Page 52 of Wild Like Us

“Didn’t mean it like that,” Banks says softly. “For what it’s worth, I’m not uncomfortable by much. I could strip and stand here buck-ass naked without batting an eye.”

I skim his six-seven build. “Then why don’t you?” I say like a challenge. “We’re just a bunch of animals in the wilderness. Clothes aren’t necessary to our fucking survival right now, so why even wear them? Right?”

He cocks his head, his smile more and more attractive. It’s soft, almost…provocative. “You sure, mermaid?”

Steam billows between us, my breath staggered in real want, and I nod, “I’m sure—but, fuck, only ifyoureally want to. I don’t want to pressure you or…”

He’s already gripping the back of his shirt. He pulls the white tee over his head. Dog tags lie flat against his firm chest. And his fingers unbutton his jeans. Easily dropping them, his navy boxer-briefs mold his package, and he rolls the elastic down. Freeing his length.

As he steps out of his boxer-briefs, I try to be casual about his naked form.

Like he’s been about mine.

And I zone in on a tattoo I’ve never seen before. Across his upper-thigh, the ink looks like bleeding marker, so blown-out I barely recognize the shape of Roman numerals.

My eyes skate across his skin. Tiny scars mar his waist, his legs, and chest. Like the small ones I’ve seen on his hands before. All look different from the shapes and sizes, probably from different places and times in his life.

I feel his casual gaze on me.

And I’m not nervous or shy or even fucking timid. If bodies are maps to our hearts…to our souls, I’ve been waiting for someone to travel towards mine.

But fuck, I could have it all wrong, I guess.

I’m not a student of philosophy like Moffy or brilliant like Jane. Bodies could just be vessels to our memories. Not maps.

What then?

I’d still want him to explore me.

I inhale.

His chest rises. Breathing each other in from a distance, my skin feels hot. He’s a man my body responds to—like pheromones are circling pungently around us with the steam.

I throb, clenching inside for something I’ve never had.Hardness.Filling me.Okay, slow down, Sullivan.And then I take a really good look at his cock, and my lips part in a heady breath.

He’s aroused.

I’ve never seen an erection up-close and personal, but I’ve watched my fair share of porn. His shaft stands at hard attention, and he’s long,big. Biggerthan my mind even constructed.

Realizing I’mstaring, I snap my eyes up to his.

He’s unbothered, like he said he’d be. Still, I can’t stop glancing from his erection to his eyes. And his hardness grows right before me. His face practically says,yeah, I’m into you.

“Nice dick,” I breathe.

He steps closer. “Nice tits.” His gaze slow-burns itself down my boobs, nipples perked. Eyes back on each other, we share a smile among something invigorating.

I feel high.

It’s not the steam.

It’s not even really being naked.

It’s him.

How he’s making me feel in this moment. Banks stares at me like I’m a woman. A muscular, strong, powerful, and sexywoman.

Still up against the sink, I watch him unfurl his fist.His phone.He’s been clutching his phone. “I’m gonna text Farrow. How bad does it hurt?”