share of attention as the lights glowed and the ornaments glittered in contrast. I
even admired the funny Santa hat that she had placed at the top.
“It looks great,” I praised her. “But I think next time you should wait for me to
top the tree.”
“I would have been fine,” she retorted with another huff.
“It’s not you I’m worried about. Those are hand-painted bulbs. The crafters
would kill me if I let anything happen to them,” I said with a smirk.
She looked over at me with that adorable no-nonsense glare of hers. “Ha-ha,”
she said and went back to admiring her tree.
“Are you hungry?” I asked.
“Not really,” she said, a yawn now escaping her lips. “Just tired, I think.”
“Bedtime it is then.”
“But I wanted to explore the house,” she pleaded.
I shook my head. “It’s late. You can explore tomorrow while I’m working.”
“You’re still going to be working, huh?”
I nodded. “No rest for the wicked.”
“Ha,” she snickered, another yawn not far behind.
Jaden then went into the bathroom presumably to wash up for bed. I took
another good look and admired her decorating skills, actually appreciating the
warm colored lights that complemented the room. Removing my clothes, I pulled
back the heavy covers of the bed and slid in, checking a few emails on my phone
while I waited for Jaden.
When she finally emerged, her hair was brushed and soft, her subtle makeup
gone, and she seemed relaxed. She even voluntarily stripped her clothing before
sliding under the covers without me having to remind her. After turning off the
lights, I reached over and pulled Jaden to my bare chest. Just feeling her against me
was enough to relax me completely, and I couldn’t help but let the pent-up
exhaustion finally sink in. I hadn’t slept much in the last few days, trying to get as
much of my work done before I brought her out here so I could actually spend some
time with her. And now that we were here, all I wanted to do was fucking sleep with
her wrapped in my arms. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve, and I wanted to make this
trip as memorable for Jaden as I possibly could, but I still had so much shit to do. It
was never ending.
When Jaden’s body finally relaxed and slumped against me, I knew she’d fallen
asleep. I always waited for her to fall asleep first. It gave me a proper sense of
security. Knowing she was asleep and safe beside me gave me the assurance I
needed to relax and follow suit. Tightening my grip around Jaden’s small frame, I
closed my eyes and let the sounds of her soft breathing lull me to sleep.
32
CHRISTMAS EVE
W hen I woke up the next morning, Darren was gone. And thank fuck for that.
Rolling over onto my back, I stretched out like a damn cat before pulling myself
out of bed. Noticing that the curtains had been drawn, I couldn’t help but rush over
and yank them open.
For the first time, I felt mesmerized by the sheer beauty of nature. Last night, I
had only seen the mountains in the dark, the only light gifted by the moon, but
now, now, they were in the spotlight of the morning sun. Pine trees surrounded us,
but they did nothing to hide the unbelievable scene in front of me. The mountains
of Alaska were everything I thought they would be and more. White powdery snow
continued to cover everything like a thick blanket of icy cotton. I found myself
wanting to go outside, to go out and play in the snow like I was a ten-year-old girl
again. Hopefully, Darren would let me.
I didn’t know if any of the rules had changed or what considering my damn
electroshock perimeter was still up, but it was best to assume they were rather than
break them and risk pissing him off after he’d done all this for me. I wanted to tell
him that the capabilities of his money wouldn’t seduce me, but I didn’t want to
start a fight either. He’d likely try to fuck the ungratefulness out of me after
bruising my ass for the rest of the week. I didn’t need that shit. Best to just go with
the flow and enjoy the change of scenery.
Turning back around to admire the room once again, I looked over to find a note
on the nightstand. I sighed and headed over to the little table, knowing I probably
wasn’t going to like what it said.
Jaden,
Get dressed and go downstairs to the dining room. The staff will ask you what you want for
breakfast. You may order whatever you’d like. After that, Romero and Alex will escort you through
the house so you can explore. They are waiting outside: I will see you later.
- Darren
So it looked like Darren had my day already planned for me, yet again. Yawning, I
put the note back and looked
