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“Hmm,” was all she said in reply. She eyed me carefully over her takeout container. “I like it, I will say that.”
“Not going to get stuck on the number of women that have done this with me, are you?”
Mia giggled. It was the first bit of normalcy that had slipped into our evening since we got her home. I attributed it to the wine we were enjoying. It was loosening her up and relaxing her, along with the bath.
“No, I’m not going to get hung up on it.” She watched me, a question on her lips.
“Ask it,” I told her.
She grinned. “You still know me so well.”
“Yes, I do.” I grinned back at her. “What’s your question?”
“How did you figure this out? We never took baths when we were together. In fact, I think I remember you turning your nose up at the idea of it.”
She was right, I had. “I dated a woman who enjoyed baths, and one time, I tweaked my back while working out. She drew me a bath and said it would help. I, of course, didn’t want anything to do with it at first. But she talked me into it. It actually helped.”
“Ah, okay.” Mia took another sip of wine and set her container down on the side of the tub. “Well, this is quite nice. I think I like this new skill you’ve picked up.”
“Good, I’m glad.”
I set my own container down and scooted around the tub until I was beside her. “Come here. Lay your back against me.”
She did as I asked, and we sat there a while.
“Hmm,” she hummed. “Now this is nice. I could get used to this.”
“There is something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.” I felt her tense a bit.
“Okay.”
“Relax.” I reached up and massaged her shoulders. “I just wanted to see if you would mind staying with me. Or I could stay with you until things with Chad are figured out. I don’t want you to be by yourself at night.”
“Just at night or all the time? How far does my lockdown go?”
She had a teasing smile on her face, but I knew it was just a façade. She was trying to be okay with it, but she wanted her freedom. Mia was independent, this much I knew. And she wouldn’t like the constant contact I desperately wanted until Chad was dealt with. But I was going to move slow. I wasn’t going to push things.
“Just for the nights, okay? I don’t want you leaving work or sleeping alone.”
“I’m thinking you just threw that last part in there to appease me. Am I right?” Mia twisted in the bath so I could catch her profile. There was a smile on her face, but I could tell it was forced. It didn’t meet her eyes.
“Well, kinda. I don’t want to push you. I just want to keep you safe.” I went for honesty—short and to the point. The smile I was rewarded with was worth it all.
“Okay, I’ll concede to that much.”
“Thank you for accommodating me.” I winked at her and pulled her back against me, kissing her shoulder. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.”
I felt her relax against me. She didn’t say anything in reply, but that was all right with me. The subject was closed, and we lay there for a little while longer.
“Can you do me a favor?” she asked.
“Sure, anything for you,” I told her.
“Take me to your bed and make love to me.” The words slipped from her mouth, and I felt her hold her breath.
“Mia,” I said. I wasn’t sure that was the best idea considering her night last night. He hadn’t assaulted her that way, but I didn’t want to further scar or scare her. It just didn’t feel right, given the situation.
“I know you’re thinking it’s not a good idea, but it is.” She turned in the tub and crossed her legs, facing me. “If you’re going to make me stay with you all this time, you have to touch me.”
“Do I now?” I watched her, raising an eyebrow at her words. “I just—”
“Don’t think, just take me. Take me to your bed and make love to me. I’m not asking for rough sex here. Just some gentle skin-on-skin contact that reminds me I’m yours. Please.” Her eyes were pleading, and I hated that she felt the need to beg.
I picked her up and carried her straight to my bed. I didn’t even bother drying us off. I laid her down on the sheet, soaking wet. I took my time with her, kissed her all over, and didn’t stop until she screamed my name.
After fresh sheets were put on the bed, she curled into my side and slept like a baby for the rest of the evening.
“I’ll keep you safe. He won’t lay a hand on you as long as I’m around.” I kissed the top of her head, sealing my promise.
