Chapter 73
I nside the shower, I’m creative. The stall might be small, but it doesn’t prevent me from worshiping every inch of Peace’s irresistible body with water and soap. Then I lead her back to my bed.
“You sleep with me,” I declare. As long as it’s night, she’s mine. I understand about her job and the risk she’s taking, but my risk is greater because it’s Peace. Day or night, it’s her for me, and I don’t know how I’m ever going to find the strength to give her up.
“Please give it a rest.” Stevie rips back his curtain. Glaring at us from his bunk, he says, “Listened to you guys go at it for hours already.”
“Sorry.” Peace ducks her pretty face into my chest. Her warm lips kissing my skin, my cock swells. It’s not wanting to rest anytime soon.
“Put your headphones on.” I have no sympathy for him and yank his curtain closed.
“Sex maniac,” he grumbles, and Peace giggles. “Complete fuck addicts, both of you.”
“You think he’s funny, huh?” I ask Peace.
“Yeah.” Tipping her pretty head back, she beams a breathtaking smile at me. “I like your friends.”
“You’re my friend too, you know.” I want that crystal clear. However this goes with us, I don’t want that to change.
“Good.” Her smile widens.
Being on the receiving end of her joy, I look at her and know deep in my bones that I’d give anything to ensure her continued happiness. But sadly, I know her happiness is best guaranteed apart from someone like me.
“What’s wrong?” She rises on her tiptoes and puts her delicate fingers on my brow, trying to smooth away the worry lines that have formed.
“It’s late. I just want to hold you.” I get in my bunk and scoot to the wall. Turning on my side, I pat the spot I freed up on the narrow mattress. “Get in,” I say gruffly.
She does, and I pull her even closer. Turning to gaze at me, she places her hands on my chest.
“Sleep.” I see the questions in her soft brown eyes, but I pretend not to and switch off the light.
“Bo,” she calls, her voice a beacon in the dark like she is.
“Yeah,” I mumble.
“Why don’t you drink anymore?”
I go instantly still. The biggest reason? Her. I want to be a person she can trust and be proud of. But that answer reveals everything. I grit my teeth together, mad at Carson for dropping that bomb and leaving me to deal with the fallout.
“I’m not gonna answer that,” I say tightly. “It’s too personal.”
“Right.” She removes her hands. I grab them. I shouldn’t. I should let her be mad. Doing what we’re doing isn’t going to end well for either of us. But I have this little fucking part of her, and I’m not willing to give it up yet.
“Bo, please.” It’s dark, but I can hear the hurt in her voice.
“You dictated the terms for this,” I remind her.
“Sure. But it’s not just me. Your job is at risk too, and I?—”
“You going to let me kiss you?” I ask. “Play with you, do dirty things to you in front of everyone during the day like we did tonight?”
“No,” she whispers after a telling beat of silence.
“Right.” I know she’s blushing, just like I know I’m the only one who gets this bold and wanton side of her. The only one so far. I swallow hard. That thought doesn’t sit well with me. “You can go back to your bunk if sleeping beside me is too personal. But I’d rather have you here. I’ll sleep better with you.”
She’s quiet. I hold my breath. Then I let it out quietly as she slides into me. I lay my cheek on top of her head and enfold her in my arms. Breathing her familiar rose fragrance, my hammering heart eventually slows. Her breathing takes a long time to even out. I count every sweet inhalation and exhalation, considering it a privilege. But I don’t relax. I’m too afraid that what we’re doing is hurtling toward disaster.