“Why did you continue to see him?” His question wasn’t accusatory; he just wanted to know what happened.
“You’re going to think I’m stupid.” She tried to hide her face but he wouldn’t let her.
“I could never think you’re stupid, Sally mine.”
“I didn’t want to hurt his feelings,” she said quickly.
Costin nodded slowly as if he were considering her words. “Did he ever push himself on you? Other than when he used the bracelet?”
“No, not really. He was intense. Bloody hell, Costin, how are we going to do this? I can’t talk about him with you.”
Costin growled. “I’m your mate. I’m the one youshouldtalk to about this. Sally, trust me. Trust my commitment to you.”
He picked her up as he smoothly rose from the ground and walked toward their bedroom.
“Where are we going?” she asked him.
“To take a bath. We can continue our discussion there. We need to talk about this and I think the sooner you get it all out the sooner you can start healing. But I won’t lie, it is hard to hear. It will help if we have more skin touching. It reassures my wolf that you are his—no one else’s. I want you here with me, present in mind and body.” He set her down in their bathroom and it felt as though it had been years instead of months that she’d been here. In fact, the last time she’d used their bathroom she’d been taking a shower with Costin. Sally felt her skin blush.
“Are you comfortable with taking a bath with me?”
She nodded.
“Do you want me to turn around so you can undress?”
“Do you want to turn around?” she countered.
He gave her a dry look. “You’re asking me if I want to look away as you get naked? No amount of turmoil or pain will stop me from wanting to see you naked.” He winked at her and her heart skipped a beat. He was so freaking handsome and sexy and funny and, holy smokes, she’d missed him.
She wasn’t surprised when he stripped off all of his bloody clothes without any hesitation. Costin had never, ever been bashful about being naked in front of her. He could even have a fight with her while he was butt naked. She had to have clothes on to argue with him. She felt too vulnerable to be naked and fighting. And he wouldn’t keep his eyes on her face while she growled at him.
He was grinning at her, obviously listening to her train of thought. “Come here,” he told her.
She obeyed, walking over to him. Costin began to undress her, his movements confident. As her skin began to be revealed, he would groan and would stop and kiss her wherever his mouth happened to be. By the time he’d filled the tub and added bubbles, he’d run his hands over every inch of her flesh.
He sat down in the tub first and she climbed in, sitting down in between his legs and leaning back against his chest. She felt his chest rumble in satisfaction and felt his contentment through their bond.
“Now, start at the beginning and share your story with me.” His hands began to slide up and down her skin, touching any part he could reach.
Sally realized that he was right. It wasn’t going to get any easier to talk about. In fact, it would probably get harder. But, for whatever reason, being completely surrounded by his body against hers, she felt safe to talk to him about her ordeal.
Sally started with the moment she’d arrived in Oceanside. “Oh,” she said before she got too far in. “Are my parents…alive?”
“I haven’t heard otherwise,” he said just before pressing a kiss to her bare shoulder.
“Can we go see them soon?”
“Of course.”
Then she continued her account of the time she’d been gone. The entire time she spoke, Costin listened patiently. There were times his touch got more insistent. During those times, he’d stop her to kiss her and then let her continue.
Touch, it was so vital to his wolf and she realized it was vital to the man as well. It settled both of them and gave her the security she needed in order to talk to him.
That night, after they’d talked and bathed, Costin helped her dress for bed and then tucked her in next to him. “Costin?”
“Yes, beautiful?”
“How is Titus? Is he still unaware of what we are? I know I haven’t asked about him. I just don’t feel ready yet to face him. I’d like to see him tomorrow, but tonight—” She paused.
