My Sweet Punishment by Amelia Brooks (best book club books of all time .TXT) 📕

      “Mia,” I opened my eyes wide, getting used to the darkness. I did really fall asleep. “We’ve arrived, honey,” Henry had already opened the door on my side and reached out to help me out.

       Finding myself on the street and while the man was taking something out of the trunk, I had a little look around.

       We were definitely at some high-end residential complex. It seems that only half an hour ago we were driving through the center of the city, teeming with new buildings of New York City, but now it’s as if we were transported somewhere in Europe. It looks like little Italy. That’s it! That’s what I would call this place.

       The ornate five-story building of light beige color, built in the European architectural style, was enclosed by a high wrought-iron fence. Quite impressive.

       “Let’s go,” Henry took my hand and pulled me confidently toward the entrance to this “museum”.

       “It’s very beautiful here,” commented sincerely on what I saw.

     A couple of minutes later we were in a bright, spacious apartment, but I was still hovering on the threshold, not daring to step into the territory of the bachelor pad. It was still embarrassing.

    “Why did you stop?” Henry asked, being confused. The man gave me black slippers twice my size, probably his own, and disappeared into another room.

       While waiting for her savior, I went into the living room and carefully sat down on the obviously not cheap sofa. Yeah, to be honest, the whole surrounding here was too luxurious and posh.

     The black-and-white interior of the apartment was filled with furniture made of wood, stone, genuine leather, metal, and glass. There was no doubt that a man lived here. No unnecessary details or small things that would show a female presence here.

        “Take this,” said Henry, handing me a white terry-cloth robe and towel. “Take a shower or you can draw a bath. But don’t be long. We still have a conversation ahead.”

        “OK, thank you,” I grabbed the offered things and went in the indicated direction.

       Although I had a desire to take a bath, fill it with all sorts of essential oils, and soak there until morning, I realized that I was not at home. I took a quick shower and wrapped myself in a new warm man’s robe.

      I know it’s impossible, but the smell of Mike continued to haunt me. It seemed to soak into my skin, constantly reminding me of what had happened.

     Cautiously, I stepped out of the bathroom, listening to the faint noise coming from the back of the apartment.

       I found Henry in the kitchen. And judging by the delicious smell in the room, he was cooking something. The man didn’t change. He was still wearing immaculately pressed trousers and a slightly unbuttoned shirt, apparently not bothering to get them dirty.

      “You can cook?” I asked quietly, taking a seat at a small table.

      Henry turned and looked me up and down, giving me a smile as seductive as if I wasn’t wearing that huge robe at all. The sudden weakness caused by a wave of embarrassment made my legs go out. Fortunately, I sat down on a chair in time, because otherwise, I would have been lying on the floor somewhere. I also noticed that Henry had finally stopped frowning.

      “Yes, I can,” calmly replied this unimaginable male “gift”, causing me to drop my jaw to the table in a daze. “But there’s no time for cooking right now, so we’ll have to eat restaurant food that I’ll heat up.”

        A man in the kitchen, and yet so attractive is the weakness of any girl. But I still don’t think I’m going to get a bite right now.

       “Henry, I’m not hungry,” I murmured apologetically.

      The charming smile was replaced by a frown again, and I shivered nervously. The owner of the house leaned back against the smooth marble countertop and crossed his arms over his chest, expressing displeasure.

        “What did you eat today, honestly?” the blue eyes narrowed.

      I searched my memory to remember what I’d thrown in today. Nothing came to mind but a cold cup of morning coffee.

        “I had a good breakfast,” yeah, I had to stretch the truth a little.

       Henry took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment.

       “You’re going to eat with me now, and it’s out of the question,” he said calmly, continuing to put dinner on the plates. “The last thing I need now is to drag you out of a hunger strike,” he added irritably.

       I was a little embarrassed by this sudden concern for my health and even forced myself to sell my “I don’t want” far away, so as not to make the tired man nervous anymore.

       The food from the restaurant was really delicious. We had dinner in deceptively serene silence. While the man was making us some flavored-smelling tea, I was putting the dirty plates in the dishwasher.

       “Mia, I want to know what happened,” Henry said suddenly, starting the unpleasant conversation, “And the options “Nothing” and “Everything is okay” do not suit me. There’s something with your brother?”