Chapter 60: Lovers, Part 8

Michael

Borje, Daniel and Gordon, picking themselves up from the floor, shower down, dress and depart, Daniel, I note, giving Charlotte a long look as he leaves.

Did James see that?

I don’t think so….

Should I say something?

Mmmm….

The fire’s blazing and it’s the most natural thing in the world to settle down together. Charlotte, now bathed and looking less as though she has travelled a war zone, nestles against me. She smells clean and fresh and having her warmth against me is the sweetest thing in the world.

James walks in with a tray bearing a bottle and three glasses. “You might check your bank balance tomorrow,” he says to Charlotte. “They were all very appreciative and said that they will be happy to contribute to your College Fund anytime you are in town.”

“That’s good to know, Master,” she replies. The tone of her voice is fine but snuggled against me, her body tenses. “And thank you for arranging it, but you do understand that that is not why I do it?”