Protecting Melissa (Holiday Cove 4)

Inside, I giggled to myself and went to the bathroom, my mind wild, wondering what Chase was thinking. I’d made my so-called intentions clear. If he wanted me, he could come and get me any time. No strings. No reservations.

Just sex. Hot, filthy, unadulterated sex.

I could do that. Right?

There had always been other opportunities. Men in my social circle who made it clear they could be discreet—even Henry’s friends and cohorts. But I was loyal to Henry. Even after I stopped giving a shit about him, he was still my husband. And I was raised right, so I’d wanted to hold up my end of the marriage vows. That way, when I finally walked away, with my head held high—no one could doubt my loyalty.

But that was before he decided to have me murdered in cold blood.

I no longer cared what he—or anyone else—thought of me or what they’d say behind my back. I was done. Gone. Finito. Henry could rot in hell—I was never going back to him.

Hell, at this point, I doubted I’d ever go back to LA.

I shoved aside the dark thoughts and set about drawing a hot bath. By the next evening, we’d be back on the boat with a dinky shower stall, so this bath would be heaven. The shower on the yacht was functional but far from a spa-like retreat. I dumped in a generous handful of bath salts and mmm’ed at the explosion of relaxing lavender scent that came off the surface of the water as the salts dissolved.

The door to the bathroom was closed, but not locked. I glanced at the door and wondered if Chase was on the other side, hesitating as he debated with himself on whether or not to join me. I shed my clothes and let the steam soak into my body before lowering myself into the tub. I kept my hair piled up on top of my head so it wouldn’t get wet. I hated to sleep with wet hair.

“Oh God, yes,” I groaned as I slid under the surface and let the hot water work its magic on my sore, beat down body. I was an avid Pilate's enthusiast, but apparently those classes hadn’t prepared me for life on the run. I didn’t realize how tired and sore I was until I hit the warm bathwater.

Damn, I should’ve brought a glass of wine with me.

I was still buzzing from the margaritas but a glass of wine would wind me down and fully relax me. I ended most nights with a glass of wine. At home, I’d always indulged solo, but since being on the boat, Chase and I split a bottle together almost every night. It made the whole wine drinking experience even better.

I glanced over my shoulder at the door again and sighed. If he was coming in, he’d already be here.

Under any other circumstances, I’d have appreciated his high moral standards.

As it was…it was just annoying.

I laid my head back and slipped a hand under the water and ran my fingertips along my thigh. When I brought my hand back up to my nipple, I licked my lips and gave it a little squeeze. Mmm… Damn, if Chase was here, he could do it instead of me. I closed my eyes and tweaked my nipple while my other hand slid down my belly to my pussy.

I moaned softly as I slipped a finger between my pussy lips and found my clit extra sensitive and swollen. No wonder my thighs had been clenching all evening. I was hot—not to mention half-drunk and horny.

As I rubbed against the tender skin, I imagined Chase being above me, stroking me with his strong, thick fingers. How would they feel inside of me? I slipped two fingers inside and bit back a loud groan.

“Shit,” I choked out, my orgasm building fast. “Chase…if you only knew…” I whispered to no one. I plunged my fingers inside, while my other hand toyed with my nipples. My pussy walls clenched around my fingers as they moved in and out, until I reached the edge. I rubbed my clit, clenching inside until I moaned out loud at the waves of pleasure that had me rocking hard on my hand. “Fuck!” I sloshed water all over the floor, but I didn’t care. It was the first orgasm I’d had in months and was so worth the soggy floor.

Sweet relief.

Minutes later, I opened my eyes and realized that as good as it was, I wanted more. I wanted cock.

Chase’s cock.

My hands and fingers weren’t even close to replacing what I knew Chase could do to me. He didn’t lead with sex appeal, but the man was hot, and I knew he’d be able to take care of this animal lust.

I shoved out of the water, wrapped myself in a thick, white towel, and after wiping the soles of my feet on the bath mat, I strut out of the bathroom. The hallway was empty. The doors to both bedrooms were closed and I had no way of knowing if he’d already gone to bed. Was he in there pleasuring himself too? Was his mind just as wild as mine? The thought of him stroking himself got me more flustered.