Page 22 of Beg Me
"Let me wash you," he says, reaching for a bottle of body wash.
He pours some into his palm, working it into a lather before his hands begin moving across my skin. He's thorough but gentle, washing away the sweat and fluids from our encounter. His fingers trace the curve of my breasts without lingering, cleaning rather than arousing.
"You were perfect tonight," he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear. "So responsive. So honest."
I lean back against him, letting his words wash over me like the water. "I've never felt like that before."
"Like what?" His hands continue their gentle ministrations, moving down to my stomach.
"Like...myself," I admit. "Like I didn't have to hide anything."
His arms tighten around me briefly. "That's what this is about, Tess. Being seen. All the way through."
My own words from my profile echo back to me, and I feel a surge of emotion that catches me off guard. Tears prick at my eyes, though I'm not sad. Quite the opposite.
Colt seems to sense the shift. "It can be overwhelming," he says quietly. "The drop after subspace. Let yourself feel it."
He reaches for a bottle of shampoo, pouring some into his palm. "Lean forward a bit."
I comply, and his fingers begin working through my hair, massaging my scalp with firm, circular motions. It feels so good I nearly moan.
"Close your eyes," he instructs as he reaches for the detachable showerhead. Warm water cascades over my head as he rinses the shampoo away, one hand shielding my face from the spray.
He follows with conditioner, working it through the ends of my hair with surprising gentleness. As he rinses it out, I feel myself settling deeper into my body, the floating sensation gradually receding.
"Better?" he asks as I straighten up, leaning back against him again.
"Mmm." I nod, words still feeling slightly beyond my reach.
We sit in comfortable silence for a while, his arms wrapped around me, my head resting on his shoulder. The water stays perfectly warm, and I realize the tub must have some kind of heating element.
Eventually, Colt shifts behind me. "Water's getting cool. Let's get you dried off."
He helps me stand, steadying me when my legs wobble. Stepping out of the tub, he wraps me in the largest, fluffiest towel I've ever felt. He dries me with the same care he washed me, patting my skin gently rather than rubbing.
"Arms up," he says, and when I comply, he slips a plush robe around me. It's enormous, clearly meant for someone his size, but it feels like being wrapped in a cloud.
He dries himself quickly, efficiently, then pulls on a pair of black boxer briefs. "Wait here," he says, pressing a kiss to my forehead before disappearing into the bedroom.
I stand in the steamy bathroom, surrounded by the scent of expensive soap and shampoo, feeling more cared for than I have in... maybe ever. The robe swallows me; the sleeves hanging past my fingertips, but I've never felt more comfortable.
Colt returns with another bottle of water and a small plate of food with cheese, crackers, some grapes, and chocolate. "You need to eat something," he says, leading me to a small seating area I hadn't noticed before.
He sits on the couch and pulls me down beside him, arranging me so I'm practically in his lap. "Drink first," he says, uncapping the water bottle.
I take it obediently, sipping more slowly this time. My head feels clearer now, though a pleasant heaviness still lingers in my limbs.
"How are you feeling?" he asks, studying my face.
"Good," I say, and it's true. "Really good. A little sore, but in the best way."
He smiles, satisfaction evident in his expression. "Eat something."
He feeds me pieces of cheese and chocolate, alternating between savory and sweet. I should feel ridiculous being hand-fed like this, but instead it feels... right. Like this is exactly what I need.
"I can't believe I almost didn't sign up for Desire," I murmur after swallowing a piece of chocolate.
Colt's eyes find mine, something unreadable flickering in their depths. "What made you do it?"
