Page 94 of Seduction Under the Southern Stars

“Linc!” My eyes nearly fall out of my head.

He sobers immediately. “I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t tease you like that.”

“Jesus. Give me some warning, at least.”

“I forgot…” He stops and frowns. He means he forgot about my assault.

“I’m shocked,” I tell him, “not scared.” I nibble my bottom lip. “I have to admit, the thought is a little… hot.” I don’t know why, but the notion of being subject to his kisses and caresses and having no control over my own pleasure… Ooh, yes, that’s actually quite a turn on. I’ve surprised myself.

But Linc says firmly, “There will be no handcuffs. No tying down of any kind.”

“Spoilsport.”

“Ten percent means maybe a different position.”

“You on top?”

“Maybe not yet. Perhaps side by side in bed. More equal.”

“Yeah, that’s good too.”

He laughs. “Come on. Why don’t we go to bed? I’m knackered after everything we’ve done today.”

So I rise from the sofa and pull him to his feet, and we switch off all the lights. I check that the door is locked, but only feel the need to do it once before I collect my bag and join Linc in the other bedroom.

He’s cleaning his teeth in the bathroom, and I take out my toothbrush and toothpaste and go and stand next to him to clean mine. Our gazes meet in the mirror as we brush. He smiles, and my face warms. I’ve never done this before: shared myself in this casual, intimate way. I could grow to like it.

Such a shame he’s returning to the UK next week.

Chapter Twenty

Linc

It’s still dark when I jerk awake, startled out of a dream. I lie there for a moment, blinking, wondering where I am—the windows are facing the bed rather than on the left the way they are in my apartment, and there’s someone in bed with me. Then it all comes rushing back—Elora!

It’s clear then why I woke up—she’s talking in her sleep, mumbling something unintelligible, twitching a little. Then she cries out, a sound of pure pain and terror, making me jump.

“Hey.” I push myself up on the pillows and gather her up in my arms. She’s half awake, breathing fast, and as I wrap my arms around her, I can feel her trembling. “It’s all right,” I murmur, rubbing her back and shoulders. “I’ve got you.”

She looks up at me, the moonlight just strong enough to highlight her features, her eyes clearing as she returns to this world. “Oh God, I was having a nightmare…”

“Yeah I know. It was just a dream though. Not real.”

“Did I cry out? I screamed in the dream.”

“Yeah. I’m so sorry, sweetheart.”

She sighs and nestles back into my arms, resting her cheek on my shoulder. “I’m sorry I woke you.”

“It’s okay. I sleep lightly.” I kiss her forehead. “You want to talk about it?”

She shakes her head.

“All right.” I won’t push her. I can guess, anyway. “How often do you have nightmares?” I hope our lovemaking didn’t stir up bad memories.

But she says, “Most nights.”

My brow furrows, and I kiss the top of her head. “Well nothing bad’s going to happen to you while I’m here.”

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