Page 69 of Indecent Ventures

We both yell loudly as we come together.

I’m completely lifeless on top of him as I catch my breath. He sinks his head into my neck and inhales deeply.

“I love the smell of our sex.”

I can’t form words. “Hmm.”

This is normally the time I would insist on him untying me so I can leave. I have no desire to do that right now.

He kisses up my neck and whispers, “I’m going to draw us a bath.”

“Hmm.”

He slides out from under me and stands.

I collapse onto the bed and turn my head. “Unfasten me first.”

He bites his lip. “You’re not going to escape when I’m in the bathroom, are you?”

I smile. “Not today. My legs are Jell-O. I don’t think I can even stand let alone escape.” I look into his eyes. “I don’t want to escape. I promise.”

And that’s the moment things really shift for us. He breaks out into the biggest smile I’ve ever seen in my life. Just like that, my once cold heart begins to thaw. It’s warming for Collin Fitz.

* * *

An hourlater we’re still in the bath. We keep topping it off with warm water. He’s taken care of me in a way I’ve never known possible. He’s carefully washed every inch of my body. I’m not sure why I’ve denied myself this for the past few months. It’s heavenly to feel so cared for.

I’m laying between his legs, my back to his front. He runs his lips up and down my neck. “Tell me your deepest, darkest secrets.”

I smile. “I only tell my therapist those.”

“You have a therapist?”

“Yes. I’ve been with her since I was eight years old. I was a miserable fucker to my father when he first came into my life. My mom made me start seeing her every week for years until I finally let him in. Now I only see her monthly, but I do still like talking to her about things. It keeps my head clear. It’s like having a committee on life decisions. I’m not always level-headed, so she does that for me.”

“What’s her name?”

“Dr. Pearl.”

“What’s her first name?”

I think for a moment and then start laughing. “I don’t know. I’ve been seeing her for almost fifteen years, and I don’t know her first name.”

“Maybe you should ask her.”

“I definitely will.” I lean back into him. “You don’t think it’s weird that I see a therapist?”

“No. Why would I think that? If it helps you, it’s a good thing. It’s healthy to talk to someone. We could all probably use someone like that.”

“I think I mostly like pushing her buttons. I take satisfaction in it. It entertains me.”

He lets out a laugh. “I have no doubt about that.”

I lift my head and trace the tattoo on his left arm. “Will you tell me about this?”

He grunts. “I hate it. It was a young, drunken night with my brothers. It’s a Claddagh ring.”

“What’s that?”

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