Page 94 of The Prey

He releases his hold on the sponge, and I run it across his chest, cleaning him just like he cleaned me. There’s a calmness that fills me, the pressure, fear, all of it melting away, and it’s like I can breathe for the first time in my life.

“You didn't get as many bruises as I did.”

“Well, you were the one running.” His response is casual.

“I guess you’re right.” He rinses and turns off the taps, then he reaches for me.

Pausing, he steps out of the shower and helps me to do the same. A puddle pools on the floor, but I can’t be bothered with the mess we’re making.

Leading me over to the now full bath, he turns the faucets off. A startled gasp slips from my lips when his hands circle my waist and he lifts me, gently placing me in the water. A blanket of warmth covers me from head to shoulder, and I sink into it.

“Oh my God…” I moan by accident.

It feels even better than the shower, and when he reaches forward and presses a button that makes the jets start, I swear I could melt into a puddle. I’ve only ever dreamed about taking a bath in this thing. He perches on the edge of the tub, his gaze sweeping over me.

“There’s enough room in here for three people if you want to get in, too?”

“I would, but then I’d be tempted to fuck you again.”

I can feel the heat creeping into my cheeks. He’s so blunt about sex. That’ll take some getting used to. I shake away the embarrassment and relax into the water, letting it soothe my aching muscles. I tip my head back against the lip of the tub, and his fingers sink into my hair, massaging my scalp gently.

Holy shit. My eyes flutter closed, and I greedily accept his touch.

“I didn’t know touch could feel this good. My whole life all I’ve known is pain.”

“I fucked up in the past, and I know I’ll fuck up in the future. It’s not in my nature to be perfect, even if I try, but I can promise you that no one will hurt you ever again.”

“That’s a big promise.” The words shudder out of me.

“It’s more than a promise. It’s the truth.” The darkness in his voice makes me open my eyes, and I stare up at him. Tragically beautiful. My dark knight.

“I trust you. I just…you might have to be patient with me. This is all so new, and we have so many things to discuss. Who knows, maybe you’ll change your mind.” It's more or less a joke, but Sebastian doesn’t see it that way.

His gentle touch becomes steel in a flash, and he grabs me by the hair. Tipping my head back at an uncomfortable angle, he forces me to look at him and only him.

“I know you’re afraid of what happens next, but you have no reason to be. I don’t regret what we did, and I don’t think you do either. Nothing we will discuss will change that you’re mine, completely, in every single way. Remember that whenever you have doubts. I’ve wanted you for so long, Ely. I’m done playing. I’m done pretending.”

I push up, needing his lips on mine.

He understands and leans forward, kissing me, and my entire world shifts. He devours me like he’s starving and possessed. His tongue probes my lips, and I open for him, letting him massage my own tongue, tasting me in long, hot strokes.

He’s breaking me free of my shell, helping me to see that I’m more than the old version of myself. I’m more than the maid, more than my father’s bargaining chip. I’m a woman who can be loved and cherished.

By the time we pull away from each other, my body is wrung tight, desire and need clinging to my bones.

“Beautiful, Ely. You're so damn beautiful,” Sebastian murmurs as he strokes my cheek. “Are you ready to get out now?”

I nod, my body relaxed, my muscles liquid. How did we get here? I’m almost afraid that I’ll wake up at any second and realize this is a dream.

He helps me into a sitting position and then lifts me out of the water, placing me on my feet. It takes a moment for me to get my legs to work, and I catch myself against his chest.

“Sorry. I think I forgot how to use my legs.” I laugh.

He uses one hand to steady me and grabs a towel off the counter with the other. He wraps me up in the fluffy towel, securing me like a burrito, and then we’re moving.

“Hey, I can walk. I got my legs to work,” I announce.

All he does is grunt as he carries me into the bedroom and lays me out on the huge bed.

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