Page 37 of Mayfair Madame

Chapter Eleven

Naomi

Three a.m., the supposed witching hour. And what was I doing? Lying in my bed, eyes wide open, watching the city lights of London dancing on my bedroom wall.

I’d been visited by visions of Ellie on her knees, fucking me with her fingers, her talented tongue bringing me to orgasm.

But that wasn’t what concerned me. Had I coerced her into undressing tonight? Had I forced her? The thought bothered me no end.

She was clearly uncomfortable with her figure, as I’d always been with mine. I’d seen the signs at the bar. The way she fiddled with her clothes, but I thought she was into it, else I wouldn’t have asked.

But it was done now, and there was nothing I could do about it, but a feeling of unease sat in my gut.

Her story was unfinished. I knew that, knew there was more she had to tell, but I didn’t want our relationship to be just about that. Did we even have a relationship?

I’d successfully dodged the questions about my past, but if we were to continue whatever this was, I’d need to come clean.

Relationships weren’t built on lies. They were built on trust and honesty, something that had been sorely lacking in any of my previous ones.

I’d shot off a text to her, letting her know I was thinking about her. I’d been sorry to see her go, but in hindsight, it had been for the best. We both needed space.

The next morning, while I lay in bed debating getting up, Melinda called.

“Sooo, how was your evening? You looked mighty cosy strolling away hand in hand.” I could hear the smile in her voice.

“You should know I never kiss and tell, but it didn’t go quite to plan.”

“What happened? Did she hurt you?”

“No, nothing like that. We talked…mostly.”

“Hmm, sounds like it didn’t go as well as you’d hoped. Will you be seeing her again?”

“I think so. We said we’d meet up for coffee at some point.” I just didn’t know when.

“Are you okay? You sound a little down. I thought you’d be full of the joys of spring.”

“I’m happy enough. I didn’t sleep particularly well, so today I intend to do nothing at all. Snuggle on the sofa, watch a movie, eat junk food.”

“Sounds divine. I’m thinking she didn’t stay over?”

“No, she didn’t. She went home around midnight.” I sighed. Where I’d usually tell Melinda everything, I wanted to keep Ellie to myself for a while longer. The secrets she’d shared with me last night needed to remain just that. A secret.

“I hope you don’t mind my saying, but she did seem a little out of her depth last night. I’m not saying she didn’t fit in….” Ellie had admitted she felt out of place, but why did it irk me for Melinda to point it out?

“Remember, she barely knows us. I’ve only met her twice.”

“I wasn’t going to say anything, but it’s just…”

“Just what, Melinda.” My patience with her was wearing thin.

“I know what you’re like. You take people on and try to fix them.”

“What the fuck’s that supposed to mean?” My heart thudded.

“Well, look at the people you have around you. One or more of them has had issues in the past, and you’ve always been the one to put them back together again. Not all have stuck around. I just don’t want the same thing to happen with Ellie.”

“You think she’s a project?” What the fuck was she trying to say?