Chapter 52

Sated, for now at least, hand in hand, my Master and I exit his dungeon playroom, climbing stone steps to the ground floor and the main house.

"What would you like to do now, Elizabeth?"

"Simply being together is wonderful, Master. Perhaps a shower and then just settle into one of the rooms? Enjoy spending time with each other?"

His eyes fold into a smile. "I'd like that too. And… what? Talk? Listen to music? Watch a movie?"

"The music would be lovely. We could put something on in the background and just chat."

"Sounds good. You pick something to listen to and go choose a bottle of wine. I'll light the fire."

As it turns out, Ross has anticipated us. The lounge is already warm and welcoming. Stacked with logs, in the hearth, flames flicker up the chimney from ashes, shimmering red-gold. Candles dotted around, here and there, add their own magic.

I pick out something to listen to, a slow, gentle piece. Bach and Pachelbel caress us with their play as, evening drawing in, we sit together