37
“Isis! Where are you? You here? Babe?”
Gage looked around the house and went to his bedroom, removing his dress shirt. He smiled, seeing his goddess peacefully snuggled into his pillow. She was so small in his massive bed.
He laid down next to her and pulled her over to him. Her eyes opened slowly, looking into his hazel eyes. Isis cooed at his presence and snuggled into his chest.
“I tried to call your cell, sleeping beauty. What have you been up to?”
“Reading. I turned off my phone. Sorry, I fell asleep. Did you get my email?”
Gage ran his hand over her hair and down her back “I did. Most things are the same. There were a few things I didn’t think you would agree to, but you did. You, Miss Evans, have a little kinky side, don’t you?” he teased.
“Maybe a little. Once I saw the message you sent back, I realized you were not into the scary stuff and I’m glad. Most of the things you said you liked are sexy. A couple of things are a little over the top, but I’m willing to try it. So why the contract? It just seems adventurous.”
She cuddled into him, not getting enough of his warm embrace.
“Because of the control outside the bedroom that goes with it. Most women would have hit me in the nuts if I asked them to sit at my feet while I ate. You did it. To be honest, that was just a test for me to see if a woman is submissive. I won’t have you do that regularly. Sometimes it turns me on, though. It makes me feel like a king. I’m into medieval history and got the idea from that. I guess you can tell by the decor here. The swords and stuff.”
“Yep. It’s cool. Last night I felt like a queen in the king’s chambers. Not my decorating style, but it’s nice. I’m more artsy and modern. I love modern art galleries and the whole art culture. The rest of your house is so minimalist with a homey feel. I think how people decorate their surroundings shows who they feel they are, or who they want to be. Here it’s like you know exactly who you are. I like that.”
“You’re into art and that stuff, aren’t you?”
“I am. Cyrus made sure I got to experience that, and he likes that stuff, too. He wanted to make sure I continued my education and had some culture. Cy would take me to museums when he was home. My parents didn’t have much, and when he became famous, he wanted to help me. A lot of our family was just all about him and Wraith being a celebrity. To me, they are more than that. Most people don’t know Cyrus is very smart.”
“Yes. He is. We talk a lot. He’s my best friend. Well, we used to be before I started Justice. I think he’s disappointed in me.”
“Cyrus does so much for everyone, so I never asked him for anything. I had never been out of Tennessee until now. We get little world culture there. Farms and country music are about all there is in our little Podunk town. I’m more into art galleries and rock concerts. It would surprise you to know we like a lot of the same bands. I was listening to your music collection earlier.”
Gage loved it when she talked about her interest. She was so intelligent, and it was a delightful change from the women who were always throwing themselves at him.
“Is there a place you have always wanted to go?”
“Lots, to be honest. The Sistine Chapel, The Colosseum in Rome, lots of places. I like medieval history too. Kings, queens, the beautiful architecture. I was scared of your desires at first. I guess because I read up on some weird medieval stuff recently. Like Vlad the Impaler who tortured people. When I saw some scary fetish things, I worried because it reminded me of that story. Can I ask you something?”
“Always.” He chuckled. It was becoming endearing how she rattled on so much. Her constant curiosity was adorable.
“Are those sconces for bondage?” She pointed overhead.
Gage smirked. “Yes. Some decorations here are for BDSM. Want to try them out?”
“Maybe. Just not yet.”
“That’s fine. We can take our time. Tell me, what else would you like to see?”
“I always wanted to visit the castles in Ireland and Paris for fashion. I want to see the ocean and put my feet into the sand. You have probably seen it all. Since I have been with IWX, I’ve seen some cool places. When I sneak away from you and the guys, I take walks and go visit sites. It usually ends up with you yelling at me for being gone.”
“Had you told me you wanted to go see sites, I would have arranged for you to go with a security escort,” Gage huffed.
“Well, I just figured it wasn’t worth the fight. I hate to argue. It makes me feel like a bad person.” Isis rubbed his chest, swirling lazy circles making Gage have goosebumps in the wake.
“No, you’re not. It was my fault I made you feel that way. From day one I was very combative with you. I honestly don’t know this guy I’ve become.”
He leaned his head back, realizing it was the first time he said it out loud. He needed to change the subject before he revealed too much.
“I noticed you get cold easily. I’m revoking the nude rule. Last night your lips were blue, and you woke me up with your teeth chattering.” He chuckled.
Isis giggled. “You couldn’t tell because when we travel, I always bring a little blanket with me? You guys freeze me to death. Quite sure I’m going to die of hypothermia around you.”
“You seemed to warm up pretty well last night in the living room,” he taunted while looking at the ceiling, resting his arm behind his head.
“Well, then I guess you should warm me up more often, Sir.”
“Don’t talk like that. It’ll get you in trouble. Then again, you like trouble, don’t you? Speaking of such. You need to get on the shot or pill. I’ll use protection to be extra safe until then, but I don’t want any surprises. I want kids one day but not tomorrow.”
“Trust me. I’m good. I’ve been on birth control for a while now. So, you’re saying I have passed your little test and we agree to do this for real?” Isis beamed.
“Yes. We will ease into things and see how it goes. Now. Get up. I’m hungry. We can go out to eat.”
“Nope!” she demanded.
“Excuse me?” He looked down at her, irritated with her defying him.
“No. I want to cook, Mister Grumpy. I’m not being defiant. I want to cook for you. I’m a wonderful cook and I feel like cooking. Besides, all the restaurant foods get old. Even fancy ones.” She looked up at him, giving a cheesy grin.
Gage rolled his eyes, and a smile curled on the corner of his lips. “Should I order pizza just in case? You won’t poison me, will you?”
“No, silly. I’m a good cook. Heck, go ask Wraith. I think he just likes me because I cook for him.” Isis looked excited. She loved cooking, and it reminded her of her younger years in the kitchen with her mother. “You made me breakfast. So, I'll make you dinner. 50/50, right? Besides, I already have stuff prepared. I had to call a cab to the store so I could make it special. I found your extra key by the door.”
“You have a point. Wait. Did you leave the house? I thought I told you to stay here.” Gage started getting more irritated.
“Yes. I wanted to do something nice for you. I’m trying, Gage. Don’t ruin it, okay? Let me pamper you. Please? Tonight, I will be at your beck and call. I’ll even sit at your feet. I would rather not because I’m hungry, but I would if you wanted me to.” She scrunched up her nose, hoping she didn’t cross the line.
“Okay. It’s all right. I just wish you would have told me you were going out. I’m not mad. Isis, you’re a celebrity now. You need to make sure you’re safe. This sneaking out isn’t safe. Especially on the road. Even here where people are used to seeing wrestlers, it can get out of hand if you get some superfan stalking you. This isn’t a control thing. Don’t worry. I’m not mad.” He grabbed her and pulled her to his chest. “I just want to know you're safe.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think. You’re right. I’ll be more careful. Can I do this for you? I have some things I wanted to do tonight to show you I’m ready for this thing between us. I want to pamper you and show you the real me.” She hugged him closer, his warm embrace making her giddy.
“Okay. But I have some things in mind tonight, too. When I’m ready to take charge, you need to be ready.” He pulled her up from the bed. “Get ready for dinner. That frumpy Doom t-shirt and sweats are not doing anything for you. And an enormous turn-off, knowing Wraith and Cyrus are like your surrogate dads. I’m going to have to get you more of mine.”
She playfully smacked his arm with a giggle. “Fine. I’m going to get ready.”
This was going to be a night she had dreamed about for a long time.
