Page 11 of Raven

But hope.

Hope that I can finally stop worrying about anyone finding me.

And that scared the hell out of me.

I’ll talk to you later. I need to shower. I’ve been scrubbing the floor. Thank you for your offer, but I’m fine.”

“Where are your brothers?”

“They are on vacation. They went to the Bahamas for two months. They are buying a home there for getaways.”

“Then I’ll stay here while you shower.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know I don’t, but I want to. I’m staying with you since your brothers are gone.”

“Fine,” I said, walking into the bathroom. “Make yourself at home.” He may have barged in, but I wasn’t a rude person. If he wanted to stay all night, then I would be polite. I was relieved he was staying, I was scared to be alone.

I knew what I wanted: Raven to join me in the shower.Should I call him in here?

“Raven, can you come in here?” He looked surprised when he put his head around the door. “Would you like to take a shower with me?”

The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them. “Forget I said that.”

Just because I thought about it, doesn’t mean that I should ask him to join me.God, Beatrice, you barely know him.

Raven shook his head. “No way.” He gave a slow smile. “I don’t want to forget it.”

I stilled. “You don’t?”

He leaned closer. “No. I love your idea.”

Damn.

“You do?” He was undressed in record time.

* * *

Raven

As I steppedinto the shower, her hands slid up my chest, her eyes dark with something deeper than wanting. “Yes, I do.”

Before I could say another word, she kissed me—slowly, deeply, and unhurried. When she pulled back, she whispered, “I want you to make love to me. I’ve wanted that since the moment I met you.” Her cheeks flushed. “I probably shouldn’t have said that either.”

I swallowed hard, my heart hammering. “I like that you said it.”

“That means we’re thinking the same thing,” I said.

6

Beatrice

Thickand warm steam swirled around us as the sound of water filled the space between us. My heart hammered against my ribs as he stepped into the shower with me, my skin dampened from the warm water. Raven stood beneath the spray, his dark hair wet, water gliding over his strong shoulders.

I should be nervous—maybe I am—but when he looks at me, there’s something steady in his gaze that makes me feel safe even though I feel so vulnerable. I don’t make love to just anyone—three men to be exact.

He lifted his hand, brushing my wet hair back from my face, his fingertips grazing my cheek. A shiver moves down my spine at the tenderness of the touch.

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