Page 39 of Shutter and Sin
He claims he won’t lay a finger on me without permission, that he’s content to wait, playing the long game until I’m the one begging for it.
Fine.
Let’s test that promise.
I step into the bathroom, leaving the door wide open, and the mattress rustles behind me as he shifts.
I reach for the hem of my blouse.
“Zoya.” His voice drops, carrying an edge of warning. “What are you doing?”
“Taking a shower.” I pull the blouse over my head and drop it on the floor. “I need to wash off the stress.”
Silence comes from the bedroom.
I reach behind my back and unhook my bra, letting it fall. Cool air hits my bare skin.
“There’s a door,” he says, his voice sounding tight. “Use it.”
“Can I?” I unbutton my trousers, shoving them down and kicking them aside. “You said this was our room. That means sharing the space, not just when it's convenient for you.”
I hook my thumbs in the waistband of my underwear and pause. “So why should I hide?”
I slide them down and kick them aside.
Naked now, I avoid looking back. There’s no need when his heavy gaze feels like a hand pressing against my skin. I step into the shower and turn on the water. The initial splash is cold, forcing a sharp breath as my skin prickles, before the heat arrives with a rush of steam. I tip my head back and let it soak my hair, closing my eyes, pretending I’m alone.
I hear him approach, his footsteps measured and steady.
My eyes stay closed.
He stops at the edge of the shower, his presence a heavy weight radiating warmth through the mist. “You’re testing limits here.” Alexei’s voice drops, roughened and barely controlled.
“You think so?” I look at him finally.
He’s right up against the glass, his breath probably fogging it up. He’s just in his boxers and undershirt. There’s nothing relaxed about him.
But his eyes, his eyes are devouring me.
His gaze tracks every curve and drop of water as it slides down my skin. He looks hungry and desperate. The cold control from last night is gone, replaced by a raw, dark intensity.
“You said you wouldn’t touch me.” I turn to face him fully, giving him the view he wants. “You said you’d wait until I begged.”
“That’s correct.”
“What’s the issue?” I move closer to the glass, my breath fogging the other surface. “Watch all you want, Alexei. It’s been your hobby for five years, hasn’t it? Just observing me.”
His jaw twitches visibly. “You have no idea what you’re starting.”
“I’m fully aware.” I flash an innocent smile. “It's my bathroom too, I'm just using it.” I tilt my head. “Care to join?”
Bending, I retrieve the underwear from the soaked tile and throw it in his direction through the opening. His hand flies up, catching them from the air. It’s quick and automatic, like a pet snatching a treat. The realization of what he’s holding hits him, and his expression shifts. His features darken, a fierce hunger flickering across his face as his grip tightens.
I can’t stop the laugh that comes.
“Such a good boy.”
His eyes snap to mine, dangerous and sharp, as his control slips further. “You find this entertaining?”
