CHAPTER 01_PASSION

As I lay reclined on the plush couch in Chief Gavins's study, my head resting on his lap.

His gentle strokes on my hair were soothing, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of restlessness that flowed through me.

I shifted uncomfortably as I hissed in frustration.

He noticed my unease and quickly whispered

"Anything for you, my baby girl, just ask" his voice laced with affection.

I opened my eyes, meeting Gavin's warm gaze. His rugged features, weathered from age, still held a charm that drew me in.

But sometimes, like now, I feel trapped in this gilded cage.

"I have everything I need right here," I replied, forcing a smile, and I felt guilty immediately.

Gavin had given me literally everything; security, luxury and a sense of belonging.

Wealth flowed through my lineage. Having more would definitely do no harm, but as I gazed into Gavin’s eyes, I saw deep loneliness, a hunger for connection that I, Christiana Leonard, couldn’t fulfill. He was fifty-six and not yet married.

His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "I want to take care of you, make you happy." "So tell me if you need anything", I nodded in approval.

I appreciated his kindness, but what I truly craved, was excitement – something Gavin, with his twenty-year age gap and gentle touch, couldn't provide.

"I need to unwind," I said, trying to convey the tension building inside me.

Gavin nodded, understanding. "I've arranged for someone to help you relax."

My curiosity piqued, I raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

"Mason. He's an expert massage therapist. He'll be here soon."

I felt an unexpected flutter in my chest.

A masseuse? Why did he think a massage therapist could soothe my growing unease?

As Gavin dialed a number on his phone, I considered the idea and realized it wasn’t entirely unappealing.

In fact, the sound of it was very exhilarating.

"Mason? It's Chief Gavin. I need your services... Yes, now. My girl needs you. "I’ll text you the address now"

As I lay there, I couldn’t help but think about how I ended up with Mr Gavin. He was charming, wealthy and powerful.

He was everything I wanted, at least, so I thought, but sometimes now I feel like a prized possession, not a partner.

Our relationship was complex, like a web of emotions, obligations and desires. I knew he loved me so dearly, but I struggled to reciprocate those feelings. His wealth and influence had swept me off my feet.

His hands continued to stroke my hair gently as I drifted in thought, awaiting the massage therapist.

———————————

Soon, the doorbell rang, breaking the silence.

Chief Gavin’s eyes met mine, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

“Right on time” he said, helping me sit up.

I soothed my dress, feeling a mix of anticipation.

The study door opened, and a tall, broad-shouldered man walked in. His blue eyes carefully scanned the room until they landed on mine. My heart skipped.

I knew from that moment that this wasn’t a mistake.

He was fine as hell.

Breathtakingly handsome.

With chiseled features and piercing blue eyes. His rugged jawline…he looked uncannily like Ryan, my ex.

Memories of Ryan, my ex-boyfriend, still lingered. A painful reminder of the damage he inflicted on me.

Our relationship had started passionately, until Ryan’s possessiveness and jealous nature overshadowed his good sides. It became suffocating, he scrutinized my every move, my every conversation. I became a prisoner in my own life.

The final straw came when Ryan’s anger turned violent. He would hit me at every slightest chance he got. I was not allowed to mingle or keep friends. My friends literally stayed away from me.

Funny thing was, the more he messed with me, the more my love for him grew stronger. He knew I couldn’t leave him, and he used that against me.

After constant battles, I escaped, shattered and vulnerable.

Since then, I have built walls around myself, safeguarding my emotions. Intimacy became transactional to me, not a connection. I sought pleasure, not commitment or attachment.

Mr Gavin’s arrangement suited me perfectly. He was twice my age, wise and experienced. It was strictly mutual benefits and no long-term strings for me.

Even though, he acted overprotective at times.

We met at the filling station, bonding over a shared joke, and he offered to change my ride if I was interested. We giggled and got talking. He was a welcome distraction from Ryan’s haunting memories too.

Chief Gavin's voice in the background brought me back to reality.

"…. Mason's a skilled massage therapist, Christiana. "He'll help you relax."

But I didn't want relaxation. I wanted passion. Just, Maybe.