Studio Time: Epilogue Four

South Beach - Tyson Residence

“I’m going to take a bath.”

Rayne had been quiet during the ride home, not that Duff expected her to be anything but. He knew how deeply she grieved for Jimmy and how her myriad emotions roiled inside her. A hot bath would do her good, maybe allow her to sort through her feelings and pack them away much like the trinkets she’d saved in her treasure box tucked in the deepest corner of their closet. That she kept memorabilia from Gabriel Lombardo as well as from Jimmy Breaux used to bother Duff but they no longer mattered.

Duff stripped out of his clothes and as he undressed, allowed his thoughts to drift back to the previous evening. Rayne had claimed him, she hadn’t used the exact words but he understood their meaning.

I knew he was mine because of Gabe.

He’d had a great deal of time to consider their significance, the power behind those few impactful words. Duff opened the bathroom door a crack and briefly considered joining Rayne. They could discuss her claim on him, his own feelings, and their future. However, her subdued and melancholy expression made him pause. Their relationship had come a long way in a very short time but it was still delicate, she was still delicate, and he wouldn’t risk a setback. Between her grief over the loss of Jimmy as well as the situation with her father, Duff concluded the conversation would wait. He carefully closed the door and, leaving her to her thoughts, picked up his cell and went downstairs for a glass of wine.

After setting his phone on the side table, Duff selected a rare Napa Valley Cabernet, poured a liberal amount in a wine glass, and sat down. He gently swirled the wine in the glass, releasing the rich aroma of oak and smoky undertones of dark chocolate. Duff savored the first few swallows of the expensive wine. He immediately began to relax and was about to take another sip when both his phone and his iPad chimed in unison. The key code to his playroom had been activated.

“What are you up to, cara?” he murmured. Duff sat up and tapped the screen on his iPad. Rayne knew he’d be alerted if the door was unlocked. She also knew he had cameras in the room. He activated them all and watched in fascination and a certain amount of excitement.

Rayne dimmed the lights and lit candles near the bed. She glanced up, looked directly into one of the cameras, then took out her phone and began gingerly tapping the screen. 

I’m upstairs waiting for you. Naked. Almost as an afterthought, she added a single word. Sir.

Duff had already set his wine glass on the end table and retrieved his phone in anticipation of her text. He hadn’t expected or planned anything for their evening beyond offering her comfort in their bed. He glanced at the iPad screen again and saw she was clearly not naked as she claimed. He hesitated before responding.

You know I am watching. Be certain of what you are asking.

Her reply was immediate.

I have never been more certain. I want you. I need you.

The door to his playroom shut behind Duff with a quiet snick. Rayne, still in her silk robe, waited on her knees. She’d glanced away as he approached her, her beautiful mouth curved in a gentle smile. A thousand scenarios played through his imagination, the many ways he could punish her for being untruthful or neglecting to address him properly. But all Duff really wanted was to take her in his arms and tell her that she is his world. From that fateful moment when he saw her portrait, Duff knew he'd found his treasure and that he would always be hers.

Duff reached for her, clasped her upper arms, and slowly lifted her from her knees. He pulled her close savoring the warmth of her nearness. The fragrance of wild flowers transported him to their first date and the garden where he'd first taught her to use her senses. Duff circled his left arm around her and raked his fingers through her damp hair. He hoped the intensity of his feelings reflected in his gaze and burned through to her soul. When he finally spoke, Duff's voice was rough and laced with emotion.

"Il mio dolce..." He whispered the words against her mouth and then pressed his lips to hers in a searing kiss.  Duff caressed her and softly murmured against her lips.

"Il mio cuore. You are everything to me. I love you, Rayne."

"Duff...il mio amore…I love you, too."