Naked.
In the bath.
And he was… touching himself.
Every thought left her brain. Her heart stuttered and then took off galloping. She licked suddenly dry lips while her gaze devoured him. His magnificent chest. His broad shoulders thatfilled the bathtub from rim to rim. He sprawled with his thighs casually open, one knee bent, the other leg stretched out. With his head thrown back, his strong, muscular neck was revealed. His deeply muscled chest that had once made her feel safe and cherished. She knew the texture of the hairs smattering the expanse. Could almost feel them under her cheek with the memory of rubbing her face there, inhaling his scent, absorbing his warmth. And his arms. One was bent and thrown backwards, behind his neck, pillowing his head, while the other flexed with the rhythmic motion of his pleasure, mesmerizing her, drawing her attention to his rod.
That tool of masculine power ought to repel her. After her years as a captive, where her master had used it to humiliate and defile her, she should feel nothing but revulsion at the sight of Michael’s impressive rod. It was big, powerful,dangerous. And yet it was not fear nor revulsion that started a fire low in her belly.
It was desire.
Something she had not felt in an eternity. Since Michael. Only with him. Always with him.
A small groan tore from his throat as his brow furrowed, his eyes scrunching closed and his mouth slackened as his fist pumped faster. Every muscle in his body seemed to tense, harden. There was undeniable power in his warrior’s body. And yet there was vulnerability too. He was exposed. Unaware of being observed.
What on earth was she doing? She was intruding on a private moment. Violating his privacy by ogling his body without his consent or even knowledge. How was that better than what had been done to her? The realization sent a bolt of clarity through her befuddled brain.
She turned away, aghast at her behavior, resolved to leave and do her best to forget the erotic image of Michael naked in the bath, when the sound of his voice froze her in place.
“Josie…”
Her head whipped around so fast at the husky notes of her name on his lips that she was almost dizzy. Or perhaps it was the effect of all the blood leaving her head in a rush of…what? Fear? Excitement? Arousal? Definitely arousal. Her intimate flesh was slick and pulsing.
For one heart-stopping moment she thought he had seen her and was calling out to her. But no. His eyes had not opened. His hand continued to pump his flesh. It was obvious he was deep in his fantasy.
A fantasy that apparently involved her.
“Oh, Josie. My darling…”
His fist moved faster, his muscles bunching and tensing a moment before he let out a guttural groan and a long stream of pearly fluid jetted out from his member, landing on his belly and chest.
She was not aware she had made a sound until his alert senses snapped to attention. He sat up as if scalded, water splashing out of the tub while his body twisted around and his piercing gaze impaled her through the door opening.
“Josephine.” His voice was not the needy rasp of a moment ago. It rang out fierce and intense. Direct, focused. Radiating command.
She wanted to flee in fright. She wanted to run to him seeking protection. In the end, the opposing forces canceled each other out and she stayed in place, watching him wide eyed as he stood from the tub and stalked toward her without a hint of modesty. Gloriously naked and still hard.
“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude…” Her voice trailed off at the sensual heat he radiated. It scorched her and she fell back a step.
“How long have you been standing there?” His voice was silky and seductive
“Long enough.” She took another instinctive step back.
“Did you like what you saw?” He was almost upon her.
Had she liked it? Like did not even begin to describe it. It had moved her, disquieted her, caused a riot inside her. She shook her head, trying to dislodge the thoughts, and he took it as a denial.
“Liar.” Her retreating back found a wall, and he leaned into her, one arm braced behind her. “I can see your flushed face, your agitated breathing, I can smell your arousal from here, Josephine.”
She didn’t know how to respond to that because he was right.
“If you want, you can do a lot more than watch. You already know that I want you. It was your name on my lips, it was you featuring in my fantasies. Always you. Let me pleasure you until you scream my name in return.”
A tremor shook her at his words. He still had not touched her. She knew he wouldn’t until she gave him permission. Did she dare?
A month ago it would never have occurred to her that she would even contemplate the idea. But that was before reuniting with Michael. The memory of their one night together, so long ago but never forgotten, came back to remind her that, once upon a time, she had enjoyed the physical aspect of love. Only with this man. And incredibly, miraculously, he seemed to want her still. Even after all these years and all that had passed between them.
In light of all that, the real question was, how could she dare refuse him? How could she ever live with herself if she was toocowardly to take this opportunity? Just this once, to last her through all the lonely years ahead.
