Page 101 of Always

“It’s possible. I hear things in my circles that don’t become common knowledge. Beau Reardon sometimes uses unconventional methods to get what he wants.”

I can’t tell her more. Not without verifiable evidence, which I never had the need to obtain.

Until now, that is.

“I’ll take care of it,” I say succinctly.

“How?”

“Does it matter?”

“Well…yeah. I don’t want you getting into trouble.”

“I won’t get into any trouble. Don’t worry. But the Reardons and Garrett will wish they’d never crossed a friend of mine when I’m done with them. Now, let’s get you that warm bath I promised you.”

I lead Skye back to my bedroom. “Relax and undress. I’ll run that bath.”

I go into my bathroom and turn on the faucets to my jetted tub. When the water is at the right temperature—not too hot, but more than lukewarm—I plug the drain and add some lavender essential oil to the water as the tub fills and steam rises. I turn the jets onto low so they give the water the gentlest of swirls.

“Come in now,” I say to Skye.

She walks into the steamy bathroom, her nipples hard and her skin flushed.

I undress and help her into the tub. Then I enter and pull her against my chest.

She lets out a relaxed sigh.

Good. She needs this. Not just because of her worry for Tessa, but her body needs this soothing. Anal sex—especially the first time—takes its toll on the body. The fragrant water will help ease her soreness.

I move my hand slowly up and down her arm, just the whisper of a touch.

We bathe for about twenty minutes. When the water begins to cool, I kiss her neck. “Lean forward, baby.”

I step out of the tub, wrap a towel around my waist, and then grab another from the warmer and hold it out for Skye.

She steps out, looking beautiful with the water dropsmeandering over her wet body.

My cock reacts, but I’ll hold myself in check tonight.

Skye’s body needs a rest.

And her mind needs a rest as well.

I’ll hold her in my arms as she falls into slumber. I’ll massage her, soothe her, whisper to her that Tess is all right. That this isn’t her fault.

Because it’s not.

And because I love her.

…

Skye doesn’t budge when my phone alarm blares at five a.m.

I turn it off quickly, lean over to kiss her cheek, and scramble out of bed before I let myself turn her to her side and slide into her from behind.

God, it’s tempting.

I’m hard with morning wood and horny as hell for the naked woman in my bed.

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