I narrow my eyes at his back, then get distracted by his tight ass as he bends over to help Ciprian with the tub. Ciprian’s cheeks are pink, and he’s clearly flustered. Luca doesn’t notice.
I step further under the spray and let it run down my side as I watch Ciprian squirm.
“What did you try?” Luca asks, messing with the knobs.
Ciprian glances at me over Luca’s hunched back and raises his eyebrows.
I fan myself and grin.
“Ciprian, are you listening to me? I asked what you’ve tried.”
“Fuck, I don’t remember.” He throws his hands up. “I’m sorry. I can’t be cool right now. Are you aware that your dick is pierced?”
Luca glances down at his crotch and gasps. “Holy shit, how did that happen?”
“Ha, ha.” Ciprian sounds pained. “Give me a minute. I can’t talk about plumbing while I’m in shock.”
“Then go keep Celine warm.”
“That I can do.” With one last glance at Luca, Ciprian strips and climbs into the shower with me. “Brr. This is tepid at best, hot wings.”
“Don’t rush her,” Luca snaps.
I raise my hands over my head and arch my back in a stretch that’s completely unnecessary for anything but my pride and turn the water hotter.
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Ciprian runs his eyes over me and licks his bottom lip. “I’m more than happy to take it at her pace, but she can handle a lot.”
I stroke his abs, tracing the grooves from top to bottom, then wrap my hand around his dick.
“What are you doing?” he whispers.
“Leveling the playing field. He surprised you with the piercing; it’s only fair you show him something equally shocking.” I pump him a few times—enough to show off what he’s working with—then drop my hand.
“Thanks for the fluff, babe.”
I groan. “Don’t ever say that to me again.”
The sound of running water comes from the tub, and we both turn to look.
Brow pinched, with his head cocked to the side, Luca adjusts all seven knobs, then leans over to plug the drain before glancing at us with a smile. “I got it.”
I check him out shamelessly. Luca is sexy on a normal day, but after doing something competent? I’m fucking aching for him.
“Did that get you hot, Celine?” Ciprian asks, amusement in his voice.
Luca’s stare shifts from pleased to hungry in a flash. “Is she wet?”
My breath catches as Ciprian slides a finger between my legs. “Dripping.”
“No shit,” I mutter as Luca charges toward me. “I’m in the—” His lips smash against mine. I expect sweetness, something soft and gentle, but Luca kisses me like he’s starving. All teeth and tongue and stolen air.
My arms wrap around his neck. “I missed you,” I gasp.
“I was terrified,” he groans. “I-I thought you were gone. It was the worst three minutes and twelve seconds of my life.”Gods, was that all? It felt twice as long.The cold in my bones, the burn of water invading my lungs. I shudder and squeeze him tight.
“I won’t give up.” I pull away to meet his eyes. “No matter what they throw at me. I’ll fight to get Ali back. I swear it, Luca. I’ll get them both back, and we’ll get out of here. I won’t let you down.”
“Shh.” Luca kisses me again. “Please don’t talk that way. You don’t have to prove anything to me, baby. Not to Alistair or Malach either.”
