For several minutes, the only sounds in the room were the quiet splashes of bath water as Nathan washed me with gentle hands.

I took advantage of the momentary quiet to reflect on what had happened. Lawson had barely touched me, but I know if Nathan hadn't arrived when he did, Lawson would have gone further, and he hadn't been at all concerned with whether or not I consented. I started shaking again in fear. I realized I was lucky to have escaped further trauma.

Now I had new concerns. What did Lawson mean when he said he was sure Nathan would share me with him, the way he did Savannah?

I skimmed my hand across the top of the water.

"Nathan, I need to ask you something."

I was timid about asking, and I hated that. For goodness sake, I was naked with the man. I was married to the man. Hell, I had unprotected sex with the man multiple times today. I should be able to ask this simple question without being nervous. I just wasn't sure I wanted to hear the answer.

Nathan didn't say anything. Instead, he sighed deeply and wrapped his arms around me.

"Why did Lawson say he thought you would share me with him, the way you shared Savannah?"

"Savannah and I..." Nathan seemed to be searching for his words. "We had sex with other people. Together."

"What?" I twisted in his arms so I could face him. "You were swingers?"

He flinched a little and sighed again, and then he frowned at me. "It's not something I usually talk about. I’m not proud of some of the things I’ve done in the past."

He got out of the bath and started drying off. "Savannah was very adventurous. At first, I found that attractive."

He wrapped the towel around his waist, and held out another for me, indicating I should get out of the tub. My body was stiff from trying not to show how hurtful his words were to me.

I stayed in the tub.

"A lot of men like the idea of different partners. I thought she was a dream come true. But then there were times when I didn't want to be part of a big scene. Everything doesn't have to be a party, you know?"

“No, I really don’t know. I was a virgin when we met. You know that. I really don’t have any experiences to compare to yours.”

He was still holding the towel out for me. I got out and snatched it out of his hand.

He looked frustrated and tired as he watched me dry off. "Savannah liked to be desired. She wanted men to fight over her, including her husband. She needed to be the center of attention in all things, including sex."

I swallowed hard. I must seem so dull to Nathan because I had no desire to swap partners and offer him that variety. I felt a little defeated and sad, and my gaze dropped to the floor. He wrapped me snugly in the towel and lifted my chin to make me look at him. As usual, he seemed to know what I was thinking.

"Darby, stop worrying. I love what you and I have. In bed and out. I love the fantasy of seeing you with another man. I freely admit that's a turn on of mine. But the reality of it is something entirely different than the fantasy, and I don't want another man to EVER touch you. I admit I want you under my total control sexually, but all to myself. I'm very possessive of you in a way I never was with Savannah."

Nathan released me after touching my face gently. My gaze dropped again, but this time it was because I was thinking his words over.

He walked into the bedroom and retrieved one of my new silk nightgowns. I dropped the towel and held up my arms as he dressed me like a child. Nathan always made me feel cherished and special. Was it possible Savannah had not appreciated that quality in him?

"You turn me on, baby, and you've also made me see that sex is so much more than just physical pleasure. We have the pleasure, and we also have a deep emotional connection." His eyes were as tender as his words, and I was touched by his admission.

He pulled back the covers on the freshly made bed, and I climbed in. Nathan helped me arrange the pillows to my satisfaction.

“Am I enough for you? In bed and out?”

"Your innocence is extremely appealing to me, but I like how it doesn't stop you from trying whatever I suggest. I love you. I'm exactly where I want to be, doing exactly what I want to be doing." He tucked me into bed.

“I love you, too, so very much. I’m just trying to understand all of this.” My earlier irritation with him was gone.

I yawned. Why was I so tired?

"Now, I know it's still morning, but you've had a shock. I want you to take a nap while I watch over you."

He sat down on the bed, stroked my hair, and played with my curls. I thought I was wide awake, but the rhythmic stroking of my hair and his comforting presence had me drifting off, warm and safe at last.