Total pages in book: 260
Estimated words: 245483 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1227(@200wpm)___ 982(@250wpm)___ 818(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 245483 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1227(@200wpm)___ 982(@250wpm)___ 818(@300wpm)
“Like this cage,” I say softly.
“No,” she says, and for the first time I see her smile ever so slightly. “His cage was much, much worse.” Her voice softens as she adds, “He could hurt me inside of that cage.”
I finish feeding her the soup and place the spoon back in the bowl. She goes silent and doesn’t say anything else as I feed her the last bits of bread. I can tell that talking about her father took a lot out of her, and I’m a mess of conflicting emotions on the inside.
When we finally finish, I look her in the eyes. “You need a bath,” I say softly.
She shuts her eyes tightly. “You said you’d only feed me,” she points out, and there’s a sadness to her voice that shreds me.
“If that’s what you want, I’ll put you back. But you could use a bath.”
“I’m afraid.”
Her confession warms me. “Don’t be afraid. Let me take care of you.”
She lets out a noise that drives me fucking insane. It’s a moan, or something like a moan. She doesn’t open her eyes but she nods her head, giving me her permission.
I stand with her in my arms and walk to the bathroom, arousal surging through my body.
I want her. I want to take her. But I made her a promise, and I’ll keep that promise.
Except her body is so soft and warm against mine, and my cock is so fucking hard. She’s in desperate need for comfort, and I can give her that. I can show her what this is between us. I’m not sure I can keep myself under control. Not if she makes that sound again. I’ll tear her to pieces and she’ll love it, if only she’ll let me.
I turn on the water, my whole body ringing with excitement.
Chapter 12
Grace
* * *
The hot water fills the ceramic tub slowly. I want to hold my knees to my chest, covering myself. I’ve never felt more naked in front of him. Which is absurd, because I’ve been naked this entire time. I hardly ever have my blanket around me now. But sitting in the white tub with his eyes blatantly on my body is different.
I can’t hide myself. His large hand is firmly on my thigh, his fingers just on the inside of my leg.
My pussy is so hot for his touch. It’s wrong. It’s so fucking wrong, but I want him to slide his hand up higher. I want him to feel how much I want him. I lay my head back and close my eyes, but not all the way. Just enough to watch.
His piercing eyes roam over my body as he cups water over my chest. The warm water feels so nice, but it runs off my breasts, leaving the chill of the air behind. My nipples harden and I watch as his pupils dilate, and he licks his lips.
Yes.
Take me. I can picture him leaning down and taking a nipple between his lips, twirling his tongue around the sensitive nub. My legs slip open slightly as the water comes up past my hips. He finally releases me, but the look in his eyes holds a warning that I better hold still.
The threat does nothing other than prepare my body for more. Arousal pools between my legs. My fingers long to touch myself. To show him that I want it.
But I don’t move.
It’s one thing to fantasize, but it’s another to invite the danger.
And he said he wouldn’t. I trust that he won’t. Even as my breath comes in short pants, and he runs the soapy washcloth over my body. The gentle touch is almost too much.
My heart rate increases as the minutes pass and when he turns the water off, it’s all I can hear. The thudding of my heart, and the gentle swishing and splashing of the water.
“You’re so beautiful, my princess.” The words spill from Gio’s lips, and the unexpected compliment takes me off guard.
“Thank you,” I murmur.
He cups the back of my head and gently lowers me under. He massages me and rubs away every pain.
More. I want more.
I’ve never had this. In all my life, no one’s ever cared for me this way.
He’s gentle and takes his time with me. His touch is nothing but calming… well, maybe erotic. But that’s my mind playing tricks on me. Wanting me to show him how he could touch me, if only he wanted.
A voice hisses inside of me to stop this. To remember who he is. To remember who I am.
But it feels so good. When he pulls the plug and I know it’s going to end, a sadness settles against my chest. The cool air is harsh, but he wraps me in a blanket and lifts me into his chest.
I’m so tired. And he feels so right. I nestle my head into the crook of his neck and fall asleep in his arms. Before exhaustion takes me over, I swear I feel his lips gently touching my forehead and hear his sweet, soft words. “Sleep, princess.”