Page 45 of A is for Aftercare

He opens his mouth to protest, but I hold my hand up.

“Are you being naughty?”

His jaw slackens. “No, Sir.”

“Then do as you’re told. Come on.”

He stands, glancing at our plates.

“Leave it,” I snap. I can deal with washing a couple of plates later.

I lead him to the guest bedroom on the second floor. It doesn't have the dramatic views that my bedroom does, but it's a gorgeous room all the same. The windows are the old arrow slits, filled in with glass. The ceiling is high enough to take a mezzanine level, which is where the en suite is, accessed by a floating staircase.

I gesture to the bed. “Sleep.”

Archie blinks at me.

“Am I talking gibberish?”

“No, Sir.”

“Then why are you still standing there?”

He tugs his shoes off and goes to the bed, still looking doubtful. His hand goes to his tie, and he glances at me.

“You can get undressed if you’ll be more comfortable.”

Relief sweeps over his face, and he undoes his tie and takes his shirt, trousers, and socks off. I suck in a breath. I haven’t seen his body since Friday. He’s fucking gorgeous. I want to go to him, hold him, kiss him, fuck him, but this is not the time. He gets into bed and pulls the quilt up to his shoulders.

“Sleep well,” I say in the softest tone I can manage.

“Thank you, Sir.”

I leave him, even though I want to stay and watch him sleep, and head back downstairs.

It’s weird sitting in my office alone. I manage one chapter of Orion’s book and then play Minesweeper for the next two hours. They should give medals to writers to reward creative procrastination. Not that playing an ancient computer game is particularly creative.

Five rolls around, freeing me from the need to pretend to be working. I drum my fingers on the desk, not sure what to do next. Should I check on Archie? Wake him? Let him sleep for as long as he needs?

I creep up the stairs as quietly as I can, open the door, and peek in. He’s asleep, his hand resting on the pillow by his head. I stay longer than I should, simply watching him. He’s beautiful and peaceful. I long to slip into the bed beside him and feel him skin to skin. I step out of the room, slowly closing the door.

“Sir?”

Shit.

“I didn’t mean to wake you,” I say, feeling every bit like a child who’s been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

“I didn’t mean to sleep so long. I’m sorry, Sir.”

“You needed the rest. Do you feel better?”

“Much. Thank you.”

I grunt to accept his thanks. “It’s past time you went home.”

Archie’s brows draw together. “What? No quick fuck in the kitchen today?” There’s a slight quiver in his voice.

Is he afraid I’m going to end our tryst?