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“Yes,” I answered slowly. “That pot ought to suffice.”

I gestured to the large container by the side of the fireplace, and her gaze followed my signal.

“I can’t...” She shook her head.

Here we go.I blew out a breath.The spoilt princess has returned.

Most of the time, Erin was a reasonable woman. Empathetic to her friend’s needs, sure, but sensible. On occasion, though, she appeared to dramatize, spiraling events into panic. That was what had happened when she’d determined to leave that morning, and it seemed to be where she was headed at that moment.

“We don’t have a better option.” Closing my eyes briefly, I fought for patience. “Come on, it’s not so bad. I’ll turn around while you go.”

“But... you’llhearme!”

She screwed up her face as if the idea of urinating was the worst she could conceive.

“Here.” Striding past her, I eased the pot out from its place in the shadows and lifted it into my arms. “I’ll put it in the opposite corner for you.”

“Th-thanks.” Her creasing brow conveyed how little she appreciated the gesture as I carried it to my proposed spot and placed it on the ground.

“Go!” I motioned to it with one arm. “I promise I won’t look.”



















Chapter Twenty-One

Captive

Erin

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PERCHED OVER THE POTwith my leggings and underwear yanked around my ankles, where they’d been while Eli had screwed me, I tried to relax. It wasn’t easy, though. Even with Eli’s attention fixed firmly on the fire, I couldn’t ease the tension from my muscles for long enough to achieve my purpose, and after crouching there for several minutes, my thighs started to ache.

A part of me still couldn’t believe what had happened. Couldn’t believe the intensity of passion we’d shared or the fact I’d been so caught up in the hedonism that I’d been nonchalant about not using condoms. I was too old to get pregnant, but sexually transmitted diseases were still a threat. Ishouldhave been smarter, but the wave of lust had risen up and swept me away.

“Are you done yet?” His tone was skeptical.

“No, I’m...” Frustrated shame simmered in me. “I just can’t. Maybe I’ll be able to relax if I try to go outside.”