Page 41 of Lust & Lies

I hated myself for doing what he asked. He kept going, removing the rest of my clothes in silence. I’d been naked in front of him before. But this time, it didn’t feel intimate; it only made me feel exposed, stripped bare in every sense of the word.

He knelt beside the tub, tested the water with his fingers, then said, “It’s still hot enough for you. Put your toe in to check.”

Lifting my leg, I dipped my toe in the water, pussy all in his face. I didn’t bother to look and see if he was staring down there. This pussy was off limits to Mr. Park. The water felt perfect.

I stepped in and slowly sat down, letting the heat wrap around my legs, my hips, then my chest. I couldn’t hold in my sigh as my muscles started relaxing. How did this bastard always know exactly what I needed?

I sank all the way down until the water kissed my shoulders. I closed my eyes for a brief second, just long enough to imagine myself disappearing beneath the surface and floating away. Not in a self-harm type of way. I’d harm him before I harmed myself.

But more of an escape from my current state. I wished I could disappear to a place where I could be alone to clear my head while I healed and waited for my memories to return. Being with Aiden while I healed wasn’t entirely beneficial to me.

“Here you go, love.”

Opening my eyes, I looked over and saw him still kneeling next to the tub, but now holding out a loofah.

“I’ve got another video call to handle, but I’ll lay out your clothes for you on the bed. When I’m done, I’ll join you in bed. We can sleep in the guest room tonight if you’d like. Or, you can return to our room, and I’ll find you there. It’s up to you.”

I reached for the loofah, fingers brushing his in the exchange. That soft contact made me want to reach for him. It made me want to tell him to stay with me. To join me in the tub. To not leave me alone.

Fuck! I couldn’t help it. My heart still belonged to him despite the turmoil it was experiencing because of him. Though I was immersed in hot water, a chill crept over me when he moved away.

He started picking up my clothes from the floor and carried them to the hamper. As I watched him, moments from the past few days replayed in my mind. Moments like this one, where he took care of me, spoiling me in a way that made me melt for him.

I thought of all those sweet kisses on the forehead, the meals he’d prepared, and every husky laugh he gifted me. I thought of how silly he’d been lately, how happy he’d been. I used to think he was romantic. Thoughtful. Attentive.

But now, I saw shadows behind those gestures. Threads of manipulation dressed up as affection. His mask was cracking right before my eyes, and I wasn’t ready to meet the monster hiding behind that beautiful smile.

He returned to the tub and knelt beside it again. I held his gaze, refusing to look away even though staring into those dark eyes was hard right now.

“I’ll be back soon,” he whispered.

I said nothing. I just sat there while my heart slowly built walls around itself. A defense system to protect itself from the dangers lurking nearby. He lingered for a moment, maybe waiting for me to say something.

Maybe hoping I’d ask him to stay. I wanted to. Lord knows I wanted to. The words were on the tip of my tongue. But they tasted bitter. So, I swallowed them down and remained silent. The sadness that filtered into his gaze damn near broke my resolve and crumbled the wall I was building.

Finally, he pressed a kiss to my temple and left the room, the soft click of the door behind him sounding more final than it should have. Was that the sound of our relationship ending? Was this the last sweet moment we’d share?

I let my body sink deeper into the tub until the water caressed my chin. My gaze lingered on the door, half-expecting it to open again. Half expecting Aiden to rush back in and demand I tell him what was wrong with me.

When he didn’t, I leaned my head back against the tub and stared up at the ceiling. I’d once dreamed of this life, this house, this man, this peace. Now that I had it, I felt like a princess locked in a golden cage.

And Aiden was the dragon guarding me. Always there. Always watching. Always controlling the world around me while telling me I was free, I was safe, I was loved. But there was a plot twist to this story he’d woven for us.

Turns out, the one protecting me was the greatest threat to me. Only a fool would stay in a situation like this. Though I was in love, I wasn’t a fool. Neither was I some damsel in distress who needed saving.

I’d allowed myself to do things Aiden’s way. I hadn’t pressured him about getting me a new cell phone. I hadn’t asked about my family again or anything like that. I hadn’t tried searching my name online to see what I found.

I hadn’t even asked to use his computer yet. In the hospital, those questions had plagued me. Yet, once I was in my beautiful cage, I’d gotten comfortable, too comfortable, and was reluctantly willing to wait for the memories to return.

Not anymore.

Tonight, I’d bathe and go to bed. I’d pretend I was okay just so I could get through the night. Tomorrow, though... tomorrow I’d have that conversation we’d been avoiding. And if he couldn’t answer my questions, really answer them, then I’d find a way to leave this house.

I’d find the truth on my own even if it meant leaving my husband. I’d rather break my own heart than have a man break it for the second time. And when my memories returned, I prayed there was a misunderstanding between me and Aiden.

I prayed he hadn’t really done those things Past-Me believed he’d done. Because if he had... I sighed as that dark feeling wrapped around me again. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, and I'd make you hurt the same way you hurt me.

Please, Lord, let it be a misunderstanding, or I’ll have to send this man to you.