Cake Love: All Things Payne(97)

I just stare at him and roll my eyes. I'm no martyr so I can't take him hating me. If he is mad that is one thing, but hate is too strong even for me. I shake my head and walk into my bathroom to retrieve the first aid kit. Once I return I get down on my knees in front of him and try to lift his sweater to see where he is hurt, but his arm grabs my wrist.

"Why did you lie to us-- or did you, Morgana?"

I sigh and turn my head to face him. He's confused and I'm a liar. I lied to Evaleen and I lied to Henrik. As much as I don't want Henrik to lose his job I don't like to lie. It is unsettling.

"So you wouldn't lose your job, Henrik. As much as I want to get into the Executive Development Program -- and believe me I want it almost as much as I want cake-- if you lost your job with the company it would not just hurt you but also the people at Mimir. Even if they hired a great executive to take your place I honestly don't think that person could ever do as good of a job as you. Mimir is like family to you and it would be their loss if you went away. If I got fired, well ... it may be a nuisance for you to have to find another assistant but the company would be fine without me. If anyone has to leave, it's best for the company if I leave."

Henrik remains quiet for a minute staring at me. I try to raise his shirt again but his hand continues to push it away. Finally, he begins to sit up so I help him until he is standing.

"Give me the first aid kit. I'll do it myself."

"Henrik, seriously stop being a baby and just let me take care of you."

He holds out his hand as if he didn't hear me so I groan and begrudgingly give him the kit. Henrik walks into my bathroom and shuts the door. I head out into the kitchen and put the kettle on to make us some tea. I am mainly a coffee drinker, but there is a special tea that my father would drink when he came back from hard training or a mission. My dad is an ex-Navy Seal. Once my dad learned about what Trevor did to me I never heard from Trevor again. My dad swears he didn't make Trevor disappear. He tells me, "I'm not in the Mafia, Morgana." And then he just chuckles and mumbles something under his breath. I really hope he didn't kill Trevor.

Anyway, the tea is supposed to help with aching muscles. So, carrying the steeping cups into the bedroom, I wait for Henrik to emerge. I never took him for being shy about his appearance, but people surprise me all the time.

Henrik comes out and stands in front of me, his eyes burning into me. Something in me aches as I gaze up into his darkening eyes.

"I made some tea. It will help with the pain." My words tumble out of my mouth a little too fast. His head turns to the cups and then back to me. I swallow trying to suppress a moan. Henrik bends and winces while picking up the tea bringing it to his lips as he sips. His face scrunches as he squeezes his lips together.

"Ugg, that's awful. Are you trying to kill me, Ms. Drake?"

I bring up my fingers, pinching the air.

"Just a little, Mr. Payne."

He chuckles and then grabs his side in pain.

"Here come lie down and I vow not to make you laugh, but I can't promise anything about poison."

His eyebrow lifts as his lips crease into a smile. Henrik puts down the cup and crawls onto the bed to lie in the middle. I get up and get a few things from my dresser then turn to him as I make my way to the door.

"I'll sleep out on the couch if you need me. I know the tea tastes bad but it really will make you feel better by morning so try and drink it."

"Morgana?"

"Yes."

"Stay with me tonight."





Chapter 24 - THE Big Movie ...

I don't have much strength saying no to men I'm attracted to, hence why Trevor and I stayed together as long as we did. But tonight as I stand in the doorway of my bedroom looking at a tired, beat up yet amazingly sexy Henrik Payne for the first time in my life I say no even when I really, really want to say yes. God, I want to say yes so bad.

"I don't think that would be a good idea Mr. Payne. Besides you are hurt, you need your rest. I'll be right out here if you need anything."

He nods but adds, "Thank you, Morgana, for taking care of me tonight. I ... I ..." he growls and shakes his head.

"Just thank you."

"You're welcome." I smile at him and shut the door.

Once I have the couch set up and am sporting my PJs I turn on the TV because I know I am not getting any sleep with Henrik in the next room. Putting on my glasses that lay on the coffee table I flip the channels and find The Big Lebowski. I settle in knowing a comedy always cheers me up. That and cake. Wait, I still have some leftover cake in the fridge.

I get up and grab the slice then make myself at home for the almost perfect night on the couch. The only thing missing is Henrik's penis in my vagina, but we can't have everything, now can we.

It's the bowling scene when I hear my bedroom door creak open. A very frustrated Mr. Payne appears in the living room, standing next to our "nice" IKEA overstuffed chair.

"I'm sorry, is this too loud? I can turn it down."

I put the cake plate on the coffee table and search for the remote now buried in the couch.

"No, do you mind if I join you?"

Did he just pleasantly ask permission for something? He never asks for anything, it's always a command. Maybe he has a fever. I better check.