Deep Longing (Bend to My Will #4) (3 page)

Reluctantly, Vivienne sent a text to Jacob. She had waited until the last possible minute to call the weekend off, most of all because she really missed him.

I’m not feeling well, and have to cancel this weekend.

Are you sick?

Yes, I’ve been running a fever all week, and have trouble breathing. I shouldn’t be around anyone.

I’m wrapping up a meeting. I’ll be right over, baby.

You don’t need to.

But there was no reply. Jacob was coming to her apartment, and Vivienne barely had the strength to set the phone on the table. How was she going to get presentable before he arrived? A coughing fit struck, and she used up another handful of tissues. Vivienne willed her body to rise from the sofa, so she could shower and dress. But she couldn’t move. It was hopeless.

Chapter 3

Since Jacob was concerned about Vivienne, he cut the meeting short. She had canceled their weekend together, so he dropped what he was doing, intent on getting to her apartment as soon as possible. The message that she was running a fever wasn’t good, and indicated the illness was more than a cold.

A minor emergency at the office caused a short delay, but Ian was waiting to drive him to Vivienne’s apartment as soon as he made it to the garage. Jacob texted:
I’m on my way
. Not expecting an answer, he slipped his phone back into his pocket.

Traffic slowed his progress, but Jacob was too distracted to try and work. He drummed his fingers on his knee, anxious to arrive. Not knowing how serious Vivienne’s illness was irked him. She should have phoned earlier in the week, but she was so darned independent.

That would need to change. How could Jacob take care of her, and protect her, if he didn’t know what was going on? Vivienne didn’t completely understand the responsibility he had for her, and his duty to ensure her safety and wellbeing.

Finally, the building came into view. “Just pull in front, Ian. I won’t be long. Wait for us.” Jacob leapt from the car when it had barely stopped, and sprinted to the lobby. He had met Jason before, and was glad to see someone on duty that he knew.

“Jason, I’m going up to see Vivienne. She’s not well. I’m here to take her to the doctor,” Jacob said.

“Yes, sir. I didn’t know she wasn’t well. I’m sure she’ll be glad to see you.” Jason watched as the elevator door closed.

At Vivienne’s floor, Jacob strode to her door and rang the bell. There was no answer at first, making him wonder if she was worse than he thought. Then her voice came from behind the door, weak but emphatic. “Jacob, you can’t see me like this.”

In a stern voice, Jacob said, “Open the door, Vivienne.” If ever she should respond to a command, it should be now. He was relieved to see the knob turn.

Vivienne cracked the door open no more than two inches, and said, “I mean it, Jacob. I’ll call you when I’m better.”

The door began to close, so Jacob put his palm on it. “Just open the door, baby. I’m not leaving you like this.”

Jacob wanted to burst through, but didn’t want to knock her over in the process. When the door slowly opened, he was relieved. Inside, Vivienne stood with her arms around her waist, looking as if she might collapse. Jacob wrapped her in a strong embrace.

“I’m here. I called the doctor on the way over. He will meet us at the penthouse,” Jacob said. He guided her to the sofa. “What should I bring for you?”

“Just some makeup, my toothbrush.” Vivienne started to stand, so he went over to help her. “I can walk. I’ll show you.”

Quickly, Jacob stuffed things into a bag, then assisted Vivienne with a robe. Soon they were in the car. She leaned against him and closed her eyes. A coughing fit started, and he didn’t like the sound of that at all. “The doctor should be waiting for us.”

“What doctor, Jacob?”

“Dr. Gruenwald. He has been my doctor for years,” Jacob said. “I don’t intend to take you to urgent care and sit in a waiting room. The doctor will see us at the penthouse.”

When Vivienne didn’t respond, he knew she really was sick. Normally she would have argued, but she was quiet. When they arrived at the penthouse, Jacob carried her into the elevator.

Vivienne looked into his eyes. “I can walk.”

“So you said.” But Jacob didn’t put her down. She felt lighter, and he was certain that she hadn’t been eating. He didn’t want to think of how many days this might have gone on.

The doctor was waiting as expected. Jacob put Vivienne on the bed in his room, and left to give her some privacy. He took a call from the office and paced the floor while he waited. At last the doctor came downstairs.

“How is she?”

“Resting,” the doctor said. “It’s a virus. It hit her hard, but I think she is through the worst of it.”

“What can you do for her?”

“The best thing is rest, and lots of liquids.” The doctor frowned. “She needs to eat, although I know she’s not going to feel like it.”

“I’ll take care of that.” Jacob shook the doctor’s hand.

“Call if you need me.” Dr. Gruenwald left, and Jacob went up to see Vivienne. At least she was at his place, so he could make sure that she followed the doctor’s instructions.

Vivienne was on the bed, propped up on pillows. She gave him a weak smile. “I can’t believe you made the doctor come here.”

“I can’t believe you were sick for days without letting me know.” Jacob sat on the edge of the bed.

Vivienne was pale, and her eyes were puffy, as to be expected. But it was awfully good to see her in his bed. “The doctor says you need to eat.”

“I’m really not very hungry.”

“Still, you have to try,” Jacob said. “Colette is in the kitchen. I’ll have her make some chicken soup.” He took Vivienne’s hand. “You better be a cooperative patient, or I’ll hire a nurse to see that you do what you’re supposed to.”

Vivienne gave him a weak smile. “I can’t imagine a more handsome nurse than you.”

“I’ll take care of you, then.” Jacob touched her cheek. “But don’t give me any trouble.”

In response, Vivienne went into another coughing fit. When she settled down, Jacob spoke to the kitchen via the intercom. The soup wouldn’t take long, and Colette said she would bring up the liquids. “Are you comfortable?” Jacob said.

Vivienne nodded, and within a couple of minutes, the cook brought in water, juice, and hot tea. “Thank you, Colette.”

“Certainly, Vivie. Is there anything else you’d like?”

“No thanks, that’s more than I can do justice to.”

“Very well, I’ll bring up the soup when it’s ready.”

The cook left the room, and Vivienne made a valiant attempt to drink most of the water. Then she sipped the tea. “I’m in your bed,” she said.

“Yes, you are. And that’s where you’re going to stay.”

“I should get sick more often.”

Jacob shook his head. “I think not. And when you’re better, we need to talk.”

Vivienne put her teacup down. “Sounds serious.”

“It’s just important for me to know that you are safe and healthy. Otherwise, how can I take care of you?”

“You don’t need to.”

“Yes, baby, I do need to.” Jacob didn’t want to wear her out when she already didn’t feel well. “You agreed to be my submissive, and I will ensure your protection, in every way I can.”

Vivienne furrowed her brow. “Why, Jacob?”

“Because that’s how it works. So in the future, call me right away in situations like this.”

“But I don’t understand you, Jacob. You only want to see me on weekends, but it’s okay to pester you during the week?” Vivienne closed her eyes. “The two don’t fit.”

“You rest, baby.” Jacob saw the cook carrying the soup into the room, and waved her over. “And your soup is here. This discussion can wait. You need to get well.”

Jacob saw the dilemma, and for once, he didn’t disagree with Vivienne. To uphold his duty to care for her, it was vital to know of any adversity. Waiting until the weekend just wouldn’t work. It looked like he needed to clarify or modify the rules.

After Vivienne managed to eat half of the soup, she set the bowl aside. “I better call Lana. She will worry if I’m not at home.”

Jacob got her phone out of her bag and handed it to her. After a moment, she reached her roommate. “Lana, it’s me. I haven’t seen you in a day or so. Have you been with Trace?” Vivienne paused. “Okay, well, I’m with Jacob.” Then she started to cough, so Jacob took the phone.

“Hi, Lana. It’s Jacob.”

“Jacob, what’s happening?”

“She just saw the doctor,” Jacob said. “It’s a virus. I’ve decided to keep her here until she’s better. I don’t like her staying alone while she’s ill.”

“Sure, that’s good. I’m relieved to know you’re taking care of her. Tell her to call me when she can, will you?”

“Of course.”

When Jacob hung up, Vivienne was snuggled down into the bed with her eyes closed. He adjusted the covers, then went downstairs. She was sick, but he wasn’t. And he needed a drink. Seeing her in such a state rattled Jacob. The idea that something could happen to her hit him hard.

This was a virus, but what if it wasn’t? What if something worse were to happen to her? Jacob didn’t like the thought of that. He definitely had to get this sorted out, and obtain Vivienne’s assurance that she would call in cases like this.

Jacob had spoken to her before about caring for her, but Vivienne continued to reject the idea. That would have to change. For this arrangement to work, he couldn’t be worried that something might happen without him knowing.

*****

The next day, Jacob worked from home. It was Friday, and there were no pressing meetings. He didn’t want to leave Vivienne alone, no matter how much she argued that he should. Once Vivienne started eating again, and drinking fluids as instructed, she began to regain her strength. By Monday morning, she was talking about going back to Vee’s.

“Give it one more day,” Jacob said. “If you still feel well, you can go back tomorrow.” He was glad when Vivienne called Michele to tell her that she’d see her on Tuesday morning. “You’ll need to take me to the apartment tonight. I’m running out of clothes.”

“I’ll have the maid wash everything. Don’t worry about it,” Jacob said. It was so good to see Vivienne looking well again.

They sat on the enclosed terrace for breakfast. Vivienne had been eating solid food for a couple of days, and seemed to really enjoy the eggs Benedict. She looked over at Jacob and grinned. “This wasn’t the kind of weekend I was expecting.”

“Nor I, but I’m just glad you’re better.”

“Thank you, Jacob.”

“For what?”

“Taking care of me,” Vivienne said. “I fight it, I know. But I do appreciate it.”

Jacob looked at her. She wore a floral skirt and cotton blouse, looking radiant in the morning light. Vivienne had color back in her cheeks, and was as sassy as ever. “I hope you do appreciate it. You’re not the easiest patient in the world.”

Vivienne laughed. “If I’m not going to work, then what should I do today?”

“You’ll be with me.”

“You’re taking another day off?”

“I can do whatever I want,” Jacob said. “I’m the boss.”

“Then let’s go for a walk,” Vivienne said. “I’m sick of being cooped up.”

Jacob pretended surprise. “The accommodations don’t suit you?”

“I just need some fresh air.”

After breakfast, they went for a long walk. The temperature was pleasant, and Vivienne was peppy. Jacob looked for any sign that she needed more recuperation, but she seemed fairly healthy. The virus had attacked with a vengeance, but Vivienne had recovered rapidly.

They went to Central Park, then through the archways to Bethesda Fountain, with the sculpture of an angel and four cherubs. “This reminds me of Europe,” Jacob said.

“Yes, I can see that,” Vivienne said. “Maybe someday I’ll see more of Europe.”

A few performers played instruments, and they saw a guy blowing huge bubbles. It made for a pleasant stroll up the tree-lined Mall. When they came to the Plaza Hotel, Jacob hired one of the horse-drawn carriages from across the street, and they went for a ride. The sun was mild, and the air invigorating.

Vivienne took his hand. “This is a treat, even if I do live in New York.”

During the ride, Jacob put his arm around Vivienne. “It’s good to see you enjoying yourself, baby.”

After the ride, they walked through the park past the zoo, taking in the sights like tourists. Before going back to the penthouse, Jacob suggested they stop for refreshment. He chose the restaurant on the thirty-fourth floor in the Mandarin Oriental hotel, since it had floor-to-ceiling views of the park and the surrounding skyline.

They ordered iced tea and appetizers, since Vivienne didn’t want to drink alcohol just yet. “It’s been a good weekend,” she said.

“Even though you were sick for most of it?”

“Just being with you is enough,” Vivienne said. “And I’m well now.”

“That you are.” Jacob sipped his tea, then ordered something stronger. Just because Vivienne abstained didn’t mean he had to.

“So I can call you during the week now?” Vivienne said.

“Yes, you can. And I want you to,” Jacob said.

“That’s nice to know, Jacob.”

Although he wasn’t sure that relaxing the rules was advisable, Jacob felt better knowing that Vivienne was comfortable about calling him. With other submissives, the issue hadn’t come up. If there was something Jacob should know, he got a text.

But not with Vivienne, so he felt better allowing her the freedom to call. A relationship, even with a submissive, needed some flexibility to account for personality and preferences. With a woman as strong-willed as Vivienne, he had to make it clear that she was expected to call if she needed anything.

When they finished their drinks, they took a cab back to the penthouse. Vivienne chatted with him about many things: her assistant taking on new responsibilities, about calling her mother, who seemed to be doing better, and about Lana.