I roll to my side, pulling her with me so she's tucked against my chest.Neither of us speaks for a long moment, content to exist in this bubble we've created.
"Let's get cleaned up.I've been dreaming of showers with you for far longer than I should have," I tell her.
She laughs, a sound that's both breathless and delighted."Only you would think about logistics right now."
I press a kiss to her temple, breathing in the scent of her hair mixed with the musk of our lovemaking."I'm a practical man.And I've had a lot of fantasies about having you in a shower where I don't have to worry about time limits or other people."
"Mmm."She traces lazy circles on my chest with her fingertip."What kind of fantasies?"
"The kind where I can take my time washing every inch of you.Where I can press you against the tiles and make you come on my fingers while the water runs over us."My voice drops lower."Where I can kneel in front of you and taste you until your legs give out."
I stand and pull her out of bed.She follows me to the bathroom, her hand warm in mine.Turning on the shower, I adjust the temperature until steam fills the small space.The intimacy of this ordinary act strikes me at how domestic it feels, how right.
"You know," she says, leaning against the counter while the water heats, "I never thought I'd see you like this."
"Like what?"I ask, turning to face her.
"Relaxed and unguarded."Her eyes travel over my naked body without shame."You're always so composed, even when we're at Club Red.But right now, you just look...happy."
I pull her against me, skin to skin."I am happy."
The shower is barely big enough for two, but that's exactly what I want.Her body slides against mine as water cascades over us, slick and warm.I reach for the shampoo.
"Turn around," I murmur.
She does without questioning.
I work the shampoo through her hair, my fingers massaging her scalp in slow, deliberate circles.She melts back against me, a soft sigh escaping her lips as I take care of her.The simple act feels profound, more intimate than anything we've shared at the club.
"I could get used to this," she whispers, her head falling back against my shoulder."No one's ever done this for me."
I still."Never?"
She shakes her head."People give me things.Money or access.But not this.Not care."
Gently, I tilt her chin back and kiss her forehead."Then let me."
I press soft kisses along her temple, her cheek, the corner of her mouth as I rinse the shampoo from her hair, watching the suds spiral down the drain.She turns in my arms, reaching for the soap, her eyes never leaving mine.
"My turn," she says, lathering her hands.
Her touch is gentle yet thorough as she washes my chest, my shoulders, and trails down my arms.There's a reverence in her movements that makes my throat tight.I've dominated her body, claimed her submission, but this, her hands moving over me with such tender attention, feels like she's claiming something of mine.
Her touch says everything her words haven't yet.
When we finish, we stand under the spray, water cascading over us, foreheads pressed together.No masks.No roles.Just two people choosing each other.
I think of Megan's words.Of all the ways I've tried to protect myself.
But this woman?I don't want to protect myself from her.
I want to protect her.Love her.Build something that lasts.
And this?This is where it starts.
Chapter 27
Skye
