The Stranger

Part 35 - Alex

The days turned into weeks, and Cassandra and I stopped speaking outside of work. We kept things strictly professional, but it was harder than it should have been to hide my feelings. I'd done it before, with others, but this was different. Before, I hadn't allowed myself to feel anything-I hadn't let anyone past my walls. Being cold and distant, yet just charming enough to draw them in, had always worked for me. I'd only ever given enough to make them submit, never enough to let them into my life. But opening up with Cassandra had felt natural, a mistake I shouldn't have let happen.

I'd gone back to Spain for the weekend to visit Dad. His health hadn't deteriorated, but he wasn't improving either. Since he'd come home, though, he seemed happier, finding peace looking out over the green landscape from the veranda. Sometimes he'd remember stories of him and Mum, even if we'd heard them a hundred times before. Sometimes he'd even bring up Valeria, forgetting we weren't together anymore, or ask when I'd bring Cassandra back to Spain. The latter always stung.

I liked to spend time at my own place on the hacienda to get away from the mentions of Cassandra. One morning, I'd just returned from a jog and stepped out of the shower when I heard a knock at the door. Odd. No one ever came by unless I invited them. Drying myself quickly, I wrapped a towel around my waist and went to check.

"Valeria?" I was surprised, and a bit annoyed, to see her standing there. "What are you doing here?" I asked in Spanish.

"I was in town," she replied smoothly. "You know I always visit your dad when I'm back in Spain."

"Well, Dad's all the way over there. You won't find him here," I said with a half-smile.

"I know." She looked me up and down. "I already saw him. I'm here to see you."

"To see me?" I asked, feeling a bit off-balance.

"Yes, I need to talk to you about something. Are you not going to let me in?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Of course." I let her in, forcing my manners. "Just let me grab some clothes," I said as I headed to the bedroom.

"What for?" she teased as she walked past. Her scent followed her-a familiar perfume, Deseo by Jennifer Lopez. It was an unusual choice but one I remembered from our honeymoon. Today, she wore that scent, along with a fitted white halter dress that was just short enough to showcase her legs without compromising her elegance. She knew how to turn heads, and she knew I noticed.

I pulled on a T-shirt and grey sweatpants, then returned. Valeria was standing by the sofa. She had been here multiple times already over the years we were together so she was comfortable and familiar with the place, although, I had done certain changes, especially in the bedroom. Her eyes glancing quickly over me.

"Ready," I said. "So, what's this about?"

She paused, clearly uncomfortable. It was rare to see her so unsure of herself. I took her hand, trying to calm her.

"I... hated seeing you with that girl a few weeks ago," she finally said, looking at me directly.

"I didn't peg you for the jealous type," I replied, trying to keep things light.

"Jealous? No... maybe," she admitted, moving closer. "It made me think. You never take anyone to meet your dad, Alex. She must have been special."

"She was. I guess."

"'Was?' You mean you're not together anymore?" She sounded surprised.

"No. I have to come back to Madrid soon-my time in London's nearly over. There's no point in being together."

She took a breath and blurted, "I want to be your submissive." Her eyes met mine, her posture tense and vulnerable. "I want to learn."

I looked at her, hardly believing her words. "Please, Valeria. Don't do this to yourself. You don't know what you're asking."