Chapter 18

I open the door to an enormous Victorian Style bedroom. It has high ceilings and paintings that cover almost every inch of all four walls.

The floor is wooden and polished, as I can see my reflection when I look down. The wind is blowing cool air in and fluttering to light curtains.

Michael takes my arm and leads me to the bathroom. It has a walk in jacuzzi and the double sinks are elegant with golden nobs. There's a private toilet off to the side, and the walls and floors are marble and spotless.

Its nothing like I've ever seen. I'm so impressed that I can barely breathe.

I feel Michael's soft touch on my lower back, and I jolt and spin around to face him. He's smiling and looking at me apprehensively.

"Well?" He asks.

I can't say anything, and I know I can't because my throat is closed up from the amazement.

He chuckles deeply and takes my hand, walking me down the stairs and into the kitchen. On the other side of the wall, there's a small bar stocked with different sorts of alcohol.

"Sit," he orders.

I take a seat on one of the stools next to the bar.

He takes out a medium-sized wine bottle and a curvy glass cup, and pours a generous amount of wine in the glass. He slides the drink across the counter and over to me.

"Oh, no thank you. I don't drink." I say politely.

He looks at me intently.

"Its very good," he says finally.

I shake my head again to decline.

"I'm sure, but I'll pass."

He puts the wine bottle down forcefully.

"Drink."

"Michael, I dont--"

"I said, drink."

The tone in his voice is so stern and demanding that I quickly pick up the glass and gulp down three swings. I put it down and wipe my mouth.

"Good girl."

He grins and comes around from the other side of the counter and taking a seat next to me.

"Kai!" He yells.

A short woman enters the room and stands at attention.

"Cook us some dinner please." He says.

She nods.

"And what would you like sir?" Kai asks.

"Whatever the lady wants."

He looks over at me and I clasp my hands together.

Kai gestures for me to follow her into the kitchen and I get up from my stool as she leads me out of the room.

"Evening, I'm Kai, the chef." She says warmly, and my nerves go away.

"Bella, pleased to meet you." I smile at her.

"What would you like ma'am?" She asks.

"Hmm, do you have salmon? That'd be great."

"Comin right up."

She walks to the fridge and pulls out the fish.

"So, are you and Michael, together?" She asks.

I shake my head viciously.

"Oh not at all. We're.. friends," I say, twirling my hair.

Kai snorts.

"Well, I've been Michael's chef for a long time, and he's brought home a lot of girls. But he's never looked at them they way he looks at you." She says.

My heart races. Could Michael actually like me? My stomach flutters at the thought. But I immediately smack it down after ten seconds of hopefulness.

You heard Kai. He's "brought home a lot of girls." Your'e not the first, and definitely not the last.

I sigh and shrug.

"That could mean anything, Kai." I say softly.

"Well, I don't know, maybe. But I would stay away if I were you. Michael is.. mysterious. No one really understands him fully."

I nod, as I'm not suprised by this.

"Thanks Kai. I'll keep that in mind." I say.

"Keep what in mind?" A voice asks from behind me and I jump and turn around.

Michael has his eyebrows raised and looks from me to Kai and back again.

"Oh! Um, Kai was just telling me where I can get some high quality salmon." I say quickly, and she nods in agreement.

"You're right on time Michael, dinner is ready."

She pulls the salmon out from the oven, and serves it on two plates, taking it to the table.

"Enjoy."

She gives me another look before walking quickly out of the room.

I turn back to Michael and he gestures for me to sit down.

I take a seat and he sits across from me.

"Let's give grace." He says.

"Okay."

He leads us in giving grace and we dig in shortly after. After eating, I slouch back in my chair and my belly is two times as big than before dinner.

"Absolutely delicious." I say.

Michael smiles at me.

"Surely you're enjoying your stay here?" He asks as I wash my hands.

"Yes, I am. Thank you."

I dry my hands and walk to the living room, yawning. Time has really flown by.

Michael comes in and sits next to me, placing his large hand on my knee and slowly rubbing. I bite my lip to supress a moan.

"Tired?" He asks.

"Yes.."

"I'll take you upstairs."

He scoops me up but I push him away. I don't need him carrying me like a small child.

"I'm fine Michael."

I walk ahead of him and once I reach the top of the stairs, I don't know where to go. Surely he has a guest bedroom.

"Where's the guest bedroom?" I ask.

He laughs.

"You're sleeping with me." He says, and pulls me into his room again.

I stand in the corner when we're inside, looking at my shoes.

"Aren't you tired?" He gestures to the bed.

"Yes, but.."

"But?"

"I don't have night clothes to wear," I say.

He walks over to his dresser and rummages until he pulls out a gray T-shirt.

"Here."

"Thank you," I say and run into the bathroom to change.

I quickly remove my clothing and slip on his T-shirt. It smells like him and I put it to my nose, admiring his lovely but rough scent.

I walk out of the bathroom and Michael stares at me, biting his lip.

"You look good in my clothes babe.." he says.

I suddenly feel very exposed and I quickly get in bed and cover myself.

"Do you like this bed?" He asks.

"Yes, very much." I say.

"Good, because we'll be doing a lot of stuff here."

I gasp and he winks at me. I feel my face flame up.

He leans toward me and crashes his lips against mine. My female hormones go crazy at the contact of our lips.

He french kisses me and swings his leg over, now straddling me and leaving rough kisses on my neck. I bite the inside of my mouth terribly hard to keep from moaning. All too soon, he pulls away and climbs off of me.

"Sorry babe, I couldn't control myself," he says, grinning.

The lights go off and I'm so relieved, Michael won't see my intense blushing.

"Goodnight Bella." He says, a hint of laughter in his voice.

~~~~~

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