Page 44 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

“Oh, Lauren, right? She’s a doctor?”

“Yes. I'm not okay with her seeing me in this state, but I can't tell her to come some other time. She’ll just get worried.”

“That's nice to hear. Are you going to eat any more of the soup?”

“No.” Chase takes the pajama bottoms and puts them on not bothering to head into the closet. The bed dips with his weight as he lies on it, and he taps the other side. “Are you coming?”

“I need to take a shower, too. Go to bed.”

The events replay multiple times as the water pours over my head. I rub the entire length of my body, trying to wash the memories away. What if Chase had been shot? It looked like that man was going to kill him. What would I have done if I lost him today? He was already giving me a glimmer of hope to find love.

I pour some of his shampoo onto my palm and close my eyes shut, humming a tune as I massage my scalp. As I rinse off the lather and squeeze out the excess water, a silhouette catches my eye when I grab the body wash, causing my hands to freeze in place.

“Chase, I didn’t hear you come in. You’re supposed to be in bed.” The sound of running water and the song I was humming must have drowned out his footsteps.

“I couldn’t wait for you any longer, you were taking too long. You didn’t hear me because you were engrossed in your singing. Perhaps you were practicing in advance for the challenge.” He smirks and takes a few steps forward. I look down and note he’s still in his pajamas. I quickly avert my eyes when he notices me staring, getting ready to blame my blushing on the warm water. He takes a step forward.

“You’re going to get those wet.” I point to his pajamas. “And you’ll get wet again.”

“I don’t mind. Do you?” He asks, and I gulp. “The water’s quite warm. It’ll soothe any aches, so that’s a plus.”

“I’m already wet since I’m in the bathroom. You shouldn’t be getting wet again.” His eyes turn a darker shade of brown filled with desire at my words. “I mean, I’m under the showeralready.” He takes another step, closing the gap between us, and turning the knob to a much lighter downpour.

“Now, we both are.” He brushes his finger on my belly, and I giggle.

“That’s ticklish, Chase.” He grabs me by my waist and presses me against the wall, the thin layer of fabric rubbing against my thighs.

“You should take them off at least.” I twirl one leg around him, and he grasps it tightly.

“What?” He trails kisses from my neck placing little bites down to my belly, teasing.

“You know… what… I’m talking about.”

“You can do the honors. I don’t think I have the strength.” Taking that as my cue, I pull the waist of his trousers lower, but he doesn’t raise his head.

“Chase,” I run my hand through his hair prompting him to stand upright but he doesn’t.

“Nora,” he growls against my skin and flips me in the opposite direction. Looking at him over my shoulder, I watch his chest rise and fall as he stares at me in fascination. Images flash through my head of our bodies intertwining sending a thrill through me.

He slowly runs a hand down the length of my spine before settling on the arch of my back. Steam bounces off the walls, the heat only intensifying the pressure building up inside me, which is almost unbearable. He grabs my waist in a dominating grip and pushes fingers into me, slowly, then frantically, before he enters me. Each full thrust into me creates shooting sparks through my body. My walls clench tightly around him so hard that he loses control, quickly letting out strangled sounds. The climax slams into me causing me to cry out, and he follows after, releasing a loud grunt of pleasure.

I wrap my arms around him, needing to hold onto him for support, and feeling limp and exhausted. He grabs the washcloth, pours some body wash onto it and gently wipes between my legs, before moving to the rest of my body.

***

I wrap the towel around me loosely to see Chase staring at me, sipping a glass of water. “I found some pain meds. They're working already.” He shows me the sachet and makes his way to return it to the dresser, but I collect the sachet from him and gently push him back into the bed. “You really need to rest now. Go to bed.” I take a few steps and he tugs on my hand pulling me back to him.

“I know what I need, and I prefer being in bed with you.” My heart races as he wraps his arm around me, his lips lightly grazing my shoulder.

“Chase, Javier might come up again.” I rush out trying to steady my breath. “Or Joseph.”

“They won't bother us.” He takes my lips in a slow and long kiss cutting off my protest. Running my hands through his hair and feeling the damp yet soft texture, I let myself go into his embrace, taking in his musky scent as we break apart.

“You know, we were just in the shower.” I whisper into his ear. He smiles against my flesh, his stubble gently scratching my skin.

“It doesn’t matter.” He shifts back and looks into my eyes. “Nora,” he begins, his voice husky with need. “I was worried for us today. Leaving you behind that shelving unit was the only way to stop them. My heart was with you the entire time.”

“I know.” I run my fingers along his cheekbones down to the small stubble forming on his chin. “But I'm glad we're here.” I whisper into his ear, and I feel him shiver.

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