mean, of course. Just allow me about an hour to make adjustments to our contract."
"Take your time", I reply as a smile tugs on my lips and my tongue darts out to moisten them, "I'll reach out again once I have the funds."
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"Good evening, welcome to Rogerdale's headquarters.", the off-field hunter behind the desk offers me a polite smile. "How may I assist you?"
