Chapter 33

Shemika let the hot water from the shower cascade over her, soothing her weary body. Two days had passed in a blur, and she found herself mourning the end of her heat. She was famished and exhausted, but the thought of Caturix leaving was even more unbearable.

His footsteps echoed in the bathroom, pulling her from her thoughts. Through the foggy shower glass, she watched him stride across the room, slide open the door, and step into the shower with her.

“Hope you don’t mind,” he said, almost as an afterthought.

She shook her head, stepping aside to give him room under the water. As she moved away from the warmth and him, she found herself lost in thought, her eyes absently tracing the contours of his naked form.

Something had shifted between them during her heat. He’d been so warm, so happy—so unlike the Caturix she’d first met. But now, she was afraid. Afraid that once he left her room, that warmth would disappear. Afraid she’d never see his dimples again, or even his smile.

She mourned the end of her heat, the fading of the urges. But she’d been pleasantly surprised when their playful intimacy had continued. He’d suggested they shower together, and she’d agreed, though she feared the change of scenery might signal the end of his visit.

Soon, he’d be gone. He’d have to find something to wear, since his clothes were now shredded remnants on the floor, next to her favorite pajamas.

“What’s on your mind?” he asked, stepping out from under the stream of water. He moved closer, stopping just a breath away from her.

She held her breath, waiting to see what he’d do next. He reached behind her, grabbed the shampoo, and began to wash his hair.

She exhaled slowly, shifting uncomfortably. “Nothing much,” she lied.

He gave her a strange look but didn’t press her. He rinsed the suds from his hair and then moved to corner her against the shower wall.

This time, she didn’t hold her breath. She assumed he was interested in something behind her. He gently lifted her chin with his finger, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Are you hungry, Mika?” he asked.

She blinked in surprise. She’d expected him to challenge her lie, to demand the truth. “Yes…I am,” she admitted.

“I’ll make you breakfast,” he said, turning to wash the rest of his body.

~Breakfast?~ “Cat—” She reached out, her fingers brushing his arm before she pulled back, afraid he’d reject her like he had so many times before. “Listen—”

Before she could finish, he grabbed her hand and placed it on his forearm. Then he turned to face her.

She tried to pull her hand back, but he caught it mid-air. “Touch me,” he commanded.

“No, it’s okay,” she said quickly, remembering how she’d made him uncomfortable before. She saw a dark emotion flicker in his eyes. So, the warm, happy Caturix was gone. The cold, distant Caturix was back.

He moved closer, towering over her. “I want you to touch me. I need—” He stopped, then softened his voice. “Just touch me, Mika.”

His vulnerability tugged at her heart. She closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him. He stiffened in surprise, but eventually relaxed, returning her embrace. They stood there, holding each other, until her stomach growled loudly.

It was as if a switch had been flipped. Caturix pulled away. “I should make you breakfast. I said I was going to,” he said, his voice flat. He opened the shower door and stepped out, grabbing a towel from the rack.

She watched him wrap the towel around his waist and leave the bathroom. She couldn’t deny that she wished he’d stayed. She’d fantasized about shower sex with him.

Shemika took her time in the shower, washing herself thoroughly. Well, almost thoroughly. She was covered in Caturix’s scent and marks. She considered washing herself completely clean but remembered his plea for her to keep his scent on her.

She’d have to remember to wash her sheets. They were stained with the evidence of their numerous encounters.

Finally, lured by the smell of whatever Caturix was cooking, she got out of the shower. She quickly applied some light makeup and chose a pink lace cami nightgown from her closet before heading to the kitchen.

Caturix’s back was to her as she entered the kitchen, giving her a chance to admire his muscular form. His back was as scarred as his front, except for the large scar on the left side of his face. He was muscular everywhere, as if he had a workout routine for every single muscle.

He turned around, plates in hand, and frowned at her. “What are you wearing?” he asked, his tone harsh.

She’d put on the nightgown for him. He’d seen her naked for days, and she wanted to look a bit more put together. She smoothed the front of the gown and tried to smile, though his reaction had dented her confidence. “It’s a nightgown.”

Caturix set the plates on the counter and took a moment to compose himself. “Come here,” he said, his voice tight.

She hesitated, afraid of his anger.

“Don’t put on a sexy nightgown if you can’t handle the consequences,” he teased, his tone lightening.

Emboldened, she moved closer. “I can handle you just fine,” she retorted, standing in front of him with her hands on her hips.

Caturix took a moment to just look at her, saying nothing.

“You’re all talk for a guy who clams up when it’s time for action,” she said, her tone playful.

Caturix’s gaze traveled down her body and back up again. He grinned, showing off his dimples. He spun her around and pushed her against the counter. Unlike their previous encounters, he took his time, his hands caressing her skin, his lips following the path his hands had traced.

“Your skin is so soft,” he murmured, more to himself than to her.

She shivered, both from his words and the cold countertop. “Only for you,” she replied, unable to stop the words from slipping out.

Caturix turned her to face him again. He looked deep into her eyes, as if searching for something. Then he kissed her, as if his life depended on it.

She matched his intensity, wrapping her arms around his neck.

He lifted her onto the counter and moved between her legs. He couldn’t imagine a moment when he wouldn’t want to kiss this woman.

~His woman.~