Page 94 of Merciless

“What—” Her words are cut off as she looks at the shelf.

“You can thank me later,” I tell her before cupping her breasts again with my soapy hands.

I watch her expression as I run my hands over every inch of her body, soaping her up and washing away the last few days of her being stuck in that cell.

23

ALANA

My head falls back as the warmth of the water and JD’s giant hands rush over my body.

I’ve pretty much been cold since Reid slammed the door to my cell on Saturday night. And while I might not know exactly how many days ago that was, I know that aside from my previous shower with JD’s burning stare, I’ve been cold ever since.

It has to have been a few days now.

No one has said any more about Mav and what he’s doing, but something tells me that he hasn’t given up.

He’ll still be out there looking for me, trying to find any hint about where I went.

My heart aches every time I think about him going home alone. Doing the things that we used to do together without me.

Margarita Monday. Taco Tuesday. I’m pretty sure both of those have passed.

“W-what day is it?” I blurt.

JD’s hands pause at my question.

His eyes meet mine, searching for something I already know he won’t find before he leans in.

My breath catches as I wait for him to kiss me, but it never comes. Instead, his lips brush across my jaw, sending a violent shudder of desire through me before his hot breath rushes down my neck, making my entire body taut with need.

“Thursday,” he whispers, his voice rough with desire. “Why? Did you have plans?”

I shake my head slowly.

Other than being forced to work for Victor, my life revolved around Mav before I was locked up in here.

He encouraged me to apply to college when it was looking likely I’d graduate from high school, but I refused, aware that the only person who would be paying for it was him. He’d already done enough, spent enough. I wasn’t accepting anything else. But without college, I had nothing. I wanted to do something, but my employment options in the Creek were slim pickings. I wanted something for me, something of my own, and working in a store dealing with the shoplifting and violence this town breeds wasn’t it.

Mav assured me that I didn’t need to bring any money into the house, and while that made me feel useless as fuck, I was grateful. I promised myself that one way or another, I’d repay him for everything he’s given me. I just had to hope the right thing would come along at the right time. And while I waited, I made sure the house was perfect in every way possible. I cleaned, tidied up, did the washing and all the usual stuff, but I also began refurbishing furniture and turning my hand to fixing things. It was fun, giving something old and boring a new lease on life.

“Good, because I do,” JD says, dragging me from my memories. “And they all involve hearing you scream my name in person.”

“In pers— Oh God.” I moan when he sucks on the sensitive patch of skin behind my ear. “Yes, please.”

“So fucking hot when you beg, Dove.”

He kisses down my neck and to my collarbone before his lips lift from my body. My nipples harden and ache in the most delicious way. He knows it too, because his eyes are locked on them when he pulls back.

“Beautiful,” he murmurs. “I can’t wait to play.”

His eyes raise from my chest and lock on mine.

I’ve been with more men than I’d be willing to count in my life. I’ve endured much, much more than most other young women, but the way he looks at me. I’ve only experienced that once before and it makes my heart ache in the best kind of way.

“Do it,” I whisper, completely overwhelmed by the moment and everything I can read in JD’s eyes.

“No, little dove,” he states fiercely. “Not until I’m happy with how they’re healing.”

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