“Want a sandwich?” The handle jiggled. “Let me in, Liv.”
I braced myself against the sink and shut my eyes. I couldn’t even face myself, let alone Bill. I needed solitude. But now, I was the kind of person who had to try to act normal so my husband wouldn’t get suspicious.
I unlocked the door and cracked it. “I’ll just have the chicken noodle soup I got at the market,” I said.
I started to shut the door, but he caught it. “Hey. Hey, wait.” He pulled my naked body against his clothed one.
My muscles tensed, but he just kissed my forehead and tucked some of my hair behind my ear. “You’ve been silent all night. Are you feeling okay?”
“I think I might be coming down with something.”
He pressed his knuckles to my forehead. “What’s the matter?”
“I’m sure it’s nothing. I just need a good night’s sleep.”
“And you’re going to get one now that we’re under the stars, away from all the noise. Doesn’t get much more peaceful than a cabin in the woods.”
For me, the best lullaby was the telltale sounds of a city not quite asleep. But Bill longed for tranquility only nature could provide.
He leaned in for a kiss. I drew back, glancing away. “I don’t want to get you sick.”
“Good point.”
I swiped the back of my hand over my mouth and curled my lips into what I hoped was a smile. “I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
He turned and left.
Alone, I stepped under the showerhead, dumped too much body wash in my hand, and smoothed it over my skin where the water burned.
I closed my eyes and saw David’s lusty ones reeling me in before his body cast me aside. Why had he reacted so violently, as if he’d been the one to commit the crime?
He’d nearly put his fist through the wall, but moments earlier, his solid arm had surrounded my middle, his rough hand raking through my hair, strong heartbeat thudding against my body. I squeezed my shoulders the way he had, but my grip was pitiful in comparison. I pretended my hands were his, sliding them to my breasts, my taut nipples.
Please stop.
I opened my eyes, shook my head, and twisted the dial closer to red, forcing myself in the water’s punishing path. The ache from earlier gnawed at me, dragging my hands downward. My chest heaved as I gave in to the memory, to the feel of David’s gentle, firm, rough, soothing lips against mine.
My palm pushed against the mound between my legs, slippery from the soap. I circled my opening, massaging as my arousal mounted.
I had never been so turned on by just a kiss. Maybe byanything.
David did this.Two fingers slipped inside.Firm, muscular hands.Pinning me against the mirror. He’d yank up my dress, his fingers pumping in and out and over my clit.Unforgiving hold. I washisin that moment. He’d claimed me in seconds.
I shot my other fist against the wall across from me and lost myself to thoughts of him. Lifting one leg to the opposite wall, I continued to pump and rub with my other hand. I gasped for air as David threw me on the desk, opened me with his fingers, and shoved inside me.
I pushed my foot into the tile as waves crested, throwing me into a fierce, blinding orgasm that seemed to go on for minutes.
Once my heartbeat slowed, I lowered my foot. My red and raw skin quivered. I hadn’t come in here to give in to the fantasy but to scrub myself of David. Yet, he seemed to become even more embedded. And I was filthier than ever.
I exited the shower, toweled off quickly, and took my birth control before throwing on a robe. At the thought of going out to the dining room, my throat ached. Pressure built behind my eyes. Maybe any illness was in my head, but in that moment, I couldn’t do more than lower myself onto the edge of the bed, massage my temples, and breathe deeply through my panic. I eased back against the mattress and closed my eyes.
When I opened them again, the room had gone dark, my body warm between the flannel sheets.
David’s lips touched my neck. His hand slid over my hip, curving against my backside. “We let you sleep,” Bill murmured.
My heart vaulted against my chest. “Bill?”
“Who else would it be?” He chuckled. “You were tossing and turning. Must’ve been dreaming.”
