Owned by Him (10 page)

His grip tightened on her.

“Oh, I’m also banning sex,”
he said.

“What?”

Elijah smiled. “I’ve made
myself a promise. I’m going to prove to you we can be together without
everything else. The sex is the best I’ve ever had, but for a long time, we’re
not going to have it. This is going to be about us getting to be together
without any other pressure.”

“I’m not sure about that. I
like sex.”

“Then you’ll love it when we
get back together after a short break. I’m not fucking you. I’m going to seduce
you without all the other crap.”

She sipped at her coffee and
watched him. There was something different about him that she couldn’t put her
finger on. None of it made any sense to her. Why was Elijah adamant to date
her?

“What’s changed?” she asked.

“Last night is what changed
my mind. Seeing you in the arms of another man opened my eyes to what I’ve been
doing wrong. It’s not acceptable to let another man touch you. You’re mine, and
now I’m going to prove it with more than words. There’s no way I’m going to
lose you because I was a dick and didn’t give you what you needed.”

Amber couldn’t stop the
tears from filling her eyes. “You’re being serious about this?”

“Deadly
serious.”

She could live without any
sex. Six months prior to him walking back into her life she’d been without.

“All
right.”
She nodded her head and then picked up the menu.

“I don’t want any bullshit
either. If you’re not up to going out or you’re too ill, tell me.”

“I will.”

He gazed at her for several
minutes before taking the other menu. “I’m starving. I’m thinking eggs, bacon,
and some toast. What about you?”

She agreed with him. They
ordered breakfast and ate in silence. The quiet wasn’t tense or awkward. She
was comfortable around him.

After they were finished,
Elijah led them outside. The city was getting busier as it always did on a
Saturday.

“Where are we going?” she
asked.

“We’ve got to walk there. I
didn’t bring my car.”

She hadn’t driven her car
either. Driving around the city was too stressful, and it took too long. It was
much easier walking to places.

“Okay, where are we
walking
to?”

“That’s the surprise.”

He took her hand and headed
off up the street. She held her bag tightly on her shoulder, following behind
him. The city was too loud and crowded for them to have a real conversation.
She couldn’t believe they were doing something in public. Club Kink was not
really in public. The customers and owners were very selective on who they
allowed into their club. There was no way she’d ever see Heather or Connie
frequenting one of the clubs.

Elijah stopped at the
opening to the city center. It was full to bursting with different stalls. She
saw a huge selection of food, clothing, and wines. Everything her heart desired
was stationed at some stall up and down the city town center.

“You’ve brought me to the
market?” she asked, smiling.

“Shopping is great way to
relieve stress. Also, I’m cooking dinner at your apartment this evening. What
better way to kick off dating than starting with fresh ingredients bought
today?”

She’d just fallen head over
heels in love with him, all over again.

Laughing, she kept hold of
his hand as they made their way around the stalls. The scents were amazing.
Some reminded her of the comforting warmth of stew, while others were filled
with heat and were more exotic.

Amber couldn’t believe she
was having more fun right now, shopping in a busy city center, than she had
last night, with Dale.

He’s the man for me.

Elijah never once let go of
her hand throughout the whole morning. She loved his time and attention, and he
made her feel utterly complete.

****

The day he’d planned was the
spur of the moment kind of day. Elijah hadn’t known the market was on until he
saw it advertised on the café shop window. He intended to spend the whole day
with Amber, but doing what, he hadn’t known. The market offered him an
opportunity to expand their knowledge of each other. It also gave him an excuse
not to let go of her hand.

He needed to wipe the memory
of Dale from her mind.

They were carrying up their
bags from their expedition around the market. Amber was laughing as he made a
joke about her new vases. He’d offered to foot the bill for the two new vases, but
she’d refused.

He wouldn’t let her pay for
dinner. Elijah bought all the ingredients and intended for Amber to be full and
satisfied.

“I noticed those vases are a
lot bigger than the last two you smashed trying to aim for my head.”

“I know. Are you worried?”

“Not at
all.
I don’t intend to be the person you throw vases at.”

She chuckled, digging in her
purse for her keys.

“I can’t believe how much
fun I’ve had. I didn’t think it was possible to be so happy from just shopping.”
She pushed the door open, letting him through.

He went straight toward her
kitchen. Elijah started unloading bags as Amber did the same from the sitting
room. Looking across the space that separated them, he felt calm. There was no
arguing or fighting. They were both getting on with the task of unloading their
stuff.

Elijah knew he could live
like this. She bent over the coffee table and started to arrange her vases. He
admired her full rounded ass and grew hard, staring at her. Diving into his
bag, Elijah began to unpack everything. He put the chocolate and butter to one
side and then started looking for some flour in her cupboards.

He took the time to spread
everything out on the counter, separating the ingredients into the main meal
and the dessert.

Amber brushed past him to
put the wine she’d purchased in the fridge. “I called Ashley to cover for me
this weekend.”

“Heather has plans with
Julian.” He couldn’t bring himself to tell her the truth. Her friends knew
about them. To her friends it was no big secret. He figured both women would
tell Connie when they were ready.

“Yeah.
Connie and Ashley usually plan to do something
together.
It’s
fun and always something to do with
Wade. Ashley is trying to set Connie up with him. The man is in love with her,
but he won’t make a move. He’s driving Ashley crazy.”

“His gaze follows her
everywhere.” Elijah had noticed the other guy’s attention toward Connie. He
thought it was sweet, but if Wade didn’t get her attention soon, then someone
else was going to sweep in and take it.

“I know. He keeps trying to
ask her out, but he balks at the last minute. I think Connie’s losing patience
with him. She’s eating lunch elsewhere now.” Amber shrugged. He moved out of
her way as she put away some jars of coffee.

“It’ll only be a matter of
time before she moves on,” Elijah said. He grabbed some measuring cups and
bowls to start making dessert.

“I doubt Connie will truly
move on. She doesn’t give herself easily.”

He guessed Connie was the most
complex member of the group even though Amber had her days in the complex
department.

“So, what do you want me to
do?” she asked, leaning over the counter to stare at him.

“Nothing.
You can sit, chill, relax, and watch as I make you my
mean spiced pork casserole and melting chocolate puddings.”

“
Wow, that
sounds delightful. I’m going to leave you to it.”

He watched her saunter off
to the sofa. She sat down with her feet underneath her. Clicking his fingers,
he got to work in making a dinner that Amber would remember. He’d never really
liked cooking when he was younger. Cooking had taught him patience and how best
to handle his anger and aggression. Over the years he’d taken several cookery
courses and was adept at everything he did in the kitchen. He hoped all those
years would finally be put to good use.

Every now and then he’d look
up and see Amber either reading or watching something on the television. He
couldn’t believe how quickly she changed her mind of what she was doing. Amber
wasn’t a one track mind. Elijah watched her pick up one paperback book off her
shelf. She’d start reading, but about ten minutes later she put it back and
picked up another one. Her mind was never focused on one thing.

Looking through their time
together, Elijah realized the only time she kept track was when she was with
him. There was no pushing or rushing her. Amber was only ever ready when she
was ready.

He’d only just realized how different
Amber actually was from what he thought. For many years he’d figured her as
woman with a schedule and control issues. He thought that was why she let him
take control in the bedroom. It would be the only place where she’d give up
control.

She padded toward him. Her
shirt was falling from her shoulder, showing off her bra. It was cute and
utterly adorable watching her in her own home.

“I’ve never seen you like
this,” he said.

“Like what?”

“Carefree
and happy.”

“I’ve got a lot to be happy
about.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “You’re giving us a chance, and
instead of doubting everything I’m going to live it up. You never know how long
it’s going to last,” she said.

He took her kiss and smiled.
She hummed as she grabbed a drink out of the fridge. Elijah continued to make
their meal while watching her. Amber was a beauty to witness in her element.

Marry her.

The thought took him by
surprise as he stared at her. First he wanted to seduce her, and now he wanted
to have her by his side for the rest of his life.

“Are you all right?” she
asked, shaking some juice in the carton as she looked at him.

“What? Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Looked
like you spaced out there for a second.”

“No, I’m not spaced out. I’m
seeing something I’ve never seen before,” he said.

She smiled. “I hope it’s
something good.”

Amber left him alone. They
were behaving like a couple. No fear came to him at the thought of settling
down. It was time for him to be with Amber. She’d been his for so long, and
he’d taken her for granted.

No more.

Chapter Nine

Amber pulled her hair up
into a ponytail. It had been three weeks since Elijah declared his seduction,
and they’d been three weeks of bliss to her. He was attentive toward her, and
not a moment went by when she didn’t feel cherished. Ashley was still keeping
her secret, and it had been three weeks since she’d seen her friends properly.
She knew it was only a matter of time before they all found out the truth.

When she thought about
telling Heather the truth she was filled with doubts. She forced herself to
push them aside. Elijah hadn’t given her any cause to complain. He’d not even
touched her. Their kisses were passionate, but he never took them further than
a kiss. His hands would always caress her back or cup her face. Sometimes he’d
grab her ass, which was the extent of his passion.

If Elijah stayed over he
would sleep on her sofa or wear clothes to bed. He never once strayed.

Dale had been true to his
word, and there was no conflict at work. In fact, he asked about her friend,
Connie. He’d gone to Wade’s the other night, and Connie had been there waiting
for Wade. The two had gotten talking, and Dale and Connie had hit it off.

Elijah was right. If Wade
didn’t act soon then Connie was going to be with someone else. She wished her
friend all the best and Dale, but she couldn’t help feeling sorry for Wade.

Her cell phone chimed
letting her know a text had come through.

Grabbing her cell out of the
back pocket of her jeans she pressed the accept button.

Elijah: I can’t believe you cancelled me. I’ve got the
latest horror movie!

She’d turned him down. Amber
missed her friends and really wanted to spend some time with them.

Smiling, she quickly typed a
response.

Amber: Keep your panties on. Oh, that’s right, they
haven’t come off. Do you have blue balls yet?

Elijah: You’re a vixen. I’m doing the best I can. Come
to me tonight and I’ll give you a release.

She’d fallen for that line
once before. He’d brought her to climax with his fingers. Amber didn’t want his
fingers. She wanted everything from him.

Amber: I’ve fallen for that line before. You’ll have
to wait. I’m going to be with my girlfriends. They all need me.

Elijah: I need you!