“Allie,” he said gently, standing in the doorway.
Allie didn’t turn her head, but her eyes shifted in the mirror to look at him.Her hand was on her face, touching the bruise.
“You want to talk about it?”He was more than willing to listen if she did.Sometimes talking about a trauma could be therapeutic and purge it from the system, but it could also be too soon for that.
Allie shook her head.“Not yet.”
Eventually, she would need to talk to someone, but he wouldn’t rush her.“I’m here whenever you need me.Shay went through her own kidnapping.Two actually.I’m sure she’d be happy to talk to you as well.Or we can always get you professional help.”
“Thanks.”She gave him a wan smile.“I’d like to talk to Shay, just not right now.”
“I’m sorry, but I have to do this.”He closed the distance and took her in his arms, needing to hold her and reassure himself that she was wellas much as to give her comfort.
Allie didn’t cry like he’d expected her to.Everyone responded to trauma in different ways.She could have a delayed response, and it could take days for it all to catch up with her.He’d be by her side for all of it.
“Alright, let’s get your shower going.”Carson stepped away to start the water.He checked the temperature to make sure it wasn’t too hot.“You’re all set,” he said, turning around to see her standing there completely naked.His eyes drank her in.There were other bruises on her body, but none as bad as the one on her face.It didn’t diminish how beautiful she was.He could never tire of looking at her body.Her high, firm breasts, her trim waist, rounded hips, and sleek muscular legs.
His cock started to lengthen, and he was disgusted with himself for checking her out after what she had just gone through.There was a possibility she’d been sexually harmed.He hadn’t had the guts to ask, not that it would matter to him other than to be very careful with her.“I’ll leave you to it.”He started to step past her.He’d go wait in the living room until she was done.
Allie reached out to him before he could pass her.“Don’t go.”
“I’m here in the house; I’m not going far,” he assured her.He wouldn’t leave until she kicked him out.
“I want you to make love to me.”
“Allie,” he groaned, closing his eyes as if it could erase what he’d just heard.She was making it too damn difficult to give her space when she stood naked, looking at him imploringly as she asked him to make love to her.
“You said you loved me, is that no longer true?”Her voice cracked, fear clogging her throat.
His eyes snapped open.“Of course, it’s true.”He would never tell a woman he loved her unless he meant it.
“Do you still find me attractive?”she asked with a raised eyebrow.
Had she hit her head?“Of course.You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.”
“Then what’s the problem?”She cocked her head to the side, studying him.
“You were just kidnapped and almost killed.Making love should be the last thing on your mind.”
Allie smiled wickedly.There was no hint of trauma in her eyes.No shadows.Just pure love and a naughty grin.“All the more reason to make love.Reaffirm I’m still alive.That we love each other.I also want to forget.Just for a while.”She stepped closer, her hands smoothing over his chest to his shoulders before wrapping around his neck and pulling him down for a kiss.
Carson paused before their lips met.“Did anyone...did they?”He paused, not knowing how to ask, but somehow Allie knew what he’d been trying to say.
She shook her head.“No one touched me.But I really want you to.Make me forget everything.Show me how much you love me.”
He was a goner after that.Carson pulled her flush to his body and took over the kiss.Allie groaned against his mouth.
Then she pulled away, tilting her head back.“We should get in the shower before the water turns cold.”
He had completely forgotten about the water.Carson stepped back and stripped before her.It was easier doing it this time than the first.Allie’s eyes drank him in as he shed more and more clothing until he stood before her bare.She saw all of the ugliness, all the way down to his feet.
Allie took slow steps as she approached him as if he were a wild animal and could pounce on her at any second.Her hands were outstretched wanting to touch him.She looked up at him, seeking permission.Carson nodded.
Her hands touched his tarnished flesh, and he hissed out a breath.Allie pulled away as if she were afraid, as if she had hurt him.“No,” he denied, pulling her hands back to him.“Touch me.”
He loved her touch; it healed something in him.Not just physically, but mentally.With her, he didn’t want to hide anymore.She still saw him aswhole.
Allie leaned forward and kissed across his right shoulder, then down his arm to his wrist and back up to his pectoral.Her hands stroked up and down his chest and down to his waist.
