Chapter 125
Maya's POV:
I turned around. Adam stood behind me, fresh from the shower. He looked angry. He snatched the phone from my hand and hung up.
"Adam, are you crazy?" I shouted.
He tossed the phone onto the nightstand. I crawled across the bed to grab it, but he was faster. He caught my ankle. Before I could react, he pulled me back and pinned me to the mattress.
He looked down at me. His eyes were dark and intense. "Who do you love most?"
I rolled my eyes. "My daughter, obviously!"
"And me?"
"What about you?"
"Where do I rank?" He pressed closer, his weight heavy and warm. "What is my position in your heart?"
"You don't have one."
His eyes narrowed. "Say that again?"
"You have no—mmph!"
He didn't let me finish. He kissed me hard. He knew exactly how to handle me. He knew my body better than I did. My anger melted away. My resistance vanished. Before long, I surrendered completely.
Adam pulled back just an inch. His voice was raspy. "Is there a position for me now?"
I was breathless. "...Yes."
"Which one?"
"Second," I whispered. "You're second."
"No," he growled against my neck. "I’m not satisfied with that."
I glared at him weakly.
"I want to be first."
"You are shameless," I muttered.
When I woke up, the bed was empty. I reached out, but the sheets were cold.
I sat up and winced. My waist ached. I dragged myself out of bed and pulled on some clothes. I opened the curtains. The Paris sun was bright. It was already noon.
I went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face. My cheeks were flushed. We had slept together again.
I checked my conscience. I didn't feel guilty. Honestly? I enjoyed it. Chloe was right. I should stop overthinking and just enjoy the physical connection. Adam was an exceptional partner. I just wished he had less stamina. I could barely walk.
The door clicked open. Adam walked in. He looked fresh and energetic. He smiled, a wicked glint in his eyes.
"Get dressed. I'm taking you to lunch."
My face burned. I grabbed my clothes and hurried to the bathroom.
Adam leaned against the doorframe. "Do you need help?"
"No!"
"Maya, your stamina is impressive. I thought you wouldn't be able to get up today."
I slammed the door. Was he complimenting me or bragging?
He took me to a famous local bistro. The food was incredible.
"This is so good!" I said, eating with zero elegance.
Adam picked up a napkin. He gently wiped a smudge of sauce from my lip. "Slow down."
I ignored him. "Adam, I want another order of the seared foie gras."
He smiled, looking amused. He waved the waiter over. "Another foie gras. Also the escargots and the crêpes."
By the end of the meal, I was stuffed. My stomach felt tight.
"Oh god, Adam. I'm going to explode," I groaned. "Carry me."
He laughed and wrapped an arm around my waist to steady me. "I told you to slow down."
"You kept ordering food!" I shot back. "What was I supposed to do? Leave it?"
"You literally asked for it."
"My eyes are bigger than my stomach, you should know better by now."
Adam shook his head, looking amused. "There's no winning with you, is there?"
I lifted my chin triumphantly. "Exactly. I win."
"You can win the argument," he murmured, his lips brushing my ear. "As long as I get my way in the bedroom."
I snapped my mouth shut.
After lunch, Adam checked his phone. "James texted. Your mother is safely back in Cleveland."
I nodded. "How much was the medical transport and the nursing fees? I'll transfer it to you."
Adam knew me. I was stubborn about money. He told me the number. Five thousand dollars.
I transferred the money immediately. Ryan had paid the hospital deposit in Cleveland, so this made us even. I didn't bother texting Ryan.
A few days later, the trip was over. We boarded the private jet.
Adam's assistant and the junior staff fell asleep immediately. They looked exhausted.
I looked at Adam. He was reading a report, looking perfectly awake.
Ten hours later, the plane landed in Boston. The car took us to the Sterling estate.
I stepped out of the car. Amy launched herself at me.
"Mommy!"
I picked her up. She was heavy. "Hi, baby."
Adam stepped forward. He opened his arms. "Daddy wants a hug too."
Amy looked at him. She tightened her grip on my neck. "No. I want Mommy."
Adam pouted. "I want Mommy too." He looked at me with heat in his eyes.
I ignored him and carried Amy inside.
We had dinner, then headed back to Marlborough Street. I played with Amy before tucking her into bed.
I went to the master bedroom. Adam was already there. He wore black pajamas and lay on my side of the bed.
"I showered," he said. "I'm waiting for you."
We had been intimate every night in France. I was exhausted. "Go to your own room. I need to sleep."
He paused. "I won't do anything tonight. I just want to hold you."
I narrowed my eyes. "Can I trust you?"
"Yes. On my honor."
I bit my lip. "Fine. I'll trust you once. If you break your word, you are banned forever."
I showered and climbed into bed. Adam immediately shifted. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me against his chest.
"What are you doing?" I asked warily.
"Nothing. Just holding you."
I didn't push him away. I rested my head on his shoulder. Five years ago, we slept like this. At first, I hated it. Later, I couldn't sleep without it. After we broke up, the empty bed was the hardest part. The cold sheets were a constant reminder of my loss.
"Adam..." I whispered.
"Hm?" He kissed the top of my head. "What is it?"
I hesitated. I stayed silent. "Nothing."
He frowned. He easily flipped me over so I was facing him. "Don't hide from me. If you want to say something, say it."
I looked away, my hand sliding under the sheets to swat his backside.
"Go to sleep."
He smirked. "Is that an invitation?"
I slapped it again. "It was just there. And it's very slappable. Don't read into it. My conscience is clear. Sleep."
He stared at me for a second. Then he pulled me up and kissed me.
I thought he was breaking his promise. But his hands stayed on my waist. He just kissed me. Deep and slow.
"Mommy...?"
I shoved Adam away. Hard.
I scrambled to sit up. I smoothed my hair desperately. My face was burning.
Amy stood in the doorway. She clutched her stuffed rabbit. Her eyes were wide and confused.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"Uh," I stammered. "Your... your dad got sand in his eye. I was helping him blow it out."