“Why do you care so much whether I shower or not?”
“Because, believe it or not, I’m not a monster,” he says and I scoff.
“But you’re literally holding me against my will,” I snap, and a pained look crosses his eyes.
“Not my choice.But if my daughter was in your situation, I’d want her captors to allow her human decencies,” he says and I swallow hard.Why does he make that sound so fucking hot?Damn it.
“Where is your daughter?”I ask, and Zion’s eyes bore into me like he’s seeing right through me.My hands shake and I want to take it back.
When Kai mentioned her and Zion’s face fell, I knew I wasn’t meant to know about her.Is she in trouble?What happened to her?Why is she over on my side of the tracks?Does anyone else know?Can I help?Is he still with the mother?Oh God.I shouldn’t be showering in front of him if that’s the case.
“She’s not your concern.Just know that I would never allow anything like this to happen to her,” he says.
His eyes connect with mine, the dark blue turning a shade lighter.His curly, dirty-blond hair is sitting just above his shoulders.I fight off the urge to reach out and tuck the strands behind his ear.If our situation was different, and I didn’t hate him, I’d admit he was hot.Tattoos peek out from the sleeves of his black hoodie but not enough for me to see in detail.
There’s this energy around him that draws me in.I want to know more about him, to open him up and see everything he’s been through.What damage lies beneath the surface.The darkness in his eyes tells me he’s suffered so much in his life already.I crave to find out what, but that’s the last of my concerns.I have to remember I’m here against my will.I’m his prisoner.
His arm snakes around my stomach and my legs feel weak.What is he doing?He pulls me backward, and I can’t fight him.I have no energy left.He turns me around to face him.His fingers move under the hoodie Bear gave me, and my skin burns everywhere he touches.I need to cool down.I need to move away, but I’m rooted to the spot.My head is screaming at me to run, to push him away, but my body won’t move.
He pushes my hoodie up, and I raise my arms without thinking twice.He pulls it off and throws it into the corner of the small bathroom.His gaze doesn’t move from mine.He removes my T-shirt, leaving me in my bra and sweatpants.Is he going to take advantage of me?Abuse me without my permission?
Zion’s throat bobs and he clears his throat.“You capable of undressing yourself now?”he asks and I open, then close my mouth, unable to form the words.It’s as though I’m not even in this room or have any control over myself.I shake my head, and Zion’s cheeks turn a shade of pink.
He twirls his finger, and I turn, facing the mirror once again.He moves closer, the warmth of his body hot against my skin.His fingers run down my back, and it’s been so long since someone has touched me like this.Gage has scared away all the men I’ve been with.Goosebumps rise and my legs feel heavy.I grip on to the vanity for support.
I can’t look at him, afraid that if I do, I’ll do something I regret.It’s like I’m watching this unfold from above.I feel faint, all the energy deflated from my body.I can’t remember the last time I ate or drank.That’s why he’s having this effect on me—because I can’t think straight.I’m at his mercy.I want to fight back, to tell him to fuck off, but I can’t.
His fingers run underneath my bra and he unclips it.The straps slide down my arms, my nipples hardening from the coolness in the air.I peer into the mirror, and fuck, I wish I hadn’t.Zion catches my gaze, his blue eyes dark, before he lowers them over my body and I almost break.I’m exposed, and even though I should, I don’t want to cover up.The way his eyes take in every curve, there’s no judgment.Only lust.Appreciation.Adoration.I feel seen.
His chest rises and falls against my back, his breath hot against my neck.All too soon, it’s gone.He steps away, running a hand through his long hair.He points toward the shower, and it takes me a second to get my shit together.When he turns around, I push back from the vanity, letting my bra fall to the ground, then I tug my pants and underwear off.
I turn the shower on and wait a minute before the hot steam fills the air.I don’t dare glance behind me, afraid of what I’ll see.Still, I do, but I’m confused by the disappointment in his gaze.I don’t care what he thinks of me.I should be afraid of what he can do to me, but I’m not.
I step into the warm water, letting it wash away every thought.The pressure isn’t strong, not like at home, but it still feels good to get clean.
There’s a bang, and I jump, moving back against the shower wall.A door shuts, then Zion’s silhouette is there, just outside the glass door of the shower.
He opens the door, passing me some products.He averts his gaze, and I take a deep breath.I need him on my side.There’s no question that he feels this attraction between us.I need to use that to my advantage, build some trust between us, if I’m going to make it out of here alive.
“How did you end up with a daughter over on my side of the tracks?”I ask, and I’m met with silence for several long breaths.Shit.Maybe I shouldn’t have asked.
“It’s a long story,” Zion says through the glass between us.
I don’t want to push him.I asked, and he doesn’t want to answer.Pumping out some of the milk-and-honey body wash onto my palm, I rub it over my arms and legs.The smell reminds me of home.It feels good.A little comforting.
“Would you ...would you wash my hair?”I ask, pushing open the door.He frowns, his eyes catching mine, and I swallow hard.“I’m too weak to do it myself.”It’s the truth.I don’t have the energy.
He remains silent, and just as I think he’s going to leave, he removes his hoodie and T-shirt.A massive tiger sits on his chest with roses and other pieces surrounding it.More ink runs over both his arms, and fuck, he’s a work of art.His chest is pure muscle, and I want to run my fingers over each curve.His pants remain on, and I hate that I’m disappointed.
When he clears his throat, my cheeks flame hot.I move back under the water until my body is the same temperature as my face.
“Come here,” he says in a deep voice.I step closer until I’m within arm’s reach.
He puts some product in his hand before massaging it into my scalp.Slow circles, deep ones, that relax every muscle in not just my head, but my body.I feel ...treasured.Cared for.There’s something deeply intimate about the act.My muscles relax, and for one moment, one brief moment, it’s like I’m somewhere else, someone else.
“Lauren, Cleo’s mother, and I were together since we were seventeen.She was the first person I loved,” Zion says, and I don’t utter a word.
He nudges my shoulder, and I step back under the water.Running my fingers through my hair, I wash out the shampoo.
