A Debt Repaid (The Debt Duet 2)

There is no shame in that.

I throw the blanket off and get out of bed too. When I pass a full-length mirror, I gaze at myself. I don’t look any different, but it feels different. As though something happened in my body that I can’t explain, something that makes me glow and sweat.

Something … that creates dimples in my face as I place my hands on my face to try to hide the grin.

God, I’m so silly. It’s as if I’m a teenager all over again. Being with Easton reminds me of what it’s like to live life on the edge. And I have to admit that I like it.

I put on a red skirt and a white crop top along with flats before checking out the room. I open the curtains and gaze at the beautiful pink sky from the sun going down. Then I open his drawers and check the contents. There’s underwear, ties, belts, and pins … but the drawer underneath is what draws me in the most. It’s filled with dildos, vibrators, paddles, clasps, lube, and other things I’ve never seen before. And it makes both my stomach drop and my heart beat out of my chest. I can’t wait to try them out.

Is that so wrong of me to admit? That I love the excitement and the thrill of how Easton might use these toys? If it is, sue me. I don’t care anymore. He was right when he said I was a vixen. I just had to find out for myself first before I believed him.

Touching the walls, I walk into the bathroom and stand in awe at the entrance. There’s a huge waterfall showerhead in the ceiling, one that could fit multiple people. Without any walls or doors surrounding it, it’s the perfect oasis for a day at a spa. Only right here in his home, complete with a bay window used to store the most luxurious brands of shampoo and bodywash.

I can’t believe he hid this place from me. I mean, I love the tub in my room, but nothing beats a rain showerhead like this. He’s got some explaining to do … plus a tour.

With a smirk on my face, I walk out the door and down into the empty hallways. When we got here, no one was around, which I assume is because of Easton’s request, but how long will everyone stay away? And does that mean I can go wherever I want to?

Easton didn’t say anything when he left. He didn’t give me any commands or state any rules, so I assume I can go outside.

I put on my coat and push open the doors, taking in the smell of fresh air. It’s so much better this time around since I’m no longer wearing this cloak of captivity. All my burdens have dropped off my shoulders. And this fountain where we both touched the water? This was where Easton determined he was going to let me decide.

That I was the one who should choose my own fate, my own needs …

And it turned out to be him all along.

One look at the water makes me smile with glee.

A creaking noise perks my ears up. The gates far ahead have opened, and a car drives onto the property with another one following. Is that Easton? He’s back fast. Where did he go, and what did he do?

My heart races as the cars park out front, and I clench the fountain rim with one hand. The moment my father steps out of the first car, I become unhinged as though the fountain stones will cave underneath me.

What is he doing here?

I stay put as he walks toward me and opens his arms, leaning in. But I lean back and avert my gaze, ignoring him completely. After a few deadly seconds, he gets the deal and moves away again.

“Well, nice to see you too, Charlotte.” He clears his throat and turns around, heading straight for the door.

There’s no way he’s shown up here without permission. Easton would kill him.

But why would Easton invite my father here?

The next car drives up to the other one, and Easton immediately jumps out.

Along with Deion and Ashanti.

My eyes widen, and I almost choke on my breath.

“Oh my God, Deion!” I say, and I rush to them for a hug. “What are you two doing here? We just saw each other.”

“I don’t know exactly why.” He swallows away a lump in his throat, which disturbs me. “But Easton said it was a matter of life and death that we came.”

Easton approaches us, and says, “Go inside, Charlotte.”

I frown. “Why? What’s going on, Easton?”

He doesn’t answer me as he closes the car doors, so I grab his arm, and say, “Tell me what’s happening.”

“You’ll see soon enough,” he says.