The Arrangement

Chapter Seventy-Three

Now this. This is clearly what aftercare is meant to be.

I literally haven't had to lift a finger. Lennox washed me, even took the time to apply creams to my skin, his fingers working with a careful precision that spoke to his desire to nurture and soothe. He dried my hair with the same meticulous care, his gentle strokes a balm to my senses. The entire process was enveloped in a calm, quiet dialogue that allowed me to express my thoughts and feelings in a safe, judgment-free space. The whole time talking to me about the whole experiencing, checking in with what I liked, how it made me feel, anything I didn't like. Paying attention to my every word like he was storing it to memory.

It's made me see everything in a new light. For the first time, I felt truly seen and heard, and it made me reevaluate everything I thought I knew about intimacy and connection. There were no harsh words, no misunderstandings, no one storming off in frustration or disappointment. Instead, there was a seamless harmony in our interactions, a mutual respect and understanding that elevated the experience to something transcendent.

In truth I feel like the whole day has been perfect and to top it off as we come down the stairs and the smell of roasts meats hits me I'm sure I've died and gone to heaven.

As I breathe in the rich, savory scent, I'm filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude. It's as if I've stepped into a new realm of existence, one where my needs and desires are met with care and consideration, where every interaction is infused with intention and meaning. There's been an undoubtedly shift, yet I can't help but wonder if it'll last if all fall apart again.

In this moment, I am acutely aware of the profound impact that Lennox's attentive and considerate approach has had on me. It's a revelation that has shifted my perspective, showing me that this—this seamless blend of care, communication, and connection—is how it should always have been.

When I step into the room my eyes land on the table that's already filled to the brim with an array of food, set like we're having a banquet. My stomach choosing now to be the moment to have a bitch fit about how hungry I am. It groans aggressively and I don't even greet the others before I head to the table picking up a potato and stuffing it in my mouth as I sit down.

The groan I let out as all the flavours hit my palette. A round of chuckles come from behind me then they're all joining me at the table.

"How's your day been sunshine?" Henley asks taking the seat next to me.

It's impossible not to smile as flashbacks of exactly how I've spent my day coming flooding into my mind. I'm sure what I'm thinking is written all over my face too.

"Yeah it was... er... good" I mumble keeping my eyes fixed onto the table as Carter takes my plate and starts loading it up with food.

When he places it in front of me I say a quiet 'thank you' and start tucking in, feeling all their eyes on me.

It's so quiet around the table when Henley bursts out laughing it makes me flinch.

Finally looking up from my plate I find all their eyes on me, amusement dancing in them all.

"What?" I ask, not really wanting to know the answer.

Smirking, Carter leans back in his chair appearing way more relaxed than I think I've ever seen him. "Nothing," he says with a shrug. "You're just incredibly adorable when you're embarrassed that's all" he says and I know my face has turned a horrendous shade of red. I'd be astonished if I didn't look exactly like a lobster right now.

"What have you guys been doing all day?" I say in an attempt to turn the conversation round on to them.

"Us?" Carter replies glancing from me to Ashton, a tense edge to his tone that instantly has the hairs in the back of my neck rising. I can't help but feel a pang of dread as I consider that their day might have been filled with arguments.