Page 57 of Moonlit Thorns

I walk over to the robe Anabelle was wearing earlier, then help her up. She’s spent. I can tell by the way she’s not saying anything.

Once I’ve wrapped her in the robe and pulled my pants back on, I pick her up. She doesn’t protest, just leans her head against my chest and closes her eyes. It opens up some tender part of me I didn’t know even existed until now, and suddenly all I want to do is take care of this woman.

Anabelle falls asleep on the trek from the basement through the manor to my room. She doesn’t even wake when I lay her on my bed to go ready a bath for her. I debate just bringing her to her room and letting her sleep, but I can’t do it.

I went hard on her ass, and I need to make sure she’s okay. The whole experience was unlike any I’ve had before. Not because I’ve never had great sex, but because I feel territorial over her.

Usually when I fuck women, in the basement or otherwise, I have no tether to them. I couldn’t care less if I’m sharing her with someone or if she went and fucked someone else right after me. I don’t care if everyone in the place is watching.

But with Anabelle, it was different. I hated that I had to do any of that with an audience. I want to keep her all to myself. The idea of someone else getting to see her come or see her naked makes me want to lose control.

Like that piece of shit Preston Wallace. We need to talk about that night again. As much as I don’t want to upset Anabelle, I need to clear up a few things, to be sure.

Once the bath is drawn, I return to the bedroom and find Anabelle right where I left her, curled up on her side now. My mask is sitting on my dresser where it will stay until I return it to my safe, and I’ve ditched the leather pants for a pair of lounge pants.

I give her shoulder a shake. “Anabelle, wake up. It’s time for a bath.”

Her eyes flutter open, then her deep brown eyes, flecked with gold, look at me.

“C’mon. Let’s get you in the bath.”

She’s groggy still, but she lets me sit her up so her legs hang off the edge of the bed. I get down on my haunches and slide the zipper at the back of one of her boots down then slide it off, then repeat the motion with the other.

Anabelle stands, and I loosen the tie around her waist until the robe falls open. I slide it off her shoulders, so it flutters to the floor. Her hand comes up to cover her breasts, and I pull it away.

“Why are you hiding from me?” I search her face for answers.

She shrugs, cheeks growing red. “I don’t know.”

I tilt her chin up with my thumb and forefinger. “I’ve seen it all.” Despite myself, a smile forms on my face.

“It feels different here…” She looks around my room. “In this environment.”

“You’re beautiful in any environment. Now come on.” I take her hand and lead her to the ensuite, not waiting to see what her reaction might be to the words that slipped out of my mouth and shouldn’t have.

“You drew me a bath.” She stops in front of it, looking down as if she’s never seen a bath before.

“I told you that when I woke you. Did you not hear me?”

She shakes her head.

“It’s my responsibility to take care of you once we’ve finished a scene.” I don’t bother mentioning that for the first time ever, I think it might actually give me pleasure to do it.

A slight frown mars her face. “Oh.”

“Here.” I hold out my hand to help her.

She takes it then steps in the bath, sinking down into the warm water. She closes her eyes and leans back. “This feels so good.”

“There are some oils in there that should help. How are your ass and your thighs?”

She wiggles in place then looks at me. “Sore but not too bad.”

“Good. When you get out, I’ll spread some special cream I have over it.”

Her gaze flicks down to the water where she’s swirling her fingers under the surface. “You don’t have to do that.”

I tip her chin up—again. “I want to, and I will.”

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