Page 39 of Bite the Power
If things weren't so complicated—if Magnus wasn't threatening them, if the environmental anomalies weren't demanding her attention, if the entire shifter community didn't view her as an unwelcome intruder—she might throw caution to the wind. She might tell him yes, let's see where this goes, let's spend our days wrapped up in each other and figure out the rest later.
But that wasn't their reality. He was a king with duties and responsibilities that went far beyond personal desires. She was a human in a territory where her very existence was seen as a threat. The smart thing would be to protect herself, to keep some emotional distance until she could figure out how to navigate this impossible situation.
As if sensing her internal battle, Kaidan's expression shifted to something more intense and more determined. "Come take a shower with me."
The invitation hung between them, loaded with promise and temptation. She should say no. She should maintain some boundaries, protect what remained of her carefully constructed walls.
Instead, she found herself nodding. "Lead the way."
His smile was pure masculine satisfaction as he rose from the bed, completely unselfconscious in his nakedness. Tessa allowed herself a moment to appreciate the view—broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist, muscles that spoke of years of physical training, and an overall presence that commanded attention even when he wasn't trying.
His bathroom was a study in Arctic luxury—white marble shot through with veins of silver, a massive glass shower that could easily accommodate multiple people, and heated floors that felt like heaven against her bare feet. Steam began to curl as he adjusted the temperature, testing the water with the same meticulous attention he applied to everything.
"Perfect," he murmured, then turned to her with eyes that had gone dark with want. "Come here."
The command in his deep voice sent tingles racing down her spine. Her logical brain warned her to resist the pull and to maintain some semblance of control over the situation. But the moment his hands settled on her waist, guiding her under the cascade of warm water, all her reservations scattered like mist.
"Let me take care of you," he said, reaching for an expensive-looking bottle of shampoo.
The simple words hit her harder than they should have.
When was the last time anyone had wanted to take care of her? When had she ever allowed it?
His hands in her hair were gentle but thorough, massaging her scalp until she practically melted against him. The scent of pine and something uniquely masculine surrounded her as he worked, and she found herself closing her eyes.
"You're thinking too hard this morning," he observed, his voice holding a note of amusement.
"I'm always thinking too hard."
"Well, you don't have to with me." His hands moved to her shoulders, kneading away tension she hadn't realized she'd been carrying for the past five days. "Just let yourself feel."
Just feel.When had she last allowed herself to simply exist in a moment without analyzing every angle and every potential outcome?
His touch moved lower, soaping her with reverent attention. Every stroke of his hands felt like worship, like he was memorizing every curve and hollow of her body. The mate bond sang between them, amplifying every sensation until she could barely think past the need building in her core.
When his fingers slipped between her thighs, she gasped and braced her hands against the marble wall.
"Kaidan..."
"Don't worry, I've got you," he murmured softly against her ear, his free arm wrapping around her waist to hold her steady. "Let me make you feel good."
His touch was electric and deliberate, and she could feel the heat building in her lower body as he began circling her sensitive folds with a maddening rhythm. His free hand came up to massage her breasts, his thumb grazing her nipples until they hardened under his touch. The dual sensations were overwhelming, and she let out a breathy moan, her head falling back against his chest.
"That's it, sweetheart," he murmured, his breath hot against her ear.
She could barely form a coherent thought as his fingers slid inside her, curling in just the right spot to make her knees buckle. His other hand continued to tease her nipples, pinching and rolling them in time with the thrust of his fingers. The pressure built quickly, her body trembling as he worked her closer and closer to the edge.
"Kaidan... I can't..." she gasped, her voice breaking.
"Let go for me," he said softly.
And then she was shattering, her body convulsing as wave after wave of pleasure crashed over her. He held her up, his strong arm wrapped around her waist, keeping her from collapsing under the intensity of her release. When the tremors subsided, she leaned back against him, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
"God, you're so beautiful when you fall apart for me," he said, pressing a soft kiss to her temple.
When she finally regained her composure, she turned in his arms, her hands sliding up his chest. "Your turn," she said, her voice still shaking slightly but laced with determination.
She reached for the shampoo, lathering it between her hands before working it into his thick hair. He let out a low groan as her fingers massaged his scalp, his eyes closing in contentment. She took her time, enjoying the way the water sluiced over his broad shoulders and down the defined muscles of his chest. She grabbed the bar of soap, her hands gliding over his skin, exploring every ridge and curve as if she were memorizing him.
