Page 44 of Welcome to Bone Town

“You okay?” I kiss his neck, then his cheek as my body comes down from the high he just gave me.

He mumbles something incoherent, shaky arms dropping to rest across my shoulders. I’ve never been with a partner who followed my instructions so completely, who was so eager to please, who begged so beautifully. I kiss him again, softer this time, and whisper, “Such a good boy.”

36

The pool beckons me with curls of steam. It’s been way too long since I’ve had a bath. But I hesitate, looking back over my shoulder to gauge where the men are.

Bear and Archer have left to find firewood, nowhere in sight. Roman has his back to me as he stands near one of the pools off to the left. He pulls his shirt over his head, revealing a surprisingly muscular back. I nearly choke when I get to see the tattoos that have always intrigued me. With such a tiny portion visible under his shirt collars, I imagined it was something small.

No, Roman doesn’t just have one tattoo, he hasseveral.

Grouped together on his left shoulder and bicep are detailed images of mountains, rocks, something geometric with animal skulls in it. There’s also dinosaur bones. What kind, I can’t tell, because it wraps around his bicep to the front. On the right of the geometric pattern, black thinly-lined renderings of tropical plants andflowers flow partially down his back. I desperately want to get closer and look at them, take in the exquisite detail inked into his amber skin.

“Checking out the good professor?” Jax is standing only a few feet away, hooded eyes locked on me.

Heat crawls up my cheeks as I turn away. Having my scent match catch me checking out another man doesn’t seem like a good way to start a potential relationship. Not that I’m looking to start a relationship with Jax. At least, I don’t think I am. I don’t know. He has been really sweet today and very resourceful. I like that in a man. And he smells delicious. But what do I really know about him?

As I glance back over my shoulder at Jax, I catch Roman lowering his pants a few feet behind him. Shit.

Whipping forward again, I step behind a pillar so I can’t see either of them anymore. It’s strange to undress in a place that feels so public, even though I know we’re the only ones here. As an only child who spent most of my life alone among academics, bathing here with so many men nearby is more adventurous than is typical for me. Not that I’m inexperienced, but I’m generally a fairly private person.

I try to imagine what it was like back when this was an active temple. Despite the few pillars dotting the space and the foliage that drapes itself around the pools, there’s very little privacy. Those who came to the temple would have likely bathed together. Were these pools only for those who dedicated their life to Lunara? Or did others come here as well? Did devotees come to bathe, hoping to be healed? Like I secretly am.

For the first time, I realizethat my cramps have been better today. Normally, there’s a dull ache that’s so constant I can almost ignore it, with occasional spikes in discomfort that hit unexpectedly. But right now… I actually feel prettygood. Maybe being around my mate is helping?

Channeling the energy of a priestess of Lunara, I draw my shirt over my head.

A low growl has me spinning on my heels, clutching my shirt to my chest. Propped against a pillar by his shoulder, Jax watches me. His ankles are comfortably crossed, hands in his pockets. His posture is relaxed, but his gaze is intense.

“Go on, little mate.”

No one’s ever watched me undress before. My encounters with men have been awkward fumbles in the dark, hurried hunger driving my attempts to ease the ache that never goes away from the heat that never comes. The few relationships I’ve had didn’t last past my confession. No one’s ever looked at me the way Jax is looking at me now. Like I’m the goddess herself.

I should probably tell him to get lost, that this is moving too fast, but… I don’t want to. His potent scent mixes with the soft florals from the foliage around us, making me wonder how it would mix with my scent.

Jax doesn’t move a muscle as he waits for me to decide, but his cheek twitches in a grin when my shirt falls from my hands.

With deliberate slowness, I unhook my bra, letting the straps drag down my arms in both a tease and a little self consciousness, before dropping it to the ground. His eyes follow the movement of the fabric before lifting,lingering on my bare breasts. I feel that gaze like a touch.

Despite the steam from the pools, the air is cold, pebbling my nipples into hard points. He traces a finger along the outside of my breast. “What’s this, little mate? You’ve been hiding a sweet little hummingbird inked on your flawless skin.”

I look down. Sometimes I forget it’s even there. “Oh, uh, yeah. I got this while I was in grad school.”

“What’s it mean?”

“Does it have to mean anything? Can’t it just be pretty?” I try deflecting the question.

“It could, and it is, love, but you wouldn't etch something permanently on your body that didn’t mean something. And it’s hidden away. Something private just for you. So?”

Jax is like a dog with a bone, and I know he’s not going to let this go. He’s my mate, so why shouldn’t I tell him? But I’m standing here with my tits out, only halfway undressed, and the mood is quickly shifting from sexy to awkward. “I’ll tell you…after we get in the pool.” I wink.

With my heart racing, I bend over, unlacing my shoes and stepping out of them before easing out of my shorts. Part of me is dragging this out to push him, but it’s also possible I’m stalling, still trying to make up my mind if this is a good idea. What happens once I’m naked?

In thin cotton panties, I meet his gaze again. He doesn’t urge me to take off my last article of clothing, just crooks a finger at me.

One step forward. Another.

From where Jax is standing, Roman could see us if helooked back this way. He seems like the type who would be outraged if anyone even suggested he sneak a glance at me while I’m bathing. But I find I don’t hate the idea of him watching.

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