Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Ava
M y fear is irrational.
I’m safe. I know I am, but somehow my head doesn’t register this. I need his warmth. In his arms, I feel like nothing can touch me and no one can hurt me. I take his hand, and he leads me to his bathroom. He sits me on the toilet lid, and I watch as he turns on the water in the freestanding white tub near the center of the room. He proceeds to pour something in the tub, and the air fills with the scent of lavender. I’m surprised by his choice. Does he know it’s my favorite scent?
“Let’s get you undressed and into the tub.” But I don’t move or speak. He softly caresses my face. “You’re safe, baby girl.”
He takes off my ballet flats, and I close my eyes, letting the warmth of his fingers begin to relax me. Then he removes my shirt, pants, bra, and, lastly, my panties. He scans me up and down, and I can’t tell if he’s admiring or realizing I’m not his type. I’m not as beautiful as the woman pictured in the album, so I can understand his disappointment. He picks me up and gently sets me in the tub.
“Don’t,” I grab his arm, worried he is going to leave me alone.
“I’m not going anywhere.” I let his arm go, and he undresses. I can’t help but notice his scars. If this were another time or a different lifetime, I’d ask about them. But I have a feeling he won’t tell me anyway, so I don’t bother. “Move up a little, so I can get in.” I do as he says. In the tub, he holds me against his chest, and I feel his desire for me. “Did he touch you?”
“No.” I whisper.
“I need you to be honest.”
“He only touched and smelled my hair. You came in before anything could happen.”
“No man alive will ever touch you.”
He takes a loofah and slowly washes me. It’s sensual. Every movement is intentional as he moves across my neck, shoulders, breasts, arms, and down my stomach. He sets the loofah down and starts again, but this time with his bare hand. The heat of his fingers leaves a mark as he takes his time. I can’t help the moans escaping me. His fingers touch me like I’m his instrument, and I let him. I need him to replace the thought of Joe trying to touch me. He didn’t get a chance to do anything worse, but he touched more than my hair. But I don’t see the point in telling Viktor. He would probably go back and kill Joe, and he isn’t worth it.
“Viktor,” I moan as his hand goes under the water. Softly caressing between my lips, his fingers go over my clit.
“You’re so ready for me.” My hand goes to stop his. This isn’t a good idea, even if it’s what I need. “Relax. Let me take care of you.” He starts to massage me, and my body seeks the release it so desperately needs. I grab his leg, needing something to hold on to. I’m overwhelmed. His speed increases. “Let go, baby girl.” I let every move he makes consume me.
“Viktor,” I moan as my orgasm devours me. I turn, seeking his lips. I kiss him. It’s a rough kiss. I sit on his lap, facing him. I want more. I need more.
“This is not about me. I will claim you, but not like this.” He says, breaking the kiss. He gets out of the tub, and the water instantly feels ice cold. He returns with a towel wrapped around his waist. “We can’t have you catch a cold.” He smiles. “Let’s get you out of the water.”
I step out. He wraps my hair with a towel. With another towel, he dries my body showing finesse and precision like he’s done it a thousand times. While this is the first time with me, I bet he has done this to countless women. He covers me with a robe and leads me to his bed. I think he’s going to take me to my bedroom, but he doesn’t. He opens a drawer and pulls out a T-shirt. He takes the towel off my head, dries my hair more, and pulls the T-shirt over my head.
“I can’t have you distracting me, knowing you’re naked in my bed.” His tone is playful but dark. “In bed. You need to rest. I’ll wake you in a few hours for an early dinner.”
“Are you leaving? Please don’t.” He looks at me, debating his response. My need for him surprises me. It’s not logical. He’s quiet for a long time.
“Let me get my laptop. I’ll work while you sleep.”
“Okay, but hurry back, please.” I don’t understand my unexplainable need for him. He smiles.
“I’ll be back.” He leaves the bedroom.
I’m confused. Why do I feel like this? Why do I suddenly need him beside me?