Page 56 of Redemption

“Is that unusual—incredible sex?” I joked, but I was curious. Because that had definitely exceeded all my hopes and expectations.

Jackson stilled. “Wait.” When I lifted my head, I could see the panic in his eyes. Feel it coming off him in waves. “Wait. Are you…were you a virgin?”

I rolled my lips between my teeth.

“Oh my god.” He sat up and shrank back. “You’re a virgin? You were a virgin? I took your virginity?”

“First of all,” I said. “You didn’t take anything. I gave myself to you. And secondly—” I placed my hand on his chest, annoyed by this conversation “—virginity is a social construct. It’s outdated and heteronormative.”

“You’re right, but still…” He dragged a hand down his face. “It was your first time. I wish you’d told me. I would’ve been?—”

“More careful?” I asked. “Gentler?”

“Yes.”

I cupped his cheek. “I didn’t want you to be gentle. And I would’ve told you if I was uncomfortable.”

Finally, eventually, he seemed to relax. “Are you okay?”

He scanned my body as if searching for any signs of injury. It was ridiculous, really. But it made me feel special that he cared.

“I’m great.” I smiled, my body still buzzing after my orgasm. I was happy and light and in love.

I hauled myself on deck and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around my waist.

“That was fun.” I sank down on one of the benches. My limbs were exhausted from an afternoon of swimming along the reef, but I hadn’t felt this happy, this light, in such a long time.

Jackson nodded, but my mouth went dry at the sight of him and all that glorious bare skin. Water sluiced down the hard planes of his chest, making his tattoos glisten even more in the sun. Looking at his torso was like playing a “spot the differences” game. Except with the most gorgeous living, breathing canvas.

I’d been on this boat with this man for nearly a week now, and it was impossible not to want him. It wasn’t just about his looks, though he was hotter than ever. Jackson was thorough and kind and commanding and respectful.

He made me pancakes, checked in with me about the threats and how I was feeling. Cared for my injuries.

He hadn’t taken over the boat, as I’d feared. He was supportive; he’d allowed me to lean on him. He’d make suggestions, but he always deferred to my opinion.

He was the same man I remembered—and yet somehow more. More mature. More patient. More nurturing.

We weren’t the same people we used to be, but maybe we were…better.

“You’re staring,” he rasped. But when I met his eyes, they were hooded, greedily drinking me in.

“So are you,” I said, challenging him.

“Yeah. Well…” He toweled off his head. “Can you blame me? You’re gorgeous.”

Based on his earlier insistence to remain professional, I didn’t know what to think. But standing there, staring at him, I couldn’t deny it. I wanted Jackson, and neither time nor distance had dulled my body’s reaction to this man.

I swayed a little on my feet, but I knew it had more to do with the man standing before me than the gentle waves rocking the boat. Jackson placed his hands on my waist as if to steady me. He’d once been my rock. My protector.

I wanted to feel that way again. Safe. Secure. Loved.

Being with him on the Athena, I felt that again. Not only because it was my happy place, but because Jackson made me feel safe. Taken care of.

“Hey.” He peered down at me. “You okay?”

“I—uh…” Suddenly, I’d lost the ability to form words in his presence. Without realizing what I was doing, I’d placed my hands on his bare chest. Our faces were inches apart.

I licked my lips, remembering the taste of him. The feel of his body pressing into mine deliciously. The…lies. The thought came to me unbidden and unwanted.

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