Chapter 35: The Calm Before The Heat

Selene

The moment I wake, there’s this flutter in my chest I can’t ignore.

It’s undoubtedly excitement.

And maybe a tad bit of guilt, but we are dwelling on the latter today .

It’s the strange electric pull of two men spinning in orbit around me—one going to great lengths trying to win me back, and the other trying to capture me completely.My problem is that I want both of them-equally. I realized this as I thought of both of them last night . I'm in trouble and I know at some point I'm going to have to make a decision or walk way from both . But for now I'm going to focus on enjoying my last few days with John.

I sit at the window in the plush robe, cradling my coffee, watching the clouds drift between Manhattan towers. The city feels slower today. Or maybe I do.

I open my phone after it buzzes with a message . It’s from John :” Good morning beautiful” . And my heart skips a beat.

Selene: “ How are you doing sexy ? “.

The reply comes almost instantly.

John: Not too bad , I’ll call you shortly.”.

He calls a few minutes later.

“Tell me you’re still naked in bed ,” he says, voice smooth and sleepy.

“No I’m having coffee for now.” I giggle.

He chuckles. “Damn I was hoping I’d catch you there , I’m in the lounge at Heathrow. Exhausted. Buzzing. I shouldn’t be this excited, but here we are.”

“What are you doing in London besides stalking me from afar?”

There’s a pause. I hear the sound of clinking glass and distant conversation.

“Business. Chaos. And a little shopping for a Goddess who I can’t stop thinking of ,” he says. “You’ll see tonight.”

I roll my eyes, even though I’m smiling. “You spoil me.”

“I want to worship you.”

“Mmmm that sounds like fun”, I respond my mind already picturing this powerful man bending to my will.

The line is quiet for a moment.

“I’ll see you at seven gorgeous,” he adds, more serious now. “Did I mention that I miss the taste of you? Get ready to be devoured.”

John

Thursday morning – London

The city outside is wet, gray, and dull, but I feel unusually clear and energized despite being exhausted.

I didn’t sleep much last night. Kept thinking about the curve of Selene’s neck. The sound of her voice when she told me she’d see me Thursday . How responsive she is, how perfect her pierced nipples are and how tight her pussy is … I don’t think I’ve ever been with anyone that tight . And how she let me fuck her in the ass. Oh my gosh I’m in trouble. I want to eat her out so bad.Her taste is so sweet . I can’t wait to push into that hot wet tightness . Jerking off did little to ease my want of her.

I know she’s conflicted. I know she hasn’t fully let him go.

But she didn’t have to see me again.

She chose to.

And I plan to make damn sure she never regrets it. I’m excited at the prospect of seeing if I’m right about her taking control.

Before heading to Heathrow, I stopped on Bond Street. Took my time at a jeweler I only visit when something—or someone—truly matters.

The sapphire caught my attention instantly. Large, opalescent. Set in a bed of rose gold with a scattering of diamonds so subtle they shimmer like a breath.

The saleswoman said, “It’s otherworldly. Feminine. Strong.”

Exactly.

£100,000, I don’t bat an eyelid, I pay for it right away.

I’d gladly spend all my money on her, she is worth every penny.

Selene

By noon, I’m wrapped in a towel, face dewy from a facial, sipping sparkling water in the spa lounge. I decided to treat myself to a spa day. Eager to prepare for my night with John .

The massage melted every knot from my back. The silence has given me space to breathe. To think.

But that’s the problem.

Thinking leads to Adrian.And then John and I really don’t know what to do with either of them .

My phone buzzes on the side table.

Adrian: Selene. Please. I can’t fix this if you won’t talk to me.

I close my eyes.

Buzz.

Adrian: I swear to you, what you saw—it’s not real. I need you to believe me.

My fingers hover. Then I finally respond.

I’m flying home on Monday . I’ll be there for late afternoon. If you fly back you will find me at my place .

I don’t say anything else.

I won’t give him more right now.

I sink deeper into the lounge chair, breathing in eucalyptus and trying to quiet the part of me that still aches when I see his name.

Tonight, it’s all about John.

And I want to be fully present when I'm with him , instead of pining for another man.

He’s already chosen me.

Maybe it’s time I choose him back—at least for the next few nights .