Kellan
Elsie had fallen asleep on my living room floor. We were naked, lying on a blanket. I had tired her out to the extent where she couldn’t move. I am exhausted too, but not as much as she seems to be. I did as I promised, took her in nearly every room in this house until her body couldn’t take anymore. I love fucking this woman, but it was also a distraction to stop her from asking any more questions about my scars. They come from my past, and I am nowhere near ready to tell her about that because she will probably run for the hills. I wouldn’t blame her.
It is only six o’clock in the evening, but I will allow her to sleep for a little while and make dinner for us. I stand, bending down to scoop her into my arms. Elsie snuggles into my chest, and I carry her to my bedroom, laying her down on my bed and putting a blanket over her. I sit on the edge of the bed, stroking her hair and sighing. I am not used to spending so much time with one person. Yes, I am enjoying it, but at the same time, it is freaking me out.

I kiss her forehead softly, get to my feet, grab some clean joggers and head for a shower. I will wake her once dinner is ready if she hasn’t already woken up.
I step into the shower, resting against the wall and close my eyes. The warm water helped relax me. I dropped to the floor, hoping the water would wash all my worries away, only if it were that easy.
My eyes fell on the large scar on my stomach. I run my fingers over it, shuddering when I do as the memory comes back. It was one of my many stepfathers who was to blame. He thought it would be fun to slice my stomach with a bit of glass to teach me a lesson for talking back to him. I was six years old. My biological mother took me to the hospital and told them I had fallen. They believed her.
Most of the scars came from him or the other’s guys my mother let into our life. My mother was broken beyond repair, and she let men take advantage of her, even if it meant me being hurt. It took social services until I was eight to realise what was happening and took me away. I went into care for a year, and then the Rhodes adopted me.
My parents are the only ones who know the entire story. My siblings know some of it, but not everything. I need to snap myself out of my head. I get to my feet, washing myself and my hair before climbing out, drying myself off and putting clean clothes on. Cooking will be a good distraction for me until Elsie wakes up.
I headed to the kitchen, made a coffee, and started dinner. I am going to make us sweet chilli chicken, rice, and veg. I didn’t have anything in for dessert in the house, but if she wanted some, we could go out and get some.

I prep everything, placing the chicken, sauce and veg into a tray and popping it into the oven. It takes over half an hour to cook. I clean up, busying myself. Once I am done, I grab a bottle of beer from the fridge and sit at the counter, taking a long swig of it and staring out the window.
A part of me wanted to go lay with Elsie because I needed the comfort, but I refused to let myself do that. I am not ready for her to see the vulnerable side of me. I will stay here, drinking my beer and keep an eye on dinner instead.
***
Dinner was nearly ready, but there was no sign of Elsie yet, so I would need to wake her up. I turn the oven low, putting the rice on before going through. Elsie is still sound asleep, snoring lightly. I chuckle, crawling up the bed to lean over her. I lean down, pressing my lips to her. She moans, slipping her arms around my neck.

“Easy, angel,” I laugh, “Mmm, sorry.” She giggles. I pull away, and she opens her eyes, glancing up at me, smiling.
“Dinner is nearly ready,” I say, kissing along her jawline, “Kellan, you are going to get me excited again, and I can’t handle anymore.” She whimpers.
I chuckle, removing my lips, “Come on, sweetness, let’s go eat. Then you can take a bubble bath.” I smile. I climb off the bed, grabbing her some clothes to put on.
I offer her my hand, helping her out of bed. She takes it, standing up and her legs are wobbly, wincing, “Elsie, are you okay?” I panicked, worried in case I had gone too far and hurt her.
“My entire body is aching, and I swear I have friction burns between my thighs,” she replies, “I am sorry, Elsie, you should have told me I was being too rough.” I sigh, disappointed in myself.
“Kellan, babe, you have nothing to be sorry about. I enjoyed every damn second of it,” she giggles, pecking my lips, “Promise? You aren’t only saying that, so I don’t feel guilty?” I question. I don’t want her lying to be to make me feel better.
“I promise it is the truth. It was completely worth what I am feeling now.” she grins, kissing my cheek. She pulls my joggers and tee on, taking my hand, “Food! I need food. What did you make?”
“Sweet chilli chicken, veg and rice,” I answer, “Oh, yum. I can’t wait to taste it. Thanks for cooking me dinner.” She gushes.
I squeeze her hand, “You are welcome, gorgeous.” I rest my hand on the small of her back, guiding her to the kitchen, “Sit, I just need to sort the rice, and it will be ready to eat.” I add.
Elsie got us a bottle of water from the fridge as I finished. I am standing over the stove when I feel her arms come around me from behind, her soft, warm lips kissing over my shoulders. I close my eyes, drawing in a deep breath, “Can I help?” she whispers, the feel of her breath brushing against my skin causing me to shudder.
“You can set the table, please,” I breathe out, “I can do that.” She kisses my cheek before stepping away, and I let out the breath I was holding in.
Elsie sets the table, and I turn everything off, putting it into dishes to sit in the middle of the table, “It looks and smells amazing, Kellan.” She beams.
“I am a man of many talents, kitten,” I wink, “Oh, trust me, I know first-hand how many talents you have.” She smirks.
I smirk back, and we tuck into the food. Any worries I had early seemed to have vanished for now, and hopefully, they stay at bay. Elsie is staying here tonight, and she is always a good distraction.
“This is amazing, Kellan,” She gushes between bites, “It is my mother’s recipe.” I smile. Elsie grins widely and puts her attention back on her food.
I must admit, this is nice, just the two of us sharing a meal and talking. It isn’t something I tend to do, but I plan on making the most of it.