Page 59 of Arranged Obsession
“You don’t realize it, but you’re in shock right now.”
I shake my head. “No, that’s not right.”
“Bianca.” He touches my hips. It’s surprisingly light and tender. “Do you realize you’re crying?”
I blink rapidly and look in the mirror. Tears are streaming down my face. “Would you look at that.”
“Undress, please. This isn’t a ploy.”
“Right now it isn’t, but the second my clothes are on the floor?—”
He lets out a frustrated growl. “Juststrip, damn it.”
“Since you ask so nicely.” I kick off my shoes and remove my slacks with trembling hands. “Try not to look.”
“I’m not good at the whole self-control thing.”
“I’ve noticed.”
“Don’t pretend like you mind.”
“Worked out for me just now.” I laugh hysterically. “You stabbed two guys with guns.”
“It was easy. I took the knife and just—” He mimes jabbing it into someone.
I hesitate when I’m in my bra and panties. He’s looking at me expectantly. There’s a hint of that worship in his gaze, but also something else.
Dark rage. Disappointed anger.
“You’re bloody too, you know.”
“First you, then me.”
“Is that always going to be our order?” I ask, grinning stupidly as I unhook my bra. My nipples are slightly stiff. A little fleck of blood marks my pale skin near my collarbone.
“Always,” he whispers, licking his lips.
I take off my panties and get into the tub. I squirt some shampoo to make some bubbles, just for some added privacy. It doesn’t really help, but at least the warm water feels nice. The water turns very lightly pink as the blood washes from my skin.
“This is actually kind of nice,” I admit against my better judgment. It’s usually not a good idea to give a guy like Cormac any positive reinforcement. Especially when it comes to ordering me to get naked.
“Helps calm the nerves,” he says, kneeling down behind me. His fingers gently brush my hair to the side and he begins to rub my shoulders. “It’s better if we ease the trauma now before it settles too deep.”
“You have a lot of experience with this?”
“I’m usually the one causing the nightmares, not trying to ease them.”
“Wonderful.” I close my eyes and sigh. He’s really good at massaging my shoulders and neck. His fingers are deft, gentle, and tireless. “Sounds like you have a promising future as a therapist ahead of you.”
“More like keeping therapists in business.” His hands move to my shoulders. “How do you feel?”
“Better. Am I still crying?”
“Not anymore.”
“Big improvement then.” I sigh lightly. “You’re good at that.”
“Does it feel good?”
