Page 51 of A Pawn in the Game
My pulse picks up, being locked in a room with another man I don’t fully trust. Trying to focus on my surroundings, I notice the couch is gone.
The couch where everything happened last night. The scratched marks on the hardwood floor signal it used to be there. I hadn’t imagined it. But it’s gone.
Tears form in my eyes, but I push them back. Marko hasn’t even noticed I’m awake, but I’m still on edge, looking around to see what could be used to defend myself. I know Marko. He’s not Zvone. But my survival instincts obviously know better than to relax.
I can’t even get up from the bed, because I’m still just in my underwear. And my sweats are nowhere to be found. I try to calm my now racing breath and the door opens.
Luka.
My hands relax instantly, letting go of the grip I had on the sheets. My heart skips a beat, but my breath evens out, slowing my pulse.
His gaze lifts to mine, and he looks to the side, as if ashamed. Still, he walks up to the bed, carrying a bag of food, as well as some clothes.
“You can go,” he says to Marko, and he hums in response before leaving, barely sparing a glance at me. “Here’s your food. And some clothes. They’re mine, but hopefully they’ll work until I get your sweats clean.”
“Where did you go?” My voice is breathless.
“I had to take care of some things.” He glances at the place where the couch used to be. “And take a shower.”
“I need a shower,” I say, just remembering.
“Sure.”
I enter the bathroom feeling fine, but my anxiety quickly gets the best of me. My throat constricts, reminding me of when I couldn’t be alone after mom’s death.
I couldn’t be alone and the only person available to me was the person responsible for it. It was when I first started self-harming. Physical pain was the only thing that could relieve my emotional pain. But it’s different now. Luka makes me feel safe.
I wash my hands and brush my teeth quickly, making a decision.
“Could you keep me company while I shower?” I ask, opening the door. His eyes widen so I clarify. “Being alone in the bathroom induces my anxiety.”
He gulps before dipping his chin. Following me inside, we both stop when we realize the very real problem we have.
They used the shower curtain to wrap Zvone’s body. There’s no way not to be exposed.
He turns to leave, but I stop him, grabbing his arm. “It’s okay. I can shower in this.”
I’m still wearing panties and a tank top from last night. His teeth grind, making his discomfort obvious, but he doesn’t leave.
I tie my hair in a messy bun, because it doesn’t need to be washed and get inside the bathtub. My clothes get drenched with warm water as soon as I step underneath the spray. They stick to my skin, but the sensation isn’t uncomfortable. I feel the soft cotton on the peaks of my breasts, as well as the apex of my thighs. Luka is facing the door, to give me some privacy, but a tiny spot in my core wishes he’d turn around. I remember the way he made me feel last night. The way he made me forget about the trauma I just went through and made my body hum with pleasure. The way he made me feel alive. The pour of the water slowly turns caressing, making my nipples tighten and my core clench. I try to focus on showering as best as possible, but every touch of my hand leaves me aching for more.
I’m emotional, I know. Yesterday was a lot. But finally, anxiety has taken a back seat in my head, allowing my desires to take over.
A quiet moan escapes me as my hand connects to my pussy in a purely utilitarian way. Luka’s shoulders stiffen, but he doesn’t turn around.
I wish he did.
Suddenly, just like last night, the thought overtakes my mind. Similar to a panic attack, I’m overwhelmed by the desperate need for him to see me. Touch me.
Turning off the faucet, I place the shower head onto its stand and raise my leg to exit the bathtub. Water drips from my soaked clothes straight to the floor, but I couldn’t care less.
Ineedhim to see me.
With both of my feet firmly planted outside of the tub, I gently clear my throat.
“Luka?”
“Yeah?” His voice is hoarse, like he just smoked a cigar.
