“What?” I furrow my brow and gaze back at him.
“It’s all of us,” he mutters.
“All of us what?”
“He sees that you will love all of us,” Grim answers, and drags in a deep breath.
I’m so shocked that he spoke, I don’t even think about what he said. I drop down on the edge of the bed and grab Grim’s hand. “Are you okay? Don’t ever do that again!” I scold, as the water turns on in the bathroom and I realize Gunnar is gone.
“I’ll be fine,” Grim replies sleepily. He’s out again in the next breath.
Feeling much better after hearing Grim speak, I walk toward the lamp on my bedside table and flip it off, before making my way to the bathroom. Gunnar’s head jerks up with the snap of the door closing. He watches me as I lean my back against the door.
“Everything okay?” he inquires, his voice a little husky.
“I think it is.” I nod.
“Did you need something?” His wide back is to me, so I let my eyes trail over all those beautifully brutal scars covering his body.
“Just you. I’ll wait until you’re done.”
Gunnar licks his lips and turns. His body is bulky, broad, and sturdy. Honed from hard work and dedication, and covered in the evidence of his will to survive. I take a step closer to the glass that separates us.
“Remember that first day I met you? You were a bloody mess and I still wanted you,” I admit, placing my hand on the partition.
Gunnar swallows.
“I wanted to follow you into the bathroom and offer to wash your back.” I smile at the reminder.
“You could have.” Gunnar’s voice is guttural.
“I was afraid of you.” His eyes widen. “Not in the way you’re thinking.” I wave my hand, dismissing him.
“You scared me because I wanted to know you, not just sleep with you.” I peer up at him from under my lashes. “Now, I know you. I know you’re abrasive and tough. I know when you get upset, so do I. I know you would sacrifice yourself to make sure that I was okay. Them too,” I state, whispering the last part, and Gunnar looks away.
I open the shower door and step in with him, fully clothed. “Want me to wash your back?” I grin.
Gunnar nods, biting his bottom lip so as not to let his smile show. I make a spinning motion with my hand, telling him to turn, then I grab the bar of soap from the shelf, lathering it between my hands.
I take my time running my soapy palms all over his back, paying special attention to each scar. I work the backs of his legs and even make him lift each foot to get the soles of his feet. Once that’s done, I move to his front.
He looks down at my heaving chest. My shirt is soaked, clinging to me like a second skin. My heart is pounding frantically in my chest, but not from exertion. No, that’s all Gunnar and his sexy body, but I make sure to take just as much time washing the rest of him.
After I direct him under the spray to rinse off, he watches me, even letting the shampoo he puts in his hair drip over his eyes, as if making sure I won’t disappear.
I step out of the shower and start to pull my clothes off. Gunnar shuts the water off and follows. If I didn’t hand him the towel, he probably wouldn’t have bothered. He seems way too interested in watching me.
It was hard to ignore his erection in the shower, and it’s almost impossible now. I wrap the towel around my body and place my finger over my lips in a shushing manner.
I flip the light off and crack the door open. Grim is still sprawled out on the bed, sleeping, resting, recovering, so I beckon Gunnar to follow me. Silently, we tiptoe out of my bedroom. I hear the sound of the television coming from downstairs. Calix must be home. I didn’t turn it on.
A slight weight lifts from my shoulders. They’re all here with me, and I’m keeping them that way.
I walk to the end of the hall and push open the door to one of the spare bedrooms. I don’t bother with the lights, but I think this room would suit Gunnar. It’s dark gray with deep maroon accents. The bed is a heavy dark metal that has an almost lacy filigree design. I drop the towel and reach for Gunnar’s around his waist.
He steps up close to me and I tip my head back so I can see him. Gunnar takes it as an invitation to place his lips softly against mine. I sigh.
His hand reaches around me and slides over my back, moving down to the bottom of my ass. He tugs me forward until I’m fitted tightly against him. He doesn’t tell me how badly he wants me, but he shows me.
