Why Don't You STAY

A GENTLE EMBRACE

𝑪𝑨𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑬'𝑺 𝑷𝑶𝑽 :

As Victoria continued talking to Andrew in the closet, I couldn't help but feel a pang of awkwardness. I sat there, unsure of what to do with myself, feeling like an intruder in their private conversation.

I glanced around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings. The closet door was slightly ajar, and I could hear the muffled sound of Victoria's voice, but I couldn't make out what she was saying.

I got up from the bed, deciding to give her some space. I walked over to the window and pulled back the curtains, revealing a night sky filled with twinkling stars and a bright, glowing moon. The soft, silvery light illuminated the room, casting a peaceful glow over everything.

As I stood there, lost in thought, I heard the closet door open behind me. I turned to see Victoria walking towards me, a soft smile on her face.

"Hey," she said, her voice gentle. "Sorry about that. Andrew can be a bit...much sometimes."

I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "It's okay," I said. "I understand."

Victoria walked closer, her eyes locked on mine. "So, where were we?" she asked, her voice low and husky.

I felt my heart skip a beat as I met her gaze. "I think we were right here," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Victoria's smile grew wider, and she took another step closer. "I think you're right," she said, her voice filled with a hint of mischief.

As she leaned in, her lips grazing my ear, she whispered, "Darling, why don't you go change? I'll be waiting for you." Her warm breath sent shivers down my spine, and I tensed up, feeling like a deer caught in headlights.

I hastily grabbed my things from the bed and made a beeline for the bathroom. "It's on the right, just past the closet," Victoria called out, her voice husky and confident.

As I pushed open the bathroom door, I was struck by the breathtaking view of LA sprawled out before me. The huge window seemed to stretch on forever, framing the glittering city lights like a work of art. The black and white marble decor added a touch of sleek sophistication, making me feel like I'd stumbled into a luxury spa.

I tried my best to change quietly, wincing in pain as I moved. But as I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but laugh at my own reflection. I looked like I'd been put through a wringer!

Taking a deep breath, I walked into the room, finding Victoria already snuggled into bed. She had changed into a stunning black silk nightgown that seemed to shimmer in the dim light. Her eyes sparkled with warmth as she smiled at me.

"Catherine, come on in, baby. You're safe. I won't hurt you," she said, her voice gentle and soothing.

I hesitated at first, my eyes darting towards the door as if searching for an escape route. But Victoria's reassuring smile put me at ease, and I slowly made my way closer to the bed. I sat down on the edge, my eyes still fixed on the door.

Victoria moved closer to me, her voice filled with concern. "Hey, Catherine, are you okay, sweetie? You can talk to me. I won't hurt you. I'm here to help you, if you need it. If you don't want to talk, that's okay too. But when you're ready, I'm here to listen."

Her words were like a warm hug, enveloping me in a sense of safety and security. I felt my tense muscles relax, and my eyes slowly drifted towards Victoria. She was watching me with a kind smile, her eyes filled with compassion.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Victoria's smile grew wider. "Anytime, Catherine. Now, come on in. The bed's big enough for both of us."

She patted the bed beside her, and I felt a surge of gratitude towards her. Maybe, just maybe, I could trust her.

I snuggled into bed, trying to shut my eyes and drift off to sleep. But my brain had other plans. I tossed and turned, my gaze drifting towards the nightstand. Fifteen minutes ticked by, and the silence was starting to get to me. I slowly turned around, expecting to see Victoria fast asleep. But instead, I was met with her calm, beautiful face. Her gentle features, long lashes, and soft lips all blended together to create a serene picture.

My eyes lingered on her lips, and I felt a flutter in my chest. Suddenly, Victoria's voice cut through the silence. "Darling, I can see you staring." Her eyes sparkled with amusement, and I felt my face heat up.

I quickly pretended to close my eyes and sleep, but my curiosity got the better of me. I cracked one eye open, and Victoria caught me red-handed. She chuckled and pulled back the blanket, opening her arm to me. "Here, come closer, darling. I won't bite, I promise."

At first, I hesitated. She was my best friend's mom, after all. But something about her warm smile and gentle demeanor put me at ease. My heart seemed to take over, and I found myself moving closer to her.

Victoria's arm wrapped around me, pulling me into the crook of her neck. Her hands grazed my back, moving up and down in a soothing motion. "Goodnight, darling. Sleep okay, right here next to me. You're safe."

As I breathed in the scent of her perfume and felt the warmth of her body, I felt my eyelids growing heavy. Before I knew it, I was fast asleep, wrapped in Victoria's arms.