Page 29 of Breakaway

“Have you ever given yourself one?”

“I—ah think so. One of the girls in juvie talked about it a lot. Told us how to do it.”

“Umm.” Slowly I ease her into a loose embrace. When she relaxes against my chest I continue with a glimmer of hope. “Have you ever been in a whirlpool tub?”

She shakes her head.

“How about I make some herbal tea and we go relax in a nice warm tub. Just decompress for a little bit.”

“Shouldn’t we be doing something?”

“Staying safe is what we need to do. Resting and relaxing so that we’re ready when they need us. I’ll have my phone.”

Placing the tea mugs, my phone and the portable security monitor on the table near the tub, I fill it with water and a touchof the recommended lavender bubbles. She watches every move. Stripping out of my clothes, I step into the tub and hold my hand out to her.

I somewhat school my reaction as her gaze travels over my tattoo covered shoulder, bicep and lower to the one by my V. Her eyes widen at my erection.

“I didn’t realize you had…tattoos.”

I stifle my chuckle at her candor. She needs to know that I’m under control. “Part of my self-expression during college.”

“I’ve always wanted one.”

“Once things are settled, we’ll get you one.”

I see the question in her look. She doesn’t know it yet, but once this is over, I’m not letting her go. I’ve waited a long time forthe one. I won’t give up easily.

She drops the robe she’d changed into, takes my hand and steps into the frothing water. “Humm, this feels good.”

Fuck, she’s even more beautiful than I expected. Sleek, toned, defined. Her gorgeous breasts, with the rose-colored nipples will perfectly fill my palms.

Don’t go there. That’s not what she needs right now. She needs cuddling.

“Turn around so your back is to my chest. Then I’ll sit and help you, so you don’t slip.”

Once she’s reclined against my chest, I hand her the honey and chamomile tea. Hopefully it will help her relax.

“This feels so good.”

“It’s really nice after a massage. All the aches and pains, all the stresses, just seem to soak away. Have you taken advantage of the masseuse that Clark hired for the team?”

“Not yet.”

“Okay, we’re adding it to the top of the agenda for soon.”

My phone vibrates and I check the message. “Mel has Tatum and he’s taken her to his house where he has his own security.”A few minutes later Clark lets us know he has Leslie, Steph and Meagan. Teddie is in the country with her wife. She and the local authorities have been notified. They haven’t been able to find Missy.”

“Do you think Missy will be okay since she’s been working for them?”

I’m not surprised that even though Missy has been a bitch and a traitor, Cat is still worried about her. “Hopefully.”

I finish my tea and she hands me her empty cup. With nothing to hold she slowly relaxes into the curve of my body. She feels so good, so right, in my arms. This tub was a sexual fantasy of mine for years. I’m glad she’s the first and only woman I’ve shared this with. Once this is settled, hopefully she’ll help me really break it in.

Gently, I stroke a curved palm up and down her arm, then lock our fingers together. “You’re the first woman I’ve ever invited into my tub.”

“But not the first to your home.”

“I wish I could say differently, but I’ve had one guest. One time, if that makes you feel better. I told you I’m not a player. I’d been dating her on and off for a while and she showed up here one night. The evening didn’t end well, and I never saw her again. I ah, donated all the bedding and bought new, just so you know.”

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