Page 31 of Knot that Simple

The quiet minute stretched on, his face serious, like he was working hard on letting something out that was supposed to stay in.

“Let me take care of you.” His big hand covered mine, the need in my gut growing once again. I just nodded.

He took me by the hand this time, easing my fears. I watched him finish with the bath while I waited, leaning against the sink, my arms still around my midsection.

I liked watching Lorcan. He was patient and precise with his movements. I could tell he took everything he did a little too seriously.

Once it was done, he came to me and wordlessly helped me out of my clothes.

My breathing turned heavy, my nipples taut when he removed all my layers and I stood naked in front of him. He was so careful with me, so gentle. It was hard to imagine a fisherman that size could be this soft.

Lorcan extended his hand to clasp mine like he was leading me to a ball. He helped me to the tub, making sure I was comfortable with the temperature as I sank into the fragrant waters.

I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes, resting my back against the tub.

“Eucalyptus is going to help clear your mind.”

He was stood beside me, holding a luffa but unsure how to go about it. I pinned my curls into a pile on top of my head and smiled. “Wash me.”

I couldn’t ever imagine myself being so bold to say something like that out loud, and yet, the words escaped me freely. Lorcan wanted me to say them, so I did.

He crouched quickly, dipping the luffa into the water and starting with my arm. I watched as he cleaned my damp skin with reverence, quiet as ever, giving me a chance to just look at him.

The grey hair, the frown always between his dark eyebrows. He was handsome in a way I couldn't even describe.

“I always wanted to do this,” he whispered, catching me by surprise. My eyes found him. He cleared his throat and continued soaping me. “Take care of my omega. I’m scared to blink in case you disappear.”

“I’ll still be here,” I guarantee.

He nodded but looked even more troubled. “It doesn’t feel real,mo chroí. I wanted you for so long, and I’m not talking about just the idea of an omega. You’re perfect. You, Gabriela. You’re gorgeous, kind, and clever. I’ve only known you for a day, and my heart doesn’t belong to me anymore. How did you do that? How did you reach here,” he poked his chest. “So quickly?”

I tipped my head to the side. “What doesmo chroímean? You said it twice already.”

He swallowed but didn't answer, so I gripped the edge of the tub, sliding to him and ignoring the water that moved and sloshed around. We were so close like this, nose to nose, and I whispered another question, afraid that if I said it out loud, I’d spook him.

“Tell me the truth, Lorcan. What would you do if you weren’t so afraid?”

His eyes heated instantly, and I bit the inside of my cheek not to show the satisfaction I felt blossoming in my chest.

“I’d forget the sponge and use my hands, starting with those perfect nipples. I’m dying to feel them. I want to feel your body, to bring you pleasure like you let my pack brothers do. I want to fill you, stretch your cunt around me.”

A light bulb lit up, and I realized this was the longest sentence he said to me. I wanted to explore that, and not only because his words drove me back to that impossible place with my heat. I wanted to free myself while I was freeing him too.

I was already braver than I ever thought possible. Lorcan melted me. His need broke my heart and built me up a more powerful woman. I needed him to touch me, to feel I was here, that I was real.

“I think you should touch me.”

He released a painful breath, his eyes closing in pain for just a second before his hand closed around my shoulder, kneading the muscle gently before it followed down my arms. My mouthparted in a whisper I didn’t dare let out, and his hands found their way up my belly, over the rolls and soft skin to find my heavy breasts.

I felt him shudder behind me, his warm breath on my ear making my toes curl.

He took me into his hands, his thumb circling my nipples, flicking them as I breathed out, throwing my head back to rest on his shoulder.

“You’re a gift,mo chroí.”

I moaned, letting out the tension building inside me. His mouth fell open on my neck, tasting my skin and humming in approval.

“Lorcan...” I called him.

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