16. The Other O
Kim’s eyelids shot open, the golden warmth of morning light seeping through the thick curtains.
The scent of pine, fresh grass and musk enveloped her, grounding her instantly. For a heartbeat, she felt disoriented, but then reality washed over her… she wasn’t alone.
Her cheek rested against a solid, steady surface, the rhythmic thump beneath it unmistakable. Her breath hitched as realization dawned: she had slept in Ely’s embrace after a night of hard sex.
After what they had done in the secret room with her in chains, they had got at it twice. Once in the bathroom and again in the bedroom and she didn’t remember whether he cleaned her or not.
A rush of warmth flooded her chest, a mix of comfort and shy exhilaration. Slowly, she tilted her head upwards, her gaze landing on his serene face. His eyes were closed, dark lashes-longer than hers, she noted with a hint of envy-resting against his sharp cheekbones.
She wondered how someone could look so peaceful, so… beautiful, even in sleep?
She couldn’t resist drinking in every detail: the strong sharp line of his jaw, the faint stubble shadowing his chin, the relaxed curve of his full lips. A few strands of his raven-black hair had fallen loose, adding an almost boyish softness to his otherwise imposing presence.
Her fingers itched to reach out, to trace the angles of his face. Almost without thinking, her hand lifted, trembling slightly as it hovered just inches away.
“Do you like what you see?” The deep rumble of his voice sent a jolt through her, and her hand froze mid-air. Her eyes shot wide, her heart pounding in her chest.
“You… You were awake?” She stammered, cheeks burning.
His eyes opened, amusement dancing in the dark depths. A slow, teasing smile curved his lips.
“I have been awake for a while,” he admitted, his voice low and smooth. “You seemed… captivated.”
Heat surged to her face. She tried to look away, but his gaze held her in place.
“I… I wasn’t… I mean…” her words faltered, leaving her flustered and tongue-tied.
He chuckled softly, the sound sending shivers of arousal down her spine.
“How did you sleep?” He asked, his tone gentler now.
“I… I slept well,” she whispered, barely meeting his eyes. “But you must be uncomfortable,” she added.
He placed a hand over his heart, feigning shock.
“Uncomfortable?” His eyes widened dramatically. “Are you saying you didn’t want me here?”
“No!” The word burst from her mouth, panic lacing her voice. “I mean… it’s not that… What I mean is… I just have made you tired by lying on your chest all night,” she explained hurriedly with her gaze dropping, fingers twisting nervously in the golden fabric of the duvet they were sharing.
A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. “So, you enjoyed my arms around you?” He murmured, his voice low and teasing.
Her breath caught, and she could only nod, her face blazing with embarrassment.
A sudden knock at the door shattered the moment. Ely glanced at the clock, frowning.
“Time to get up. It’s already midmorning,” he said with a frown as if he didn’t want to leave her side.
“We overslept?” Kim said with embarrassment.
“It’s okay. I know I overworked you yesterday and I didn’t want to wake you up early and I also wanted to be with you a little bit longer,” he said and then there was another knock on the door.
“Damn it!” Ely cursed and stood up and he was naked and Kim felt heat creep up her face.
He then took a robe and tied it around him and walked towards the door.
“Good morning Boss?”
“Jamal?”
“Sorry for waking you up but our eleven appointment is almost here and we can’t afford to miss it,” Jamal said and Ely rubbed his glabella in frustration.
“Okay. I will be down in ten,” he said and closed the door.
“I am sorry but I have to go. I have an appointment I can’t miss but I promise to be with you soonest,” he said as he walked inside the walk in closet and Kim also stood up but she fell the moment she tried.
She couldn’t deny that as much as she enjoyed what they did the previous night, it also took its toll on her body.
“Are you okay?” Ely asked as he rushes towards her with a tie in hand.
“Yes I am. Just that my legs are a bit tired,” she said and say down on the bed with his help.
“Are you sure? I can stay with you if you are unwell or… should we go to the hospital?” He asked with a conflicted look on his face.
“I am okay. Just go to your meeting. I will be waiting for you,” she said had nudged him.
“Okay. I will ask Zina to send your breakfast to you. I will leave Jamal to take care of you. Tell him if you need anything,” he said seeming as if he was unwilling to leave him.
“Wait. It’s embarrassing enough that I am on this state because I overindulged in sex and now you want everyone to know? I said I am okay and I will go downstairs to take breakfast.
You take Jamal and do what you guys do,” she said and he nodded.
“Sorry. Okay. Just call me in case you need anything,” he said and kisses her brow and left.
“Take care,” she shouted as he shut the door and he opened it again a bit and his head appeared.
“I love you. Wait for me, I won’t be long,” he said and then closed it and left.
After he left, she stood up and it took a while for her body to find balance and after refreshing herself in the bathroom, she went downstairs.
“Good morning, ma’am? Shall I serve your food now?” Zina greeted Kim as soon as she saw her.
Kim settled on a chair and within minutes, Zina had brought her food and that’s when she realised that she was famished.
As she was eating, a body guard came rushing and bowed slightly to her.
His face looked conflicted as if he wanted to say something but didn’t know how to say it.
“What is it?” She asked him.
“Miss, someone is at the gate and…” he broke off as if he didn’t know how to continue.
“Do you know the person?” Kim asked.
“Yes. She’s… she’s… boss’ friend,” the man said and it all dawned on Kim.
If she wasn’t mistaken, the person at the gate was their boss’ sex partner and now that she was here, they didn’t know how to behave.
“Just let her in,” Kim said with a smile.
She wanted to see what type of women Ely used to sleep with.