I disapprove of the notion of a witch being in proximity to her, yet I acquiesce to her request.
Upon concluding the house tour, she escorts Bray to bed. I proceed to unpack the shopping bags from my excursion with Melina and subsequently enter the shower to prepare for work. It is refreshing to have a brief moment of solitude after experiencing the oppressive nature of Ricky’s incessant stares. Although she harbours no fondness for me, she could at least refrain from casting a lethal glare whenever our gazes intersect.
Point of View
Subsequent to dinner, Ricky provides a tour of the kitchen to acquaint me with the tasks she anticipates I will perform while her absence at work.
Steam envelops me as I exit the shower and enter the bedroom, clad solely in a towel. I search through the drawers and retrieve a black t-shirt, jeans and knickers. As I don a pair of boxers, a subtle fragrance of lilac and rain wafts into my nostrils, and I hear a gasp from behind me. I turn swiftly to discover Ricky gazing at me, resembling a deer caught in headlights.
I become flustered and hastily attempt to cover myself, stumbling over the towel and collapsing onto the bed with a groan. The profound embarrassment surges through me as I lie there, my boxers bunched around my thighs, fully exposed before her.
She rushes away from the door, murmuring an apology as she hastily exits the room. Jimmy erupts with laughter at my blunder, unable to suppress his immense amusement at my mistake.
He wheezes uncontrollably, calling you a dork.
I reclined on the bed, incapable of summoning any strength to move, every muscle in my body paralysed by humiliation.
Not only had she observed my genitalia, but she had also likely noted the scars on my body, I realise, as my heart rate escalates. Would she find them repulsive?
Jimmy ceases his laughter and exhales. I am uncertain.
Experiencing nausea, I consider abstaining from work; yet, I remind myself of my obligations to Melina and now to Ricky. I cannot forgo my responsibilities, even in a state of near faintness.
After completing my attire and enduring an unproductive motivational speech from Jimmy, I gradually proceed to the kitchen, discovering Ricky engrossed in a book on the couch.
“Are you well?” Ricky enquires, her voice gentle as a blush colours her cheeks.
I exhale in relief that she refrains from mentioning my scars and avert my gaze in embarrassment. At that moment, Ruben knocks on the door, prepared to escort me to work. Ricky does not acknowledge me, so I proceed to Melina’s room and bid her goodnight with a kiss.
“Exercise patience,” Melina indicates. “She will relent shortly.”
“It’s simple for you to assert,” I lament. “She has no desire to kill you.”
Melina plants a kiss on my cheek. “Exercise patience.”
I agree, kiss her temple, and exit the home to reach Ruben’s automobile.
—
Employment at The Halitton is monotonous, with only a few inebriated patrons attempting to harass the waitstaff and dancers. Several of the strippers extend offers of dance as a gesture of gratitude for my assistance, which I decline. I must consider Ricky; she has explicitly stated that I am not to engage with other women, and I refuse to contravene her wishes, regardless of the difficulties posed by my profession. She, Bray, and Melina take precedence over all others.
Relief envelops my muscles as the clock strikes four a.m. I hastily clock out, accompanied by Ruben and Priscilla, each of us expressing our fatigue. Upon arriving home, I discreetly enter. After 36 hours of sleeplessness, every muscle in my body yearns for a warm bed.
She will undoubtedly refuse to allow me to share the bed with her, I lament.
Are you an Alpha or not? Jimmy snarls, his mind fatigued as well.
Only by blood, I remind him, recalling the numerous names my father hurled at me for my lack of fortitude.
Subsequently, delineate your boundaries, my wolf retorts. Ricky will not regard you with seriousness if you permit her to dominate you as others have throughout your life.
What do you propose, canine? I express my irritation with a snarl. I am exerting every effort to satisfy her, as this is her residence, after all.
She consented to share it with you, he retorts. Therefore, by extension, you possess some influence in this matter as well.
I remain perplexed by his meaning, and he exhales a deep sigh.
He instructs me to procure a pen and paper to compose a note regarding his intention.
Clutching the note in my trembling hands, I stealthily enter the bedroom, discovering the pillow and blanket meticulously arranged on the floor for my use.
Absolutely not, Jimmy retorts. We are entitled to a comfortable bed this evening.
