Page 50 of Twisted Union

“I didn’t cry. That didn’t happen last night. I think you’re imagining things.”

“Hey, it’s ok you cried. Sometimes that happens to women.”

She sneers. “Oh? And you’re an expert on women, are you?”

“Actually, I am.” I smile at her. “Still want that backrub?”

Gemma mutters under her breath as she turns to the ensuite bathroom. “Fine. Let’s go.”

“Great! Why the change of heart?” I ask as I follow her.

“You’re just going to pester me until I give in, so I might as well give in now.”

I laugh as I turn the bathtub knob, letting the tub fill up with water. “Are you ever going to let go of your dress? I don’t think you want to get into the tub with it.”

Gemma shoots me a look before dropping the dress. God, her body is exquisite. Then it’s gone too soon because she gets into the tub, letting the water cover her. Damn.

I get in behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist and pulling her against me. “See? This isn’t so bad, is it?” I start kneading her upper back. “A back rub, a bathtub, a …”

“I’m going to hit you if you keep trying to rhyme.”

I chuckle and give the back of her neck a quick peck. Gemma sucks in a breath. She can deny it all she wants. I know she’s affected by this.

“How are you feeling this morning?” I ask. My fingers trail down to the middle of her back.

“Do you really care?”

I pause. “Yes, I do.”

Gemma sighs and melts back against me. I return to giving her upper back some attention. “Sore. It was … rough.”

“Yeah. That’s how fucking should be. Do you not like it like that?”

“No. I did.” She shoots me a glare. “But if you ever tell anyone I liked it, then I’ll kill you myself.”

“You haven’t been able to kill me yet, so I’m not holding my breath.”

She shakes her head, a small smile on her lips. “I did enjoy it. It was just … a lot. I’m not used to it.”

“Then we’ll just have to fuck a hundred more times for you to get used to it.”

She sticks her tongue at me, and I kiss her. Gemma melts into me, kissing me back with equal intensity.

Just when I’m reaching down to touch her ass, she pulls back. “I just want to lie here.” She settles against my chest. “That’s ok, right?”

“Tease,” I mutter.

Her laughter is airy and light.

“Serious question.” I roam my hands up and down her arms, making her sigh. “Why did you cry last night?”

She tenses. “Why do you want to know?”

“Maybe I want to learn more about you.”

After a moment, she speaks. “I just realized how much I missed my family. They weren’t there for my wedding. It hit me hard. They’re probably worried about me, and there’s nothing I can do.”

There’s that flash of guilt again. Damn.

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