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Athena tensed, clenching her thighs together when everything was suddenly so hot she almost couldn’t stand it. It felt slick and wet. She swallowed hard as Monti continued to work her body, teasing the tension right out of her. Athena’s cheeks heated, her chest tightening. Was this really happening now?

“Let’s turn you onto your stomach,” Monti murmured.

Monti held the blanket at an angle and turned her head away. Athena closed her eyes and flipped over, shifting until she was settled. Monti folded the blanket down to Athena’s lower back, tucking the flat sheet into the waistband of her underwear.

Athena waited for the comments. She waited for Monti to say something about the scars like everyone who saw them did. But she was met with silence, then the warmth of what she could only assume was the red light. Eventually it stopped, and Monti’s warm hands were on her again. Monti told her everything that she was going to touch and do, checked in multiple times to make sure that Athena was comfortable with it.

When she started on Athena’s legs, working up to Athena’s thighs, that same hot sensation as before came back instantly. It was a force to be reckoned with. Athena took deep breaths and closed her eyes, trying to figure out what was going on, but she couldn’t. Her entire body felt like it was electrified, and every time Monti moved her hands up and then down, that sensation intensified.

Athena struggled to stay still, her hips wiggling each time Monti stroked her.

No.

Not stroked.

That wasn’t what this was.

Biting her cheek again to keep everything at bay, Athena clenched her eyes. Monti’s movements slowed, and Athena’s heart rapped hard against her ribcage, like she couldn’t keep any of it in. She was just about to make Monti stop when the sheet was pressed over her skin again. Athena breathed out relief. Maybe they were done and Athena could crawl back into her hole.

“Is everything all right?” Monti’s voice was gentle.

Athena lifted up, her elbows under her so she could look up into Monti’s eyes. “Yes.”

“Why don’t you turn over. I’d like to work on your chest again.”

Fuck.

Athena clenched her jaw hard. But she did exactly what she was told. Once she was on her back again, Monti shifted a towel to cover Athena’s breasts before scooting the blanket off her chest and down to her hips. More exposed than ever, Athena blinked tears again.

“I’m sorry about the scars,” Athena whispered.

“Never apologize for something you didn’t cause and can’t control.” Monti sat on the edge of the mattress. “Do you want me to continue?”

“I don’t know.” Athena clenched her fists.

“All right, then we’ll pause here for a minute.” Monti scooted onto the bed even more, stretching out so Athena could see her completely. “We’ll let you figure this out.”

“Figure what out?”

“Whatever put your brakes on.”

Athena wrinkled her nose. She’d never been so comfortable naked in front of someone before, her scars on display for everyone who walked in to see. But Athena knew, without a doubt, that Monti wouldn’t let anyone come in there.

“I know what it is.”

“Want to share?” Monti took Athena’s hand, lacing their fingers together and stroking her thumb along the top of Athena’s hand. “I’m here to listen.”

Athena had to push back that lump in her throat again. She wanted to know if this was normal, if what she was experiencing would continue. Because the last time…

“Athena,” Monti gently prodded.

“I don’t know if what I’m feeling is normal.” There. The words were out, her uncertainty was there for the whole room to hear.

“All feelings are normal.”

Athena rolled her eyes and then closed them, her cheeks heating again with embarrassment. Her nipples hardened even more. Athena crossed her arms to protect herself. Monti moved and skimmed her hand from Athena’s elbow to her wrist and back again.

“What are you feeling?”