Page 158 of Aftershock
Each knot that falls away is followed by the brush of Alaric’s lips, by his fingers soothing the places where the restraints held me.
At least the stretch on my shoulders is no more.
“Come on, little devil.” His chest expands before he schools his expression. “We have a long day ahead of us.”
Needing to get things started just as much as he does, I wrap my arms around his neck, letting him carry me to the bathroom.
As Alaricand I shower together, the water seeps into the gags until they’re soaked through.
The sensation isn’t comfortable. More like strange.
Still far less strange and uncomfortable than what happened a few minutes ago when I used the bathroom. He crossed his arms over his chest and didn’t turn around, all so I couldn’t remove the gags.
He thinks he’s protecting your relationship. He loves you.
It was hard to remember that when I was painfully exposed to him.
I’m better now that it’s over. When he looks at me with so much affection. When his hands massage shampoo into my hair.
His ministrations are controlled, yet soothing. He’s being thorough, but never aggressive.
I’m not like his other captives.
I’m not.
Then again… What happens if, when he finally hears me out, he decides I’m lying?
What if his fears win out and our fairytale turns into a tragedy?
A shudder ripples through me. My hands shiver on his waist, not knowing whether to hold on or let go.
“Shh.”
One of his arms loops around me, his hand splaying over the curve of my spine. He’s both keeping me upright and pulling me toward him.
And though his cock throbs between us, Alaric doesn’t try to force anything on me.
I’m safe.
“I’m not going to hurt you,” he reassures me for the umpteenth time. “I never will.”
I should remind him that gagging me and locking me up does, in fact, hurt me.
Can’t.
First, there are the gags. Second, I won’t blame him for doing what he thinks is best for us.
He’ll come around.
Don’t you dare doubt him, Lilith.
I’ll do my best,I answer the voice in my head.I won’t give up on him.
When my body and hair are clean, Alaric wraps his fingers around my throat. His gaze is dark and burrows into me as he shampoos and then soaps himself with one hand.
I shouldn’t get distracted. I shouldn’t let how hot he is throw me off.
I totally do.
