The game of seduction was about to begin
Charlotte's POV
"I missed you," I said softly, holding Luther tighter against me. His body was warm and strong.
"I was thinking about you all night, baby." His deep, sexy voice sent a rush of heat through my body.
"I could not sleep much," I replied. "Kate and Loveth did not help with all their loud noises." When I tried blocking them out with headphones, it only made me think more about Luther, and how amazing he made me feel. It was still a little hard to believe we were finally together, especially after all the fights and back-and-forth between us.
"Then what you need right now is a bath and some food so you can rest properly." It was just past 7 p.m., but all I wanted was to lie beside him, breathe in his cologne, and fall asleep in his arms.
"I am not even hungry," I said with a sigh when he pulled away. I missed his warmth the moment he stepped back.
"There is no argument when it comes to eating, babe. Come on, I will get the bath ready." He held my hand and led me up the white staircase. I was still getting used to the house, the fancy flower vases, the smooth walls, the expensive-looking paintings. Everything felt like it came out of a magazine.
"Are you alright?" I asked as I stood by the bathroom door, watching him prepare the bath. He was tapping his fingers on his leg while leaning against the vanity unit. The soft grey tones made the black and white marble floor and walls stand out. There were tall cabinets on both sides of the room, and the bathtub was set on a raised platform. His eyes were on the water, but I could tell his thoughts were far away. He did not answer right away.
"Hmm?" He turned after a few seconds, like my voice had only just reached him.
"Oh... yeah, I am okay." He scratched the back of his head as he stood up.
"Are you really? You seemed lost in thought." I watched him closely. He closed his eyes for a moment, gave me a quick smile, then walked back toward the tub. The water level was still low, which meant the tub was made to avoid spilling over.
"I am fine. These are blended essential oils," he said, picking up a bottle from the counter. "And this is jojoba oil. I use it as the base."
He poured a few drops into the bath while talking. "I do not know what kind you like, so for now, you will try this. If you do not like it, I will get something else."
I could tell he was changing the subject. He was not ready to talk about what was really on his mind.
"They smell amazing," I said with a smile as I took off my shirt and cargo pants. After a long day of classes, assignments, and dealing with Kate and Loveth, I really needed this bath to relax.
"Great. So, um, I will go heat up the food while you enjoy your bath. Oh, here’s your phone so you do not get bored." Luther handed it to me with a small smile that felt forced. I noticed he avoided my eyes and quickly turned to leave. That made me frown a little. Earlier, before he sent the chauffeur to pick me up from school, he had told me the food was already prepared and just waiting. I still found it hard to believe a man like him cooked at all, let alone reheated food himself.
Once I was in the tub, I decided to call Kate instead of letting my thoughts wander too much. I had questions about Luther’s odd behaviour, but they could wait.
“What the hell, you witch? I just heard from Loveth that a chauffeur picked you up after school!” Kate yelled the moment she picked up. I had to pull the phone away from my ear before she broke my eardrum.
“And that’s why you are trying to make me deaf?” I replied. “You were probably busy messing around in some closet somewhere. When I called, you did not pick up. So I texted Loveth and told him I would be staying at Luther’s.”
Earlier today, after class, Kate had vanished, and I was sure she was with Loveth. Normally we left school as a trio, but I figured she and Loveth just needed a little couple time. I could not blame her for that.
“Well, you s-see...” she began, stumbling over her words.
“Oh, stop stuttering. You are a horny dog by nature,” I teased with a laugh.
“As if you are any better,” she shot back. “You think I did not notice how you were walking yesterday after spending days with your rich step-uncle? He really handled you, didn’t he?”
I could picture her raising her eyebrows with that evil grin she always gave when she knew she had me.
“Well, what can I say? The body wants what it wants,” I said with a shrug, forgetting for a moment that she could not see me.
“Speaking of Luther, has he asked why your mother lied about him telling his brother you were not sleeping at home?” Kate asked.
I sighed and leaned back on the waterproof pillow at the edge of the tub. It was placed perfectly so I could gaze through the large double glass windows and take in the stunning city skyline.
“No, but I can tell something is bothering him.” I wished I had a glass of wine to enjoy as the jets worked their magic on my tired muscles.
“So you called me because you needed a distraction,” she said.
I felt a little guilty. I never wanted her to feel like I was just using her to pass the time.
“I do not mind,” she added before I could say anything. “That is what I am here for.”
There was a pause before she lowered her voice and continued, probably because her parents had returned from their business trip.
“Now listen,” she said. “If you want him to talk, seduce him.”
“What?” I blinked, confused, shaking my head. This was so typical of Kate.
“You heard me. Our bodies have power, babe. Even the quietest man can be made to talk if you move right. If he is not ready to tell you, then use your hips. Bite that lip, flutter those lashes. Want me to explain it in more detail?”
“No, no, no…you have already corrupted my mind enough, so stop,” I said quickly.
She burst out laughing, and I let out a small one in return.
“Just try it. If it doesn’t work, then you will know whatever’s bothering him is serious,” she replied in a more serious tone. Then, with a teasing lilt in her voice, she added, “Either way, it’s a win-win. You’ll still get some dick.”
“Idiot,” I muttered, throwing in a few playful insults as we ended the call. But her words only made the thoughts I was trying to suppress resurface.
What if he does not want me anymore? I whispered, setting the phone on the raised edge of the tub. The water was warm and comforting against my skin, but it was no longer enough to distract me. Kate had successfully stirred up more doubt.
But why would he draw a bath for me, or cook dinner, if he was losing interest? I reminded myself with a slow sigh, closing my eyes. He was thoughtful, he had always been, but something about today felt off. I could only hope this strange energy between us had nothing to do with my mother and her lies.
Maybe it’s just work, I reasoned. He ran a company. That alone was enough to drain anyone. But then again, if it was only about work, why avoid eye contact? Why smile without meaning it?
The more I tried to rationalise it, the more unsettled I felt. Whatever it was, I could not shake the feeling that it somehow involved me.
So, with my mind made up, I decided I would do exactly what Kate suggested.
“Let’s see if you can resist my charm,” I whispered, a sly smile forming on my lips.
The game of seduction was about to begin, and I was determined to win.
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