Free Deeper [The Underground 3] (Siren Publishing Allure) by Jenika Snow

and in the tub she closed her eyes and sank into the water that was almost too hot to handle. Just the way she liked it. Bubbles that almost seemed tinted pink came up to her neck and she lifted her foot to turn off the flow of water. Her arms floated beside her, like she was weightless. This was most definitely going to become her favorite place. It was just a shame she wouldn’t have access to this when she left. She would have to go back to her crummy apartment with her rusted old bathtub that was so small she couldn’t even lay her legs flat when she bathed. Wait, was she actually dreading going back home after only spending one night with Tate? Telling herself it was the luxuries his home offered that she would regret leaving, she pushed everything that was Tate out of her mind and just enjoyed her bath.
    She didn’t know how long she stayed in the tub, but she heard a light knocking at the bathroom door. She didn’t think Tate would have the manners to actually knock before entering, so she assumed it was the butler, maybe the one she met last night.
    “Miss? May I be permitted to enter?”
    Stella made sure the bubbles still covered her. “Come on in.” The bathroom door opened and he entered. It was indeed the same man from last night, and she now remembered his name, Miles. His hair was almost completely white and lines of age wrapped around his eyes and the corners of his mouth. He held a tray with a big glass of orange juice and a silver covered dish.
    “You didn’t have to bring me breakfast.” She noticed he didn’t glance her way and she couldn’t help but smile at his manners.
    “I would have left it in your room but I thought perhaps you would like to eat while soaking in the tub. Master Wessen enjoys that at times.”
    Master Wessen? The thought of Tate soaking in anything was almost amusing. He just seemed so big and intimidating and soaking in a bathtub seemed so…not.
    “I was actually going to go downstairs to eat.”
    He stopped right before he placed the tray on the counter but didn’t turn to look at her. “Oh. My apologies, miss. Master Wessen doesn’t eat breakfast here normally, but when he does it is usually in his room or soaking in the tub. I can take this downstairs and make you a fresh plate when you are ready.” He turned to leave but she stopped him.
    “No, wait.” His head was down and he stopped but he still didn’t look at her. “You don’t have to go through all that trouble. I’ll eat here.” She smiled but realized he wasn’t looking at her and felt like a dumbass. “And, Miles, you can turn around, I’m not showing any girly bits.” He seemed to hesitate, but then turned toward her and flicked his eyes in her direction. His wrinkly cheeks became pink and she couldn’t help but smile wider. “Thank you for breakfast. I’m not used to being waited on. It’s kind of weird.” He set the tray on the wide edge of the tub and then grabbed another tray from the closet, one that fit perfectly across her chest when he placed it in front of her. He grabbed a thick terrycloth pillow and instructed her to lift her head. He slid it behind her neck and she sighed at the plushness of it.
    “You deserve a raise for your attentiveness.” His cheeks became pink again and she laughed. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to embarrass you.”
    “Master Wessen left strict directions that you are to be offered whatever you desire. He wanted me to inform you that his home is yours and you are welcome to explore the grounds, but that he would prefer it if you didn’t leave the property without him.” So he wanted her here for his beck and call. The thought was infuriating. Miles lifted the silver cover and a plate full of Belgian waffles covered in whipped cream and strawberries, sausage links, and scrambled eggs was revealed. Her mouth watered and her belly grumbled.
    “So, I guess it is safe to assume Master Wessen is not here.”
    “No, Miss. Master Wessen normally leaves