Page 92 of Savoring Her Snake

“Which one?” He lifts his eyebrows. “Right, you probably aren't a movie kind of guy.” I squeal as he lifts me from the bed and into his arms. He walks to the bathroom and puts me on the counter before turning on the shower. I greedily watch his body as he adjusts the water. My heart starts to race when he turns to me and unbuttons the remaining buttons on his shirt.

“Arms up,” he commands, throwing his shirt beside me.

“I’ve never had shower sex,” I state, lifting my arms.

“Noted.” He gently pulls my shirt off, and my bra follows. “Hold on to me. I won’t ever let you fall.” I’m eager as he lifts me and sets me on my feet. I stare at his head while he takes off my pants and underwear. When he wraps his arm around my waist and guides me into the shower, the ache in my stomach intensifies.

“Your pants,” I gasp as he follows me in but leaves his pants on.

“They stay on,” he says, and I frown. “This isn’t about me.”

“What?” My heart beats hard.

“You’re deflecting.” I swallow roughly. “We are going to wash it away.”

“Heath.” He picks up the soap, rotating it in his hand.

“My touch will replace his,” he whispers, and a sob climbs up my throat. “Where did he touch you?” I shake my head; the memories are fresh. “Tell me.”

“I just want to forget,” I whisper.

“I know. Point to the spots.” I hold out a shaking finger toward my stomach. “He left claw marks,” he hisses, gently pressing his soapy hand to the marks. “He doesn’t get to ruin what we have.” A tear rolls down my cheek. “I’m touching you. Not him.” He rubs in circles, widening them with each pass. “Where else?”

“Between my breasts,” I whimper, and his jaw ticks.

“You have beautiful breasts, and they are mine.” He adds soap and glides between them. “He didn’t have the right to touch you. He can’t touch anything anymore.” I shiver, and Heath’s tattoos glow. “Next spot.” I point to my neck. “I am the only man who can touch your neck.” He rubs his finger on my pulse. “He isn’t allowed to come between us. He wanted to destroy our bond, and no one can do that.”

“No one,” I whisper and close my eyes.

“Open them,” he demands, and I do. Our gazes collide, and I cry more. “I want you to see who is washing you. My hands. My body is in front of you. You are mine. I am yours.”

“Yes, Heath.”

He’s washing it away.

“Talk about it,” he says softly. I want to deny him, but I need to.

“I was blindfolded when I woke up.” He moves down my body and circles my ankles. “I was scared, but when I realized I couldn’t move, I was terrified. He didn’t come in when I woke up. I was left wondering who had me and what they were going to do. The pain was extreme, but I felt helpless. When he removed my blindfold, I was shocked to see him. I didn’t think he would do something like that. He loved me.” Heath stands and holds my wrists gently. “I swear I didn’t know. My mother encouraged him.” His hand tightens briefly. “He slept with her, and she was telling him to be patient with me. Stanly’s parents died several years ago, and he’s supposed to get their estate and a ton of money in a couple years. He promised to give her some of the money once he married me. I knew she hated me, but I didn’t think she could get any worse.” I sniffle. “I knew you would come. I tried to let him talk and sympathize, but I couldn’t. I just couldn’t,” I sob.

“You did well,” he rasps, cupping my face. “I will always come for you. Let everything out. You are allowed to be sad. It’s okay to be scared. He used his power to bind you, and he paid for it.” He pulls me to his chest, and the sobs continue. I grasp his back, burying my face against his skin. “I’m here. I won’t let you go.”

“Why couldn’t my mom give me the love and devotion he wanted to?” It doesn’t make sense, but I almost feel sorry for Stanly. “I hate that I feel pity for him. I loved my mom, but the emotion was never reciprocated. Why do I feel that way?”

“Because you are a good person,” he rumbles.

“Do you pity him?” I lean back to look at him.

“No.” He tucks my hair behind my ear. “I’m not as good as you.”

“Don’t say that,” I hiss.

“You’re biased.”

“Heath, you are the best man I know.” I can’t stop the tears.

“Hmm…” He kisses one cheek and then the other. “I’m proud of you.”

“What?”

---