The Harrington Series Book#2: Naila's Misfortune

Chapter 18: Forever

I stirred awake sometime after midday. I must have fallen asleep. I feel very sore after we had sex repeatedly throughout the night. I cried through the whole ordeal no matter how many times he assured me everything would be okay. My eyes must be swollen. I sat up slowly looking around the bedroom. I'm all alone in the large bed, still naked under the sheets. I eased my eyes to the light coming from the long arched windows with the cream blinds slightly drawn.

I feel like a traitor and probably dirty for falling asleep in his arms after our final time sometime this morning. I hate what he has done to me. I tried not to feel, thinking of Bas instead but my body betrayed me. I also feel like I betrayed Cole Michael. I still live him.

I have never been away from Bas before; at least not this long. My heart is still aching from his absence. I badly wish to hold him and tell him everything will be all right but then again he is having the easier side of the pie; not knowing what I had to endure through the night just for a chance to hold him.

I have to come up with a plan to weather the storm. Fighting against Stefan will leave me at a disadvantage. I have to play ball for Bas' sake. Once I have my son in my arms and there is a chance we can escape then... only then will I fight back.

I will have to play Stefan like a fiddle. I will lead him on while being careful not to patronize him too much. It is like what Nickolas says; a little sugar and a little salt to balance things out. What I would give to have Nick helping me right now. I need his strength and resilience. I need Tony's optimism and humor. I need them both. But this is my fight. If Stefan is a dangerous man I can't risk dragging them in.

I heard the door open accompanied by a series of footsteps. Tugging the sheets closer to cover my naked body, I waited to see who it is.

As expected it's Stefan accompanied by two maids. They set up the tray on a coffee table by a sitting area with a big window. One of them ventured into the bathroom and a moment later I heard running water. I kept my eyes on Stefan.  I forced my mind away from him and thought of Bas hoping for some positivity to take over. 

After the maids left, he smiled at me, putting his phone away.

Play him like a fiddle.

I returned the smile but briefly trying not to overdo it.

"You slept in." He got on the bed pressing his body on mine. A lengthy tender kiss on my lips is his greeting. "I trust you slept well?"

"Yes I did. Did I please you well?"

He played with my hair, twirling it around his fingers. A delicate frown settled on his handsome face. He brought his eyes to meet my own.

"You were very unresponsive. Didn't you like it?" He asked. "Maybe you would prefer it rougher?"

The only person I have allowed to shove me on beds and bind my hands ravaging me like a starving beast is Nickolas and that is because I trust him to know when to stop. I trust him to understand when I have had enough. I don't trust Stefan to know the boundaries or even to uphold them. With him, I will always ask for it to be gentle. 

"You have to understand that the circumstances were new to me. I haven't been with a man since I got pregnant with Bas. I just need to get used to you. Give me time and I'll respond a little better, I promise." I assured him as much as I want nothing but to taunt him.

His frown eased but didn't disappear entirely.

"I'm just curious to experience you. I'd love to have you respond to my touch. I want to hear you moan, maybe even scream for me."

"I'm not a screamer. Sorry to disappoint you."

"You were too quiet last night. So silent I wondered if I'm off my game. Maybe we should try again. I am thinking something different in the shower."