Page 67 of The Spare

An interesting mixture of pride fills me, but it's dampened with a tinge of worry. Melody stays quiet as I press a lingering kiss to her lips. "Be right back," I say, "I'm going to draw a bath and then clean us up."

She nods, her eyes blinking lazily as I pull away from her. Closing her legs, she rolls over on her side and then tucks her hands under her chin.

I pad to the bathroom where I start the tub, squirting a generous amount of a ridiculously expensive bubble bath and swish the water around until it's nice and bubbly. Turning, I snatch a washcloth off the rolled stack on the vanity, wetting it with warm water, returning to the bedroom where I see she's trying to nod off.

I say nothing, wanting to let her rest and stay at peace. Reaching forward to pull her legs apart again and gently wiping her clean of the blood, then myself.

Picking her up, I cradle her to my chest as I walk back into the bathroom and see the tub isn't even halfway full yet. I step into the deep soaker tub, arranging her with her back to my front and her head against my shoulder, where we soak in silence for the most part.

I drain the tub, turning on the spray to the detachable handle and rinsing the suds out of her hair.

She sits at the counter, not meeting my eye in the mirror while I blow dry her curls.

She stays quiet from her spot on the couch in our attached lounge, waiting until I make the bed with fresh sheets.

She turns away from me when I lay her down on her side of the bed, curled up on herself.

Switching off the lamp, I leave the fireplace on low and get in on my side. I move to lay against her, but she doesn't relax out of her curled up position.

Worry fills me.

"Mel," I say softly, running my hand down her hair. "Mel, talk to me. What's wrong?" I give her a second, but she doesn't respond and that worry balloons into almost a full on panic. "Mel, please?" I plead hoarsely.

"I'm hurting, that's all," she says quietly in a strained voice. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to cry. I really enjoyed it but the after… hurts," she sniffs.

"It's okay," I say quietly, reaching around to brush my fingers down her damp cheek. "The first time usually hurts, but it won't always." I reassure her, moving my hand down her arm in what I pray is a comforting gesture. When she doesn't respond, I turn her to face me, arranging our limbs together. "I can get you some medicine?"

She nods, and I pull away from her once more to go back into the bathroom, where I grab a couple of pain killers and get a glass of water. I take it back to her and sit her up, waiting until she swallows it before joining her back in bed. I tuck her into the nook of my body and smooth her hair back over and over again.

I replay the last hour over and over again.

Fuck, I was too rough. I feel like an asshole.

I waited so long for this, fantasized about taking Melody's virginity just about every way possible over the last three years, and not one time did it end with her crying.

Pressing my lips to her forehead, I soften my voice even more. "I'll be more gentle next time, Mel," I reassure her.

"No, it was perfect." She shifts a little to straighten her legs, not even wanting to put her leg over mine. But despite her words, I vow to be more gentle, even if she doesn't want me to be.

We relax into sleep together, my thoughts shifting to planning our upcoming nuptials.

***

I get up before her the next morning, and I don't bother hitting the switch to activate the electric curtains. I go to the dresser in the dark and grab my watch, seeing it's five in the morning. I look back at the bed.

Melody's on her stomach. The curve of her ass is enticing, the sheets mold to her perfectly highlighting the plump twin globes, and the divot of her crack in between.

My cock stirs, and I head into the bathroom closing the door behind me. I won't be fucking her today. Starting up the shower, I go in and fist my erection with one hand, and brace the other against the wall. Pumping and pumping. Imagining every filthy sound she made last night until I spill my seed, watching the water wash down the drain.

I shower quickly, shave, then dress in my closet before walking to her side and selecting a simple light gray maxi dress with spaghetti straps and a lace bra and panty set, laying it on my side of the bed for her to see when she wakes up.

I doubt she'll want to go for a run this morning.

Not after last night.

I bend down and kiss her cheek, making my way to my in home study where I sit at my desk and flick on the monitors mounted on the wall. Readying myself for the pre-market.

I check my phone, seeing all the texts from everyone.