Ella watched Xavier eat potatoes while he leaned back on the sofa. The clock read 10:00 PM, and the background music was coming to an end. She decided to pick up the boots she'd left on the rug and store them in the closet.
She chose a long nightgown to sleep in. She still didn't know if she would ever be able to wear the short or transparent nightgowns from her trousseau. Shame still controlled her, and the fear that something provocative might stir his desire terrified her.
She went to the bathroom, brushed her teeth, and got ready to take a shower. When she was about to lock the door, she remembered Xavier's warning about locked doors. She was torn: if she left it open, it might seem like an invitation, but if she locked it, he might get upset, and she wanted to keep the environment c
