Chapter 34: The Package
Selene
Sleep doesn’t come easy tonight. Not that it really has since things blew up with Adrian, or since things heated up with John.
The bed is too quiet . My mind won’t shut off. Thoughts of Adrian’s voice, John’s body, and everything in between swirl like smoke through my consciousness.
I toss and turn continuously. Then stare at the ceiling as realization finally kicks in... I'm in love with both these men. Each man has me wanting them and I've no clue what to do. How the heck did I find myself in this situation?
Eventually, I drift off, only to wake a few hours later to the pale light of dawn streaming through the penthouse windows. New York hums faintly below, but I feel oddly suspended, like the city is moving on without me.
I pad into the kitchenette and make myself coffee and call room service for breakfast. still barefoot and wrapped in my gown, my body is still a bit sore from being with John. That man has been blessed in ways some men can only fantasize about.
As I drink my coffee and have a cigarette on the balcony I stare out lost in the beauty around me . My breakfast is delivered , and I sit by the window with my legs tucked under me, watching the skyline as I eat. I tell myself I need to pack. To make sure to book a ride for Denver
But I do none of those things, I’m relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet. I'm also contemplating waiting for John.
A knock at the door snaps me from my thoughts.
I pause.
Another knock—this time followed by a soft, professional-sounding voice. “Miss Selene? Delivery from Mr. Wickham.”
I open the door cautiously.
A well-dressed woman and a tall man in black step inside, both holding garment bags and shoe boxes.
“Mr. Wickham requested you be given some options ,” the woman says with a light smile. “He thought you might enjoy a little indulgence., please pick whatever you want. ”
Behind them, a large white box trimmed in satin is brought in and placed gently on the marble counter.
Jewelry.
I already know it before I even open it, this man is nuts, he is spoiling me.
I lift the lid and inside :
a necklace and matching earrings, gleaming with moonstone, diamonds, and tiny sapphires set in platinum. Ethereal and dazzling . Like something out of a dream.
There’s a note.
I couldn’t resist. I can’t wait to see you again. Wear something that makes you feel powerful and beautiful . -J
The stylist helps me sort through dresses—sleek, structured designer gowns, each one more exquisite than the last. I finally settle on a few items that I really like .
After choosing matching shoes, they gather the rest and thank me politely before heading out.
As the door closes, my phone rings.
John.
I answer, trying not to smile too much.
“Did everything arrive?” His voice is warm and clear despite the time difference.
“Yes. You really didn’t have to.” I smile as I respond.
“I wanted to. I told you, I like taking care of my women and you are my Goddess ”
I lean against the counter, absently running my fingers over the necklace. “How’s London?”
“Messy,” he says. “I’ve been in meetings since I landed. But thinking about you the entire time.”
A pause. Then softer: “Did you sleep well?”
I lie. “Eventually.”
“Why didn’t you tell me that Adrian called you and asked you to pass on a message to me?, I ask him
“Selene I will not apologise for that. I want you like I’ve never wanted a woman before, why would I help you get with another man ? This is me, no games , just me, it’s not my issue that he messed up, . “ he answers .
“Look, I’ll be back in two days. Are you still wanting to leave? Or Will you still be in New York?”
“I haven’t decided.”
“Well, I hope you stay. I’d love to take you to that rooftop jazz club I mentioned. I want to spend more time with you. “
“I’d like that,” I say quietly.
“Good. And Selene?”
“Mm?”
“Wear the moonstone set when we meet . It suits your energy.”
Before I can respond, he ends the call with a murmured “Talk soon, beautiful.”
The line goes dead.
And I stand there, holding the necklace to my throat like it might anchor me to something real.
But the truth is, nothing feels simple right now. I’m so confused. I’ve always been a strong dominant woman and I’ve been with more then one man before casually. This is more complicated.
Because what John doesn’t know is that the part of me he’s trying to win over—belongs just as much him as to someone else.
And I just don’t know if I’m ready to give either of them up. Why should I ?
I spend the day seeing some sites and then stop at an up market sex shop and grab myself some stuff that I plan on whipping out ( no pun intended ) , John Wickham better be ready to play and follow my rules and lead. . I plan to show him exactly what I enjoy and how I get off on being in control . Then head back to my hotel and work, my room is filled with flowers from Adrian. I don’t even bother asking how he knows where I’m staying... some things are best just ignored. I order dinner and some wine and sit outside on my balcony, smoking and sipping on wine .