Ruthless Arrangement (Underworld Kings)

“I was wondering if you would be brave enough to shower with your husband,” he says matter-of-factly.

Of anything he could say, I would have never expected that. I let out a surprised gasp and he gives me a cocky grin. I gasp as my cheeks heat.

"Uh, we don't know each other really well yet." Even to my ears, my excuse sounds lame.

"We are married," he counters, as if he's trying to challenge my excuse.

“I… No one has ever seen me without clothes on, Killian.” I could realistically glow in the dark right now, but I manage not to bolt for the door and escape.

“You have no idea how much that pleases me, Belle. Still, for now, I'm just asking for a shower. Nothing else.” He does a mock Cub Scouts honor sign, and I give him an incredulous look. "For now." There it is. I knew he wasn’t going to stop entirely. I don’t know whether to be scared or relieved. The more time I spend with Killian, the more I want him. I’ve always been attracted to him, but it’s more than that now. I think the only thing holding me back is the fact that he’s made it clear that he never plans to love me. I’m not sure I can ever be the type of woman satisfied enough with her husband caring for her welfare but only receiving love from her children. My heart longs for more. At the same time, I know I’ve never had anyone really love me. With all the wonderful things in my life, maybe I should just accept what I have and stop looking for even more. I already have more than most people could ever dare hope for.

"I don't suppose you'll allow me to keep my clothes on." The picture that pops into my mind of standing in the shower fully clothed looks just as ridiculous as my excuses.

"Just your underwear." He's toying with me, bartering with me like we are haggling over an antique at a flea market. I frown as he grins at me. "It'll cover more than a bathing suit would."

I think of all the reasons why I shouldn't, but I find myself agreeing. Still, taking his hand as he reaches out to me feels like I just sold my soul to the devil.

The problem is, I kind of like it.

CHAPTER 28

KILLIAN

The steam from the hot water begins to fog the mirror in the bathroom. I stare at Belle as she fidgets nervously. Her eyes are wide with innocence, dilated, and fucking tempting. She carefully watches me as if expecting me to pounce.

She probably should be worried. I want her.

Knowing I’m going to be the only man to see her naked has done something to me—changed me elementally. I’m filled with the need to claim her. It probably makes me a caveman, but the truth is, I don’t give a fuck. I’ve wanted her from the moment I first laid eyes on her. When she got down on her hands and knees to pick up her groceries and that round ass was in front of me, it took all I had not to lean down and smack it. Hell, I wanted to bite it. I’m used to being closed off. I’m always in tight control of my emotions. Belle has changed all of that.

And she doesn’t even know it.

I strip down slowly, mostly because I know her eyes are glued to me. They are as big as saucers, and she tries her best not to look at me. She peeks, though. Her face is already bright red as she tries her hardest to fade into the tiled wall. I leave my underwear on—for now. I think it’s time to start on her and let her get used to my touch.

I let my fingers graze her skin lightly, taking my time exploring her body. I know I’m playing dirty slowly undressing her piece by piece. Her breathing turns ragged and shakes her body when she exhales. I remove her shirt, purposely grazing my fingers against her pebbled nipples. I tease them, while making it appear it’s on accident. I can’t withhold my groan as I continue stripping her down, leaving her in nothing but her bra and panties.

I walk backwards to step into the spray of the warm water, waiting for her to join me. I don't rush her. She steps in behind me, her cheeks still bright red as I lean backwards, letting the water, spray against my back. Her eyes go right to my cock, and I struggle not to laugh.

"You're… you're…so big," she says, covering her mouth as she realizes she spoke out loud. I struggle to keep my laughter at bay by the surprised look on her face.

"Are you worried?" I question, taking my time moving soap over my body. I’m enjoying having Belle here with me, but it’s more than that. I haven’t been able to have privacy and shower in way too long. That fact that Belle is here with me is just icing on the cake. Because of that, I take my time, purposely giving her a show. I can tell that she’s getting more and more aroused and that’s making me hard as a rock. Her nipples are so hard now that they look as if they’re ready to cut through the fabric of her bra. Her breathing is ragged, and she keeps squirming—giving away the fact that she needs my touch.