Page 34 of Cold Foot King

He shrugged one shoulder. “I was up anyway. Wreck woke me up at the crack of dawn to have quality time.” He rolled his eyes and shook his head as he turned into the bathroom. The sound of running water filled her senses a few seconds later.

“Wait, you were with Wreck? Alone?” she asked, peeking around the corner.

He was unzipping his pants, so she turned around to give him privacy, facing the wall of the bathroom.

“I don’t care if you look, woman. I’ve been inside you. Plus, I’m pretty sure everyone saw my naked ass while the Fastlanders were transporting my barbecued carcass here.”

“I was tranquilized in the back of the Hummer, listening to the Fastlanders freak out over the big gorilla coming for them.”

He laughed. “I’ve still got it.”

“I’d say.” She cleared her throat and told him, “I’ll give you some privacy.”

“Stay if you want.” The metal rings of the shower curtain screeched across the curtain rod.

Katrina had never been in a room with a man while he was showering before. She and Rook had lived separately. She had lived in an apartment with the other mates he was collecting.

It was strange, being this familiar with a man. “Are we breaking any rules?”

The water splashed as he began to shower. “What do you mean?”

“You don’t have a mate?” She needed to know for sure.

“I almost did. Wreck told me this morning she is moved on and paired up. She has a little baby girl now.”

“Ooooh.” Her heart jumped into her throat. “That is some big news. Are you okay?”

“Yep. I had a little moment, but I’m relieved more than anything. We were dry and unemotional. Unattached. Distance was comfortable and we just never really settled into a rhythm together. The family group thought we were good, and the genetic lines would’ve worked well for offspring.”

“Offspring,” she said softly. “Sounds so formal.”

“It was. I did care for her. I was protective, but if my reaction is relief and feeling happy for her when I find out she’s claimed by another male, I’m pretty sure my animal didn’t bond to her.”

“I’m probably going to obsess over this conversation,” she said with a nervous laugh.

“Why?”

“Because I’m a woman.”

He moved the curtain to the side and cocked his head, his gaze boring right into her. “What kind of reassurance do you need? Ask your questions.”

“I have no right.”

“Sure you do. I invited you to stay in here while I shower. I’ve never done that. I didn’t like going with Wreck today because we went too far away, and I didn’t want anyone messing with you. I held you last night and didn’t want to push you away. You have a right to ask what you want. Ask, and I’ll decide what I want to answer. If you don’t ask, there is no chance of you getting answers though.”

“Was she pretty?”

“Gorgeous. Dyed, platinum-blonde hair, full lips, high cheekbones. Long legs. No scars on her face.” He pushed the shower curtain open, and she could so easily see him showering. He was splashing a little as he shampooed his hair, so she brought a towel over and placed it on the floor.

Fast as she dared, she glanced up at his naked body as shampoo suds raced in streams down his tattooed back. He was perfect.

She swallowed hard and retreated to the countertop, where she sat, dragged her knees up, and cradled her warm coffee. She took a sip, and then another, as she dared quick glances at him. This felt so intimate, and he didn’t seem to feel awkward at all. Just confident.

She liked it.

“How long were you together?”

“A couple of years.”

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