Page 29 of Beyond the Cage

“I gotta go. I have an early class. Mind if I use your shower?”

I smile as he gives me a look that says ‘what the hell kinda question is that?’

Throwing off the covers, I lazily climb out of bed. I feel like I’ve been through the wringer, aching in places I never knew I could. As I pass by him, I stroke his chin. After I pee, he walks up and leans against the door.

“Are you going to watch me?” I ask with a smirk as I turn the faucet on. A little splash of cold water should wake me up.

He moves behind me, so I stand upright and watch him in the mirror. He doesn’t look too happy.

“Are you okay?”

Taking my wrist, he examines my arm. I follow his gaze, wondering what could deserve such scrutiny. Oh, my God. My arm is black and blue! I quickly look to the other. Make that arms…and wrists…and hips…and thighs. How did I not feel this? I turn back to him, and observant eyes have been replaced by devastation and remorse.

“It’s okay,” I tell him quietly. “Don’t worry about it.”

He releases me and takes a cautious step back.

“So…what? You’re not gonna touch me now?” I step toward him. “Well, too bad, ’cause I’m not gonna stop touching you. I want more of what happened last night. Lots more.”

He smiles even though he’s trying hard not to. Leaning in, I drop a kiss on his chest. “Now, get outta here so I can shower in peace.”

He steps around me and removes an unopened toothbrush from the drawer below the sink.

“Are you telling me I have horrible morning breath?” I smile as he hands it to me.

He leans down, places a soft kiss on my lips, and walks out. After brushing my teeth, I drop the toothbrush next to his in the holder. Hmm…I like it. I turn on the water and step into the shower. What I really need is a bath, but that will have to wait until later. Every muscle in my body is sore. After a quick shower, I step out and grab the huge towel I see hanging on the rack. I catch my reflection in the mirror and do a double-take. My hair is a mess, so I use his comb to fix it as best as I can. When I walk into the bedroom, he’s back in the chair and my clothes are laid out on the bed.

“You cut up all my clothes. What am I supposed to wear?”

He walks over to his chest of drawers and throws me a T-shirt. I catch it and hold it up in front of me.

“Are you kidding me?” It can probably fit three of me. “How about a tank?”

Again, he throws it to me. It’s not much better, but I guess I can work with it. I don’t even look at my panties; there’s no way I can wear them. Pulling on my jeans, I tuck his tank inside it. While I get dressed, I glance over at him periodically. He’s just watching me with a blank expression.

“What?”

He takes a deep breath and shakes his head.

“Well, I’m ready.” I put my shirt on and turn to him, a hand on my hip. “You owe me a bra and a top, mister.”

I grab my phone and underwear, leading the way out as I stick the items in my purse. As we walk through the gym, he continues to keep his distance. I don’t push it, leaving him to his thoughts.

After a quiet ride, he pulls into my complex, and I observe him from across the Cayenne. He’s staring straight ahead, one elbow on the door, the other resting on the console between us.

“Cameron.”

Nothing. Not even a glance. I place my hand on his, interlocking our fingers.

“This is the part where you’re supposed to tell me how wonderful last night was.”

He looks down at our hands, jerking his away at the sight of my bruised wrist.

“Please…don’t,” I beg. I can’t let him pull away from me. Not now.

He hops out and walks around the vehicle to open my door. When I step out, I throw my arms around his waist and bury my face in his chest. His whole body goes rigid.

“Last nightwaswonderful. I enjoyed every minute of it.”