Part 2My Sugar Daddy Went Bankrupt

The day the bankruptcy became official, Tedd came home.

His designer suit was a mess of wrinkles, and dark circles bruised the skin under his eyes. He looked like he hadn't slept in weeks. He bypassed the plush sofa and sank to the floor, leaning against its base, a small, gleaming blade in his hand.

His expression was unnervingly calm, his eyes as still and deep as a well. He toyed with the blade, spinning it between his fingers, its edge glinting as he positioned it over his wrist.

The house was dark. With the staff gone, no one had bothered with the lights. I fumbled along the wall, my fingers searching for the switch.

Click.

The sudden flood of light made Tedd flinch. He turned his head, his eyes widening slightly when he saw me.

"Cece," he murmured, his voice hoarse. "You… you're still here?"

I feigned ignorance, pretending I didn't see the blade in his hand or understand the gravity in his tone. I threw myself at him with all the practiced drama I could muster, wrapping my arms around his neck.

"Baby, you're finally back! I missed you so much."

My hands, moving on instinct, immediately began patting down his pockets.

Empty. Not a single gift box, not even a trinket.

It seemed the rumors were true. There was really nothing left. Usually, Tedd returned from a trip laden with extravagant gifts for me.

He knew exactly what I was searching for. A shadow of despair crossed his face. "Cece, I'm so sorry, I…"

I cut him off, settling into his lap and taking his hand in mine, my voice a delicate, regretful sigh. "Baby, your birthday's next month. I saw this watch, it would look perfect on you. Such a shame it's five million dollars, and I'm a little short."

My interruption threw him off. He blinked, the words he was about to say forgotten. Then, what I’d said registered.

His eyes went red with emotion. "My birthday… you still remember?"

I shot him a playful, reproachful look. "Of course I remember. How could I ever forget your birthday?"

He looked deeply moved, his hand trembling in mine. "Five million… that's nothing. I'll transfer it to you right now…"

He trailed off, the reality of his situation crashing back down on him.

I just watched him, my eyes wide and expectant.

Tedd rubbed his eyes, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. "There's… there's a bit of a cash flow problem right now. Just give me a couple of days, and I'll get it to you."

He tried to stand. "I should go. I need to take care of this now."

I tightened my grip, pulling him back down. "And another thing. While you were gone, the staff just up and left. There's no one here to even make dinner."

A flicker of raw pain crossed Tedd’s face. He clenched his fists, then slowly forced them to relax. "I'm sorry. It's all my fault."

He shrugged off his jacket and walked toward the kitchen. "I'll cook."

There were still some groceries in the fridge. Tedd tied on an apron and got to work. He’d slimmed down over the past couple of weeks, but his body was still solid. A broad chest, a great ass. After being spoiled by a man who looked like that, how could I ever settle for anyone else?

Damn it all. I was in deep.