Page 50 of Regally Binding

“I know,” he teased.

She giggled, which was a relief after everything. This man relaxed her, no matter her emotions. “I need a shower.”

A movement in Bear’s groin surprised her.

“Right,” he said with a cough. His awkwardness made Liss smile again. “I’ll leave you to it.”

“I can’t do it alone.” Liss hurried her words. He twitched beneath her, and she blushed. She forced her shoulders to relax. “I need help because of my arm. I was hoping Isla would be here by now to help.”

“She can’t be much longer. You don’t want me helping you while you’re…” He didn’t finish his sentence and instead cleared his throat. Was saying naked too much for the burly bodyguard? “And you suggested it was hurting less.”

But Liss didn’t want to jar it before the evening. She wanted to dance in the beautiful dress Bear paid for at her party. Still, that meant being naked with Bear.

“Pass me my phone,” Liss said, chewing at her cuticles. Maybe Isla could rescue her. Bear leaned back and grabbed the phone while holding her close.

“There’s a message,” Liss said with shaky laughter. Bear let out a breath. “But it says she can’t be here until five, and that will only give us enough time to do my hair and make-up. We’ll need to leave straight after that. I need to shower now.”

Even Bear’s deliciously citrus smell wasn’t enough to mask the scent of her stale sweat, and she needed to look incredible for the party. It was a big deal, and she was desperate to show Marianne she was worthy of joining the family. It made theprospect of being naked in front of Bear a minor problem, but it was still a problem. She trembled. Maybe if she took painkillers before she showered, it would be okay.

Bear looked at his watch, but she didn’t need him to confirm it was only three. She must get in the shower.

“Okay,” Bear said gruffly, shaking his head. “What do you need me to do?”

A zip of excitement filled her body. “I can undress by myself.” It would be difficult, but she’d do it to make the moment easier. “But I’ll need you to wash my hair and ensure I don’t slip when I get out. That’s all.”

“That’s all,” he repeated gruffly and nodded slowly.

“You can close your eyes as you do it. And remember that guy I sent a sexy picture to? He didn’t reply, so my body can’t be that good,” she reasoned for him. Bear pursed his lips. “For all you know, I have boils and blotches on my bum.”

“Don’t say bum,” he replied, easing her off his lap. Liss worried her lip as he fumbled with words. “And I’m sure it’s….” Bear sighed loudly. “It doesn’t matter. Just get undressed.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll get you a towel and help you into the shower with my eyes closed.”

“Cool, thank you,” Liss replied.

The situation was anything but cool.

Bear shuffled across the room and retrieved a towel. Even as she meandered to the bathroom, he wouldn't meet her eyes. She shivered as her damp T-shirt caught the air. She turned, and he shoved a towel at her, his gaze still firmly on the floor. “Shout when you need me. I’ll be on the other side of the door.”

“Okay.”

He remained in the bedroom as Liss stepped into the bathroom. She unsnapped her shorts and caught Bear’s eye in the mirror’s reflection. He sat motionless on the bed and did a double take when she accidentally made eye contact. Lisssmirked when the phone that he was turning toppled out of his hand. Bear’s ears bloomed bright red as he dropped his head to the floor and turned to face the wall before remembering the phone. Liss giggled as she attempted to get her shorts down.

“Stop giggling. I didn’t realise I could see you in the mirror,” Bear grunted, but his voice was raspy and dry.

“Sorry,” she said, giggling again as she waggled her bum in a clumsy attempt at getting her shorts off without hurting her arm. As they touched the floor, she announced, “Shorts down. I’m getting there.”

“I don’t need you to commentate,” Bear grumbled. Liss rechecked the mirror. He was tapping his hand restlessly against his thigh. His trousers appeared tented.

“Focus,” she whispered, pulling at her T-shirt with her right hand. She winced as she attempted to lift the hem of the top up and over her head, but she couldn’t get the angle without twisting her injured wrist. Liss took a deep breath and pressed her lips together as she counted to five. She tried again, but the pain was so sharp every time she got close, it ripped through her body. Liss didn’t want to make it worse before the party. She tried again.

“Fuck,” she cried out.

“What happened?” Bear shouted.

“Nothing.”

“Princess,” Bear warned, “I’m coming in the bathroom unless you say otherwise.”

“Fine,” she snapped, still standing awkwardly. The pain was nothing compared to the arousal pulsating through her. Goose pimples rose on her skin at the sight of an awkward Bear pulling on the back of his neck, with his sleeves rolled up, revealing his forearms and a little of his tattoos. All she wore were knickers and a T-shirt. She’d removed her bra one-handed before her nap.

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