Page 103 of Tabitha

My core clenches around his fingers, ripples of pleasure echoing through me, and I shiver at his possessive claim. Only when he’s satisfied does he drag me back under the water. He slowly washes my hair, massaging my scalp, and my head falls forward to rest against his shoulder.

I take another minute to enjoy his touch before I capture his hands, then kiss his knuckles. “If you keep touching me, we’re never going to leave the bathroom. Go. Fix your wounds. I’ll finish here, and we can meet downstairs for lunch.”

* * *

RIVER

Ipout for a moment before finally relenting, knowing I’m not the only one who wants to spend time with Tabitha. She deserves to be pampered. If I need to give up a little bit of my time with her now, then I’ll be the bigger man.

For her.

“Fine, but we’re going to continue this later.” I kiss her hard, stealing one last taste of her. It’s not enough, it will never be enough, but it will have to tide me over for now.

I walk out of the shower with a jaunty whistle, relaxed for the first time in what feels like ages. While the darkness in my soul hasn’t magically disappeared, the overwhelming gloom that clings to me has lessened considerably, her bright presence in my world helping ease the burden.

It will take time to heal. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to being a normal man, but I’m okay with that. Tabitha deserves more than a normal man. She deserves someone who would go to the ends of the earth for her, someone who is willing to burn down the world just to see her smile.

I’m singularly qualified for the job. I’ve walked through hell and come out the other side. Sheneedsme to protect her and keep the evils in the world from infecting her.

But I can’t take care of Tabitha on my own. I know my limitations. It breaks my heart that Tabitha is just as damaged as me, but she hasn’t let it consume her. She needs each of us to put her back together, needs us to keep her from sliding into the darkness.

I slap a few bandages on the worst of my injuries, making no pretenses of doing anything but watching Tabitha continue her shower. I sigh in appreciation at the gorgeous creature that has taken pity on my sorry ass and loves me, despite my flaws.

For her, I’ll claw myself out of the darkness.

I’ll be her suitor, her lover, her savior, or the very devil himself if anyone thinks to touch even a hair on her head.

For her, I’ll live.

She deserves every happiness, and I’m determined to do everything in my power to ensure she gets it, even knock sense into the other guys, if needed.

I sigh, deciding to leave her to finish up her shower on her own. I’m afraid if I linger any longer, I won’t be able to control my impulses and will end up joining her. Even now, my cock is just as hard—a familiar sensation whenever I’m around her—probably even harder now that I know what she feels like coming around my fingers and cock. It’s an addicting feeling, more exhilarating than even battle. Gathering the last of my willpower, I flash her a flirty wink and strut out of the room, naked as the day as I was born, loving the feel of her gaze on me.

Sticking to the plan, I grab the dress that I stashed under the bed. Gage gave it to me to deliver over an hour ago. I should’ve left afterwards, but it was impossible when I heard her cries of pleasure. Instead, I somehow found myself sitting at her door with no will to leave.

I spread out the gorgeous purple gown Gage somehow managed to procure. It’s his fucking superpower. No matter where we are in the world, he always seems to know where to get the things we need.

I finger the soft dress, then head toward the dresser and dig around in the drawers. I know it’s here somewhere, since I put it there myself. I don’t feel the least bit of shame as I search through her belongings until I find exactly what I want.

I place the sexy underwear on the bed, then nod my head.

Gage is a lucky man.

By the time the night is over, the fucker will be thanking me.

Chapter Thirty-two

TABITHA

When I enter the bedroom, I stop in surprise to find someone left out an outfit for me.

A dress I’ve never seen before today.

I touch the material hesitantly, the silky fabric sliding between my fingers, and my soul aches with longing. For the first time in my life, I desperately want what the men are offering.

I want the romance.

I want the dream.

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