Ethan cupped her chin. "I told you, luv."

Her heart skipped a beat even as a shiver of fear skittered down her spine.

"I'm not going to be gentle."

And he proved this over...and...over...and...over...until Anah finally lost count of the number of times he had made her cum.

ANAH WAS HUMMING INthe shower.

Ethan heard it as soon as he woke up, and the sound...ah, Jesus...the sound made him want to laugh even as it cut his heart in halves. She was hummingBaby Sharkof all things, but what was more surprising was how she managed to still be out of tune even with a baby song.

How the fuck was that even possible?

Sunlight struck his gaze as Ethan got out of bed, the covers falling to reveal the muscular panes of his naked body. He turned towards the window while raising a hand to shield his view.

Morning still.

He glanced at the LED clock mounted on his wall.

08:35. Monday.

Ethan swore in his mind.

He should've remembered she had classes today, dammit. But because he had only been thinking with his dick last night, he had made love to Anah for hours. By the time Anah lost consciousness in his arms, dawn had already encroached upon the skies, and she hadn't even stirred when he used a warm washcloth to carefully wipe the blood and cum off her skin.

Memories drifted into play as Ethan turned to walk barefoot towards the shower, but it wasn't last night he found himself reliving. Instead, he remembered the way Anah had looked at him the day he came home...

Ethan's fists clenched.

It was the day he first found out that she was in love with him.

And until now, that look in her eyes...

It was still there. Not once had he seen it fade. Not even when he was hurting her. Not even when she knew he was leaving her to be with Guilia. Not fucking once.

So why God...

Why must it be now that Ethan found himself in the greatest danger of losing her, if Anah were to discover the truth?

The mere thought crippled him, had his chest so fucking tight Ethan had to forcefully drag air back into his lungs.Anah.She was suddenly all he could think about, and fear ignited a desperate need within him. He needed to see her.Now.

He didn't bother knocking as he entered the shower, and even Anah's startled cry didn't make him pause in his stride. In moments, he had her in his arms, and a shudder of relief rocked Ethan's powerful body.

"Ethan?"

The concern in her tone hurt, and he found himself tightening his hold on her.

"What's wrong?"

A question he wished to God he had the courage to answer, but because the thought of losing her still terrified the fuck out of him, all he could do was push her against the wall and take her mouth with his.

I'm sorry, luv.

I'm sorry.

And because this was Anah, his sweet little Anah who always heard every word his soul whispered...

She kissed him back just as her arms went around him.