Her Shadows, His Secrets

Thank heavens. I wait a minute, processing what he just told me and what my next question should be.

“Rinse,” he orders, buying me more time. I let the water rush over me, noticing how much cooler it is getting by the minute.

Completely rinsed, I turn. “You should go next. The water’s getting cold.”

He nods, and we switch places, but I don’t stay in. Climbing out, I can feel his eyes on me, watching me, assessing my mood.

Stepping into the closet, I pull out a big, loose tee, one I bought in the men’s section. I slip it on and step back into the bathroom. Brenda got me started on all these hair care and skin routines, so I start on those. Every few seconds, I look over at Theo, and he is alternating between looking at me and focusing on cleaning himself. Once my hair has all its leave-in products, I put on my night cream and step out into the bedroom, needing a minute to collect my thoughts.

I know I agreed to this, and I’m more than okay with it, but I think I deserve some wiggle room to adjust to this new development in my life.

My phone dings next to the bed, and I grab it, taking a seat on the edge of the bed and opening the message.

Brenda: Hey, I just got home and saw my brother’s truck at your place. You okay?

I look at the time. It’s nearing two in the morning.

Me: I’m fine. And it’s awful late to be coming home…

Brenda: Deflecting much? I was out with a friend.

Me: Of the male or female category? lol

Brenda: It’s 2am, and my brother is at your house. Glass houses—that’s how the saying starts out, right?

Me: Fine. Listen, I know you said it was all right as long as I was okay with it, but I really don’t want to make this weird. Is this weird?

Brenda: As hell, but I’m more than fine with it. You’re adults. Just spare me any details. :D

Me: Gladly.

Brenda: Anyway. I was thinking we could go to the lake this weekend? Me and some of the girls are dying to get out while it’s still not too busy. You in?

Me: Um, yeah sure.

Bathing suits. I hate bathing suits.

Brenda: We will get you a suit you are comfortable with.

I have not shied away from Brenda and basically wear my insecurities on my sleeve. I’m not surprised she read my mind.

Me: Perfect.

“It’s getting late, and I have work in the morning. You do too. I was going to leave, but with a busted window and someone trying to break in, I’ll stay here tonight,” Theo says, coming out of the bathroom.

I wave him off. “You don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine.”

“Not up for discussion.” He’s only in his briefs, and my tongue gets caught, because I can’t stop looking at his lean and defined muscular physique.

“Control. Right,” I finally say.

“Power and control. A good combination. Now, in bed, puppet.” He goes to leave the room, and I let him, assuming he’s going to sleep on the couch. I have nothing more to say. I’m tired. Stressed. Beyond overwhelmed with what happened tonight between him and me.

I feel used yet pleased. Confused…yet it makes perfect sense. This is going to take some adjusting, and we have less than a month left of this. I doubt I’ll make it that far anyway. Guess I better buckle up, enjoy the ride that won’t last long, but it’s one I’ll never forgot.

Nor do I want to.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

THEO

I lie on the couch, staring up at the ceiling, knowing she’s above me and wearing nothing but a T-shirt. I still feel her around me, clinging to me. Her moans, her pleasure, the brief moment when she let go of the insecurities and gave in to her desires.

Less than a month. That’s not enough time. Now that I’ve tasted her, had a glimpse of having her body at my mercy…less than a month isn’t enough time to have my fill. I’ll have to think something up, prolong my job here. Whatever it takes to get more of what I had tonight. What’s more is I know this is just the beginning. This was just a prelude to the best sex we could ever have.

I didn’t want to take her tonight, especially in such a savage adrenaline rush. But when I saw that glass on the floor, then the fear in her eyes, I needed it. I had to immerse myself in it, be inside her, let go of the anger that someone tried to break in and hurt her. And if I would have been a minute behind, they just may have.

Making note that I need to come fix the window next to her front door, I focus on that. If I continue to fixate on my desire for her, I will march my ass back up there, pin her to the bed, and bury myself between her thick thighs.