Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 108721 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 362(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108721 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 362(@300wpm)
Looking at him, I forget to breathe, forget to function. I snap out of it when he grabs his already hard length, a sinister look filling his features as he strokes himself, the blood of my innocence staining his cock.
He steps into the shower stall, turning the big box into a tiny one with his size.
Normally, I’d feel anxious with his frame towering over me, but I feel safe and secure, and the hot water feels so good beating against my sore muscles that I can’t be bothered by any other emotions at the moment.
“Mine. All mine,” he whispers. I’m not sure if it’s to himself or me, but I don’t ask. Even if there are a ton of unsaid things hanging in the air between us, I can believe in one thing with complete trust, and that is that I belong to him.
When I grab the loofah and put soap on it, he crowds me and takes over, running the suds over my slick skin until I feel like I vibrate from his touch. After scrubbing me clean, he puts me back under the spray and rinses the suds away.
With a smile, I grab the loofah from him before he starts washing himself.
“Please, let me.”
He releases his hold on the sponge, and I run it across his chest, cleaning him just like he cleaned me. There’s a calmness that fills me, the pressure, fear, all of it melting away, and it’s like I can breathe for the first time in my life.
“You didn't get as many bruises as I did.”
“Well, you were the one running.” His response is casual.
“I guess you’re right.” He rinses and turns off the taps, then he reaches for me.
Pausing, he steps out of the shower and helps me to do the same. A puddle pools on the floor, but I can’t be bothered with the mess we’re making.
Leading me over to the now full bath, he turns the faucets off. A startled gasp slips from my lips when his hands circle my waist and he lifts me, gently placing me in the water. A blanket of warmth covers me from head to shoulder, and I sink into it.
“Oh my God…” I moan by accident.
It feels even better than the shower, and when he reaches forward and presses a button that makes the jets start, I swear I could melt into a puddle. I’ve only ever dreamed about taking a bath in this thing. He perches on the edge of the tub, his gaze sweeping over me.
“There’s enough room in here for three people if you want to get in, too?”
“I would, but then I’d be tempted to fuck you again.”
I can feel the heat creeping into my cheeks. He’s so blunt about sex. That’ll take some getting used to. I shake away the embarrassment and relax into the water, letting it soothe my aching muscles. I tip my head back against the lip of the tub, and his fingers sink into my hair, massaging my scalp gently.
Holy shit. My eyes flutter closed, and I greedily accept his touch.
“I didn’t know touch could feel this good. My whole life all I’ve known is pain.”
“I fucked up in the past, and I know I’ll fuck up in the future. It’s not in my nature to be perfect, even if I try, but I can promise you that no one will hurt you ever again.”
“That’s a big promise.” The words shudder out of me.
“It’s more than a promise. It’s the truth.” The darkness in his voice makes me open my eyes, and I stare up at him. Tragically beautiful. My dark knight.
“I trust you. I just…you might have to be patient with me. This is all so new, and we have so many things to discuss. Who knows, maybe you’ll change your mind.” It's more or less a joke, but Sebastian doesn’t see it that way.
His gentle touch becomes steel in a flash, and he grabs me by the hair. Tipping my head back at an uncomfortable angle, he forces me to look at him and only him.
“I know you’re afraid of what happens next, but you have no reason to be. I don’t regret what we did, and I don’t think you do either. Nothing we will discuss will change that you’re mine, completely, in every single way. Remember that whenever you have doubts. I’ve wanted you for so long, Ely. I’m done playing. I’m done pretending.”
I push up, needing his lips on mine.
He understands and leans forward, kissing me, and my entire world shifts. He devours me like he’s starving and possessed. His tongue probes my lips, and I open for him, letting him massage my own tongue, tasting me in long, hot strokes.
He’s breaking me free of my shell, helping me to see that I’m more than the old version of myself. I’m more than the maid, more than my father’s bargaining chip. I’m a woman who can be loved and cherished.