Page 20 of Silver Flirt

His hand tightens on my shoulder. “I’m so sorry, baby. I know how much that program means to you.”

“It’s not just the program,” I confess, my voice catching. “It’s the principle of it. I’ve given so much to that firm, Bash—so many years, so much effort. And for what? To be told that my priorities don’t matter?”

“Your priorities matter,” he says firmly, tilting my chin up to meet his gaze. “You matter. And if they can’t see that, then they don’t deserve you.”

A wave of emotion crashes over me, and I bury my face in his chest, my shoulders shaking with silent sobs. He holds me tightly, murmuring words of comfort and reassurance.

When my tears finally subside, I lift my head, sniffling. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall apart on you like that.”

He brushes a strand of hair away from my face, his touch infinitely gentle. “Don’t apologize for being human, Melissa. You’re allowed to feel things. You’re allowed to be upset.”

“I just feel so lost,” I confess softly. “I feel like I don’t know who I am anymore if I’m not working at the firm.”

He tips my chin up to meet his gaze. “You’re Melissa Graham. Smart, strong, passionate Melissa. Quitting your job doesn’t change that.”

“You really believe that?” I search his eyes, seeing nothing but certainty reflected back at me.

Bash has always had a way of making me feel like I can take on anything. Even when we were kids, he never let me doubt myself.

“I’ve never believed anything more.” His hand slides into my hair, his touch igniting my skin. “You amaze me, baby. You always have.”

The intensity in his eyes takes my breath away. I can’t look away, can’t resist the magnetic pull drawing me closer to him.

“Bash...” I whisper, my voice trembling.

“Let me take care of you tonight, sweetheart.” His lips brush against my forehead. “You’ve been so strong for so long. Let me be strong for you now.”

Bash scoops me up effortlessly, cradling me against his broad chest.

I melt into his embrace, surrendering to the comfort and safety of his arms. After the day I’ve had, it feels so good to let someone else take control, to let myself be vulnerable.

He carries me down the hall into my master bathroom and sets me gently down on the counter. Then he turns to the oversized soaking tub, fiddling with the knobs until steamy water begins to pour from the faucet.

While the tub fills, he rummages through my cabinets, emerging with a bottle of lavender bath oil. He pours a generous amount under the running water, and immediately, the soothing scent fills the air.

I watch him, mesmerized by the flex of his muscles under his shirt as he moves. He’s so big and so masculine, but his touch is always so gentle when it comes to me. It’s like he knows I need softness right now.

When the tub is full, Bash turns back to me, his eyes dark and heated.

He steps between my legs, his hands coming to rest on my hips. “Let’s get you out of these clothes and into the tub. I want you to relax. Let me pamper you tonight.”

My breath catches as his fingers slip beneath the hem of my tank top, skimming over my sensitive skin. He lifts the flimsy fabric up and over my head, tossing it aside. I’m not wearing a bra, and my nipples pebble in the cool air.

Bash’s heated gaze rakes over me, his hands cupping my breasts. “So beautiful,” he murmurs, his thumbs circling my peaked nipples. I arch into his touch, a soft moan escaping my lips.

His hands slide down my sides to hook in the waistband of my pajama shorts. In one smooth motion, he tugs them down my legs along with my panties, leaving me bare before him. Then, he helps me down from the counter and guides me towards the steaming tub.

I step into the hot water, sinking down with a blissful sigh as the heat envelops me. The lavender scent calms my frayed nerves, and I tip my head back against the edge of the tub.

I expect Bash to perch on the edge, but to my surprise, he begins undressing, pulling his shirt over his head and shucking off his jeans. My eyes drink in the sight of his chiseled chest and abs, the impressive bulge straining against his boxer briefs.

He sees me looking and grins, hooking his thumbs in his waistband. “Enjoying the view, baby?”

“You’re joining me?” I ask, my heart fluttering wildly at the thought of his naked body pressed against mine.

“Of course,” he winks, pushing his briefs down his legs. “I need to make sure my girl is thoroughly relaxed.”

My eyes widen at the sight of him, long and thick and already hardening. He steps into the tub behind me, settling his big body into the water. Strong arms wrap around my middle and pull me back flush against his muscular chest.

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