Her expression faltered as realization dawned. She licked her lips to compose her thoughts. “I don’t think making me strip is what Zayne meant when he asked you to check in on me,” she hissed, taking a step back.
“Maybe we have differing opinions on how we take care of a woman?”
“What’s that supposed to be mean?”
“C’mon, Ash, we almost fucked, that should count for something?” I raised a brow.
“Exactly. ‘Almost fucked’ and ‘did fuck’ are two opposing extremes.”
Fuck.I resisted the urge to snort out loud, it would just irritate her further. Watching the changing emotions flick across her face, I realized there was another discerning distinction between her and the woman who used to be my wife. Where Krisha was meek and quiet, this woman possessed a pair of brass balls that had my envious cojones vying for first place.
“Look, I need to make sure you don’t come down with a cold. You’re covered in mud and hurt.” Inching closer, I gently massaged her elbows.
The action gave my body something to do other than pumping blood to my semi-hard cock while I thought of how easy it would be to fuck her right now. It was child’s play when it came to seducing a woman. I took without asking, needing no words to get my message across. Ashrika however, needed to be handled with a little more finesse than the norm. She had to trust that I wasn’t just a horny bastard even if my words claimed otherwise.
“What’s it going to be?” Her eyes roamed my face, indecision apparent. “Do you want me to leave?”
The sudden boom of thunder had her glancing toward the window, her face scrunched in fear. My heart crashed against my chest at the raw panic on her face. I’d only ever seen Neha that afraid of a storm and she’d cried in my arms. This was a strong woman, but her past experiences had shrouded her memories with fear of a simple thing like bad weather. A part of me wanted desperately to reassure her that I’d never let anything happen to her, ever again but that meant divulging my identity.
“Hey.” I palmed her cheek. “You’re safe and I’m not going anywhere. Trust me?” I soothed, using the tender tone I used on my kids when they needed that special touch. She nodded. I traced a slow line along her jaw and over her lips. Her breath came out on a rushed exhale. I ached to kiss her, to feel her resistance melt beneath my lips, to watch her cheeks flush with arousal and her eyes darken with pleasure. “Ash, a man’s touch can be sensual to elicit pleasure yet gentle with care when you’re in pain. That’s what I’m going to do if you let me.” When I reached down and raised her shirt over her head, she allowed it. My eyes dropped to her bare breasts, perfect, creamy, and full, the brown nipples hardening to buds under my gaze. And when I slid her panties down her legs, still she said nothing.
I moved away, turned the faucet on in the shower, and nodded to her. She stepped inside wordlessly. Ridding myself of my t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers, I kept my briefs on and slid in behind her. Her eyes flew open under the water. “What are—” The shake of my head cut off her words.
She squeezed her eyes shut while I soaped her body then shampooed her hair. Despite the hot water, her skin erupted in goose-bumped under my touch, heightening the burn barreling through my body. It took a conscious effort not to touch her, really touch her, or give in to temptation and fuck her against the wall, until I couldn't breathe. Unable to stop myself, I slipped my arms around her waist and brought her back tight to my chest. She shuddered when I dropped a light kiss on her shoulder. Afraid I might scare her, I released my hold and stepped out of the shower. Securing a towel around my waist, I nodded to her and shut off the water, then held a large, fluffy towel for her to step into. I dried her body with slow, caring, calming movements.
“You’re a beautiful woman, Ash.” She looked at me but didn’t say a word. When I was done, I reached for her robe hanging on a hook behind the door and when she slipped it on, I tied the sash and dropped a light kiss to her brow. “Is your head still sore?”
“A little.”
“After I change, I’ll make us some coffee, okay?” As she turned to leave, I called out, “I wasn’t lying, Ash. Two days.”
She glanced over her shoulder at me, her expression blank. “If you’re so sure you’re going to fuck me, why two days? Why not tonight?”
I laughed at her bravery. “Semantics, sweetheart.” I winked. She left the bathroom. Glad for the gym bag I kept in the trunk, I pulled on gray sweatpants and a t-shirt and walked out while toweling my hair. When I rounded the corner, I heard Ashrika’s voice and hung back.
“Zayne.” His name came out in a breathless sigh. Ignoring the jealousy taking root in the pit of my stomach, my ears perked up. “Why didn’t you come?” With her back to me, she stood at the window, her phone cradled between her ear and neck while she massaged her hands. “Why did you send him?” She dragged a hand through her hair, wincing as she did so. “Yes. I fell...no. He didn’t do anything to upset me.”
Her quiet words confirmed she wasn’t upset with my appearance yet the edginess to her tone, had panic replacing the exhilaration that raced through me seconds ago, bringing with it a chaotic dose of reality. My wife had no idea who she was. She had no fucking clue who I was. Worse still, she belonged to another man. A man who’d fucked her every day for the last couple of years while I gave up on the notion of another permanent relationship.
Stepping away, my back hit the wall as I dropped my head, blanking out the conversation. I should leave. Forget about her and let her live. She seemed content with her life right now. Zayne appeared to be giving her everything she desired. He took good care of her. I scanned the apartment, its classy décor supported that observation. I’d only fuck up everything she had going if I stayed or pushed her into something she didn’t want. The question was, would I be able to stay away? Would I be able to drive into the city knowing my wife resided within the vicinity of the places I’d visit? And what if her memory returned. Would she hate me for knowing and not coming to get her?
Closing my eyes, I inhaled to still the muddled tension raging war with my head and my heart.“Believe in yourself, Trent,”Drake’s words played in my head, reminding me to be strong. Whatever happened, I had to endure it for the sake of my sanity, my children, my love. Her soft laughter had me opening my eyes.
“No, silly. I’m fine.” She laughed again, obvious joy infusing her voice.
It was obvious Zayne made her happy. How was he okay with another man keeping his wife company then? I found it strange he wasn’t in the least bit concerned. Unless he doubted my capability of seducing her into falling for me or he trusted she wouldn’t. “When will you be back?” It sounded like he was traveling. I could use the time to garner her interest. Maybe start by inviting her to the charity ball I had to attend tomorrow evening.
