Page 23 of Unbound

“And now you’re going to go touch yourself? In the shower?”

I chuckle, nodding. “Yeah, if that’s okay with you. I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.”

“It doesn’t—I’m not—it doesn’t make me uncomfortable at all. It’s just …” Her voice trails off.

I shift my feet, trying to figure out what she’s not saying out loud.

“I can see the wheels turning behind those pretty eyes, but it would be a lot easier for both of us if you would just share whatever it is you’re thinking with me.”

She exhales, sitting up. “I want to see how you do it.”

Fuck me.

8

EDEN

When Sterling takes off his clothes and steps into the steamy shower, I think I might be able to come again right here in the bathroom just from the sight of his naked body. He’s not embarrassed one bit. He’s all rippling muscles with random scars, a double-R brand on his shoulder, and very little hair … until he turns to face me.

When I see his hard cock and the small patch of black hair, my legs nearly give out. Michael would look like a string bean next to him.

The water starts dripping down his abs and the V-shaped muscles that lead to his cock. My mouth dries up. I feel like a complete freak watching him, but curiosity keeps me from bolting in fear.

He grabs the base of his dick, eyes still on me.

He doesn’t say a word as he pumps his hand slowly up and down over his hard length. The arousal that was previously sated from my orgasm starts building again as a low thrum in my core.

I squeeze my thighs together. He’s gripping it so tightly; it almost looks painful. I lean against the counter, wondering if there’s something wrong with me for enjoying this.

But he doesn’t stop. It must not bother him to have an audience because he keeps pumping over his dick with his tight fist, like he’s almost enjoying me watching him.

I bite into my bottom lip when he reaches up to press his free hand against the tiles, abs flexing in a way that makes me imagine he’s doing it on top of me. I wish I were the one making him feel this way, drawing out the breathy moans from his lips.

He lets out a louder groan, every muscle contracting as white liquid spurts out onto the floor. My mouth waters when he opens his eyes halfway through and stares at me.

It’s too much, too overstimulating, so I turn around and face the wall, sucking in a huge gulp of oxygen I didn’t realize I’d needed. The air is thick with steam, so I open the door to let in some fresh, cooler air. I hear the shower turn off behind me.

I hear him step out and grab a towel. I shut my eyes, exhaling and trying to convince my heart to slow down a little.

My emotions are all over the place, but the most overwhelming one at the forefront of my mind is guilt.

I’m pregnant out of wedlock for giving in to these exact desires the first time with someone I didn’t know that well. Now, here I am, with Sterling, doing the exact same thing.

Thankfully, the difference now is that we’re married, but the marriage isn’t even real. He did it because he’s a good man and he wants me to watch over his house while he’s deployed.

I feel his presence at my back. I tense up, waiting for his touch.

“Are you okay?” he finally says.

I nod, but the tears are already building behind my eyes.

“Eden, I’m sorry if this … made you feel uncomfortable. I don’t want you to ever feel obligated to engage in sexual acts with me just because you’re living here and⁠—”

I spin around, pressing my finger to his lips. His brows are pinched with concern, brown eyes searching my face.

“It’s not that. It’s … ugh, it’s so hard to explain. It’s hard to separate my desire and what I want from what I’ve always believed. I’m pregnant by someone else, and I just watched you shower. It makes me feel … it makes me feel dirty.”

He reaches up, grabbing my shoulders. I see that he’s wrapped the towel around his waist, thankfully. I don’t think I could have this conversation if he was still naked. My bottom lip trembles as I stare up at him.