Captivated

Chapter Twenty-Four

I stirred, slightly disoriented as I turned in the soft sheets glancing around the room as the fog of sleep slowly began to fade. Last night had been the first time I'd ever ventured into Cameron's bedroom and I definitely never thought I'd be waking up in it. I sat up holding the sheets around myself trying to see if I could see him. The bed was cold beside me and I didn't hear any sounds from the adjoining bathroom. I fell back into the bed with a sigh, of course he didn't stay and I was crazy for letting myself think that this had changed things. I could feel the swell of hurt and regret building in my chest, while I had come to the realization that I'd fallen in love with him, he obviously didn't feel the same way.

"Just chemistry" I said aloud roughly running my hand through my disheveled hair as my mind trailed away from me. I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to do now. Cameron did say that the debt was paid and I was free to go. Did that mean that if I wanted to walk out the door he'd let me go? Or was it just for show and he still wouldn't let me be free. The better question was did I want to leave, was there anything in my regular life that I wanted to go back to? I really hadn't noticed how far down this rabbit hole id fallen. I knew one thing for sure, the electric attraction I feel every time I'm near Cameron is not just a chemical attraction. I love the man and that is not something I can just let go.

"Christ" I curse tossing the sheets back and getting out of the bed. I head towards the bathroom deciding that a shower would help my unease and maybe clear my head. The bathroom is immaculate, it's large soaking tub and walk in shower are something out of a dream. A large vanity stretches half the length of the one wall with beautifully carved wooden storage on either side. I smile a little to myself as I look In the mirror. My hair is thoroughly messed and my skin looks bright with the after glow of the sex. I slowly move around taking in his bottles of soap and the way he hangs his used towel over the edge of the shower. It's clean but in a way that tells me he doesn't often let others into his room, it's not like when Gretchen cleans, she has a different touch.

I sigh lightly to myself and climb into the shower turning the taps to start the water. A large rain head pours warm water down like a water fall pelting the floor in a almost calming way. I step under the water, letting it flow over my face and body gently running my hands through my knotted hair with a sigh. I could feel my chest aching with the knowledge that he left sometime while I was asleep, probably regretting it. I reached for his soap, smelling the old spice bringing a smile to my lips. I quickly washed the night off my body and throughly washed my hair before sanding under the water for a few more minutes. Water is relaxing, in a way that almost makes me forget everything else.

I turn the shower off and step out using his towel to dry off. I run it roughly through my hair and look in the mirror again. I know that I haven't changed, but I look different. Maybe it's because of the realization that I love him or maybe it's all just in my head but I just feel different like I have a purpose again. I hang the towel back up make my way back into the bedroom taking pause at the slightest changes since I left. The bed has been made, straight and perfect just the way it was last night and stacked neatly is a light sun dress from my closet, fresh undergarments and my sandals. Cameron's discarded clothing and my torn up dress is gone but other than that there's been little to no change.

I can feel the blush creep up, weather Gretchen was told by Cameron or she deduced it herself I felt a little embarrassed to know she cleaned up after us. I quickly get into my clothing before going back to the bathroom to use his brush to comb through my messy locks so they look less disheveled. I give myself an approving once over before heading to the door. I felt giddy, almost like a school girl as I opened the door a crack and poked my head out to look up and down the hallway. I know there aren't many people who sleep in this wing of the house but I really don't want to get caught slinking for his bedroom. I'd already had to fight so hard to be viewed as a person in this household that I didn't want to degrade my appearance now.