Chapter Twelve
Kenna lay in the barely warm water of the porcelain tub, eyes closed, hand still between her legs. The internal vibrations hadn’t stopped yet, so she let them ride out, trying to relish in the glow of satisfaction. But she wasn’t satisfied. Not even close. She’d just gotten herself off a second time in the bathroom she was sharing with Bear, and she wasn’t any closer to being over him.
After the incident on the balcony—where she was ready to have him right there in the open—and then he’d stopped, she marched in and decided to relax in the bath. Well, relaxing meant not being frustrated. And in order for her not to be frustrated, she needed to relieve some stress.
Her stomach cramped at the thought of how many times she’d done this over the past decade. How many times she’d imagined his hands on her. His mouth. It’s the only way she could get herself off.
Thinking about Bear doing to her what he pleased.
She was out of her mind for him. She needed him. And he’d stopped her. Turned down sex with her. The embarrassment was harsh enough, but it was the shot to her ego that really hurt. What was wrong with her that he’d not only left her all those years ago, but now he didn’t want to sleep with her, either?
They used to have such hot sex back in the day. Wild, crazy, uninhibited sex. There wasn’t anything they hadn’t tried. She was comfortable with Bear, and he was comfortable with her.
And yet he must not have been as comfortable as she thought. Or there was something about her he didn’t want.
She sank down into the water, immersing her whole head. When she came back up, wiping the soapy water from her eyes, she decided she wasn’t going to let it bother her anymore. She wasn’t going to hold onto something that wasn’t there. She thought she’d seen a glimmer of hope that there was something between them. A spark of what used to be. He was fighting so hard to help her solve the thefts. She could’ve sworn he was doing it because he still cared for her. Might even want her back. This could be his way to prove he was a changed man.
Of course, it would be in her worst interest to think they could give it another go. But that didn’t stop her heart from hoping.
But if he could turn away from her that easily, then she was wrong.
A loud knock sounded on the other side of the door.
“You didn’t drown, did you?” Bryan said from the other side. “How long you gonna be? I gotta get in there.”
She didn’t respond.
“Kenna?”
Still nothing.
“Seriously,” he said. “Answer me.”
“Give me a minute.” Kenna flipped the faucet to turn the hot water on and pulled the plug to drain the water. Standing, she lifted the nob on the wall so water rained down from the showerhead.
She tilted her head back, letting the hot water flow down her hair and back. The gentle pelting sensation was oddly soothing as it massaged her tension. Tension she still couldn’t seem to squash.
Spinning, she pulled the showerhead attachment down from the wall and guided the spray over her body—her breasts, hips, and stomach. Before getting to her thighs, she stopped midway, letting the consistent tap of water hit her where her ache persisted. Using her other hand, she opened herself to the spray, breathing a sigh of contentment as her tension began to build again—that incessant, never-ending reminder that Bear had left his mark where no other man could cure.
She needed release.
She caressed the spot, using the dual stimulation to give her what she needed again.
“Mmm,” she moaned, eyes closing. “Just like that, Bear. Just like that.”
Her hips pressed forward and back, her body needing it harder and faster. Rougher. The way he used to give it to her. She increased the pressure, but it wasn’t enough.
Turning the dial on the showerhead, the flow of water immediately kicked up in intensity, hammering against her in the most delicious, erotic way.
“Oh.” She clenched her teeth, trying not to cry out. Holding it back only heightened her pleasure. “Yes. Just. Like. That.”
Her core clenched. Her breasts ached. She was so close.
That’s when a sharp intake of air sounded from the other side of the bathroom.
She shrieked and released the showerhead. It dropped and clattered onto the tub, spraying water all over the room. Slamming a hand on the nozzle, she quickly turned the water off.
Bryan stood in the doorway staring at her with an expression of surprise that quickly morphed into extreme hunger. His hot-as-hell gaze coasted down her wet body from head to feet and back up. He stopped between her legs, staring as he licked his lips.
A small shudder rolled over her at the memory of how amazing it felt when he touched her there an hour ago.
“What are you doing?” she shrieked. “I said I needed a minute!”
He brought his gaze up to hers briefly. “Keep going.”
She swallowed and glanced around the room.
“If you get that fucking hot imagining me touching you, then go on. Get yourself off.”
She sniffed out a breath. “I’m fine. It was nothing. I was just—”
“Bullshit.” He stepped into the room, kicking the door closed behind him.
Her heart zapped to attention, ramping up her pulse. The climb that had been building before he barged in was still there, waiting for release. She was dying for it.
Bear’s hands landed on her hips where he hoisted her out of the tub, sitting her on the edge, facing him. He pressed her legs wide and stared down at her.
“Do it,” he said, eyes ablaze. “Finish yourself off.”
“I… No, I…I don’t need…”
“I’ll get you started.” Without any warning, he inserted two fingers into her, forcing out that cry she’d been smothering. The muscles in his biceps worked as he drove in and out. Using his thumb, he circled her until she sighed and closed her eyes. Yep, that did it. She was building again, that quick.
He pulled his fingers away from her, making her whimper.
“Now, do it,” he said in a low, steely voice. “You were right there. I could feel it. Give yourself the release.”
Torture. It was absolute, blessed torture. She needed the relief. She was on the ledge, hanging over in search of freedom.
Fine. She’d give him what he wanted, only because it was going to give her what she needed. If he wasn’t going to get her off, then she’d show him exactly what he’d been missing all these years. She’d remind him how it looked when she let go.
Kenna took a deep fortifying breath and slid a finger down her core, opening herself up to him.
He grunted with approval.
Circling the spot she’d touched before, she inserted two fingers from her other hand and began to work in tandem, hitting the areas she knew all too well for the quickest, most powerful finale.
His nostrils flared as he watched her, his own hand skimming down his body. He cupped himself on the outside of his shorts, gripping hard. He bit his lower lip. “Fuck, Kenna. You’re even more beautiful right now.”
Yes, and he’d chosen for her to satisfy herself, so she was going to make the most of it. Later, he could get himself off three times in row like she’d had to do. See how he liked that.
She pointed her toes and widened her legs, giving him an even more personal view. It wasn’t going to take long. Between his intense expression and the pressure she was administering on herself, it was a perfect combination for a massive explosion.
He groaned, long and guttural. And he lowered his zipper. Pulling himself out of his shorts, he used his large hand to clutch his erection. Sliding slow and purposeful down his length, he focused on her hands.
Maybe this was what she’d needed. Not just imagining Bear with her, but him actually being here, showing her how much she affected him. He might’ve turned down sex earlier, but if he didn’t want her right now, he was a damn good actor. His skin was flush. Muscles taut. That male instinct to jump her and finish her off was barely contained. She reveled in the anticipation that he might pull her against him, turn her around, and drive into her.
But he wouldn’t. That’s not how this game worked. He would watch, and she would obey. Only this time, he wouldn’t take her again afterward like they used to. No, they would watch each other get off, and then she would walk out on him, like he’d walked out on her.
There it was. The ascent. It was starting to peak, so she pressed harder, driving her fingers into herself, and moaning loudly. She’d never been quiet during sex, and she wasn’t going to start now.
“Bear,” she said. “I need you so bad right now.” She worked herself faster. Damn, she wanted him after this. All of him. Inside her.
“Let me see it.” Bear growled, and his eyes illuminated. His chest heaved quick, deep breaths. The hand on his cock was thrusting as fast as she was pumping herself.
“Do it,” he said, his voice tight. “Come, Kenna.”
Just as he grunted, and his hand stopped its motion, his stomach pulling in tight, she let go. She flew over the edge, the powerful release she’d been waiting for since he’d left finally overtaking her. Her breath caught in her lungs. Her eyes darkened at the corners. Her muscles stiffened and then relaxed.
It was the most satisfaction she’d had in years. And he hadn’t even touched her.
She’d just finished drying her hair and applying a quick coat of mascara when Bryan appeared in the bathroom doorway. This time she was fully clothed.
They’d been silent when they went to bed, both facing opposite directions, neither broaching the subject of what they’d done. Which was fine by her. She didn’t need his words. Not anymore. So she’d woken up, showered, and was getting herself ready for the day. Hopefully with the busy schedule ahead of them, she could stay occupied.
Bryan leaned against the doorjamb and crossed his arms, looking at her through the mirror. “I feel like I should apologize.”
“For what?”
“Last night.”
“Don’t,” she said. “That was the best release I’ve had in—”
“Not that. For what happened on the balcony.”
“Oh,” she said, sobering immediately. “No biggie. It’s over. I got what I wanted, so…” She shrugged.
“Did you?” His expression turned probing.
“Yeah.” She’d gotten off. That’s what she’d needed at that moment.
He let out a sigh. “Kenna, we’re never going to be like we were. We can’t.”
She placed the mascara wand on the counter and turned to face him. “What does that mean?”
Bear ran a hand over the crown of his long hair, tucking a few stray strands behind his ear. “There’s stuff you don’t understand. I’m not the same guy I was. I can’t… It’s not possible for me to…” He blew out a breath and shook his head. “Look, it’s just best if we get through the rest of this week without any expectations, okay?”
Expectations? Of what?
She didn’t have any expectations after he rejected her so easily last night. Sure, they’d gotten off in front of each other, but it wasn’t like he’d been the one to finish her off.
She shrugged. “Fine with me.”
He blinked a few times in rapid succession. “It is?”
She picked up the wand and turned back to the mirror, applying a final coat of mascara to her top lashes. “Yep. Totally fine.”
“Oh.” He rocked back on his heels and placed his hands into his shorts pockets. “I just thought the other night with the dance…when I walked away…and, you know, out on the balcony…and then you told me you wanted me while you got yourself off… I just figured you’d think…well, maybe you’d assume, you know, the way you reacted it was like you wanted more from me.”
She had. Or at least thought she had.
But if she concentrated on what mattered most—her mother’s ring—then she wouldn’t have any more stupid fantasies about the two of them giving it another go. The only thing from her past she cared to retrieve was that sapphire.
“Nope,” she said. “All good.”
And for the first time in a long while, she meant it. All was good. The only thing that would make it better was if she could persuade Bear to offer his services a few more times before this week was over. It would be nice to store up her reserve while she could before those extra lonely nights at home.
Ah, what the hell.
“In fact…” She tucked her makeup away and zipped the bag closed. “I have a proposition for you.”
His face went guarded. “And that is?”
“No expectations.”
He blinked a few times, his posture rigid. “I don’t understand.”
“Since we can’t be together—or be like we used to, as you put it—but it appears we both have pent-up aggression we need to release, it would only make sense for us to get some of it out of our systems.”
More blinking and rigidness, but a spark of interest ignited in his gaze. “I’m confused. You can’t be saying what I think you are.”
She blew out a breath. Men. “I’m offering for us to get some of this frustration out. You are frustrated, aren’t you?”
“More than I’ve ever been in my life,” he said without hesitation.
“Do you want to do something about it?” she asked. “With me?”
“Is that a trick question?” He took a quick step toward her with his hands out.
She stayed him with a lifted finger. When he froze, she said, “Like you said, no expectations. This doesn’t mean anything. You don’t want me long term any more than I want you. This is nothing but scratching an itch. Right?”
“Right,” he agreed with a greedy edge to his voice. “The only thing it’ll mean is you’ll be hoarse and you’ll have trouble walking after.”
She almost laughed at his overly confident comment. “Sounds like you’ve got your work cut out for you.”
“So, are we good?” he asked. “We gonna do this?”
She started nodding. “We are.”
He was on the move in an instant.
“But,” she said, making him stop again. She glanced down at her watch. “Too bad for us, we have another wedding event in ten minutes.”
Bryan hissed out a low curse. “And Reese sent me the address of the second suspect. The hotel worker. He and I are checking out the place tonight.”
That comment momentarily pulled her attention away from one need and put a spotlight on the other. “Guess we’ll have to put sex on hold for now.” She didn’t have to work to sound disappointed. She’d been looking forward to getting off again.
Kenna moved forward to exit the bathroom. “Hurry up so we can get down to the beach for the next activity.”
As she brushed past him, he clasped her arm and lowered his voice. “The only reason we’re leaving this room is because I don’t want to hurt Sam’s feelings for missing another bullshit wedding game. But make no mistake, Kenna, tonight you’re mine.”
With that, he entered the bathroom and didn’t close the door as the water turned on.
Her blood heated, thinking about Bear in the steamy shower, water running down his tall body, and she nearly jumped in with him. She concentrated harder than normal to get the strap through the buckle of her sandals and reminded herself over and over that marching into the bathroom right now would result in them missing another event Sam scheduled for them. So Kenna’s need for release would have to be postponed. For now.
Which led her to her next priority. Her sapphire ring.
As soon as she heard the shower door open, Kenna grabbed his phone and found the text message from Reese. Silly man didn’t even clear it from his home screen.
1717 Sea Side Blvd. He needs to be at work at 7.
Guess where she was going tonight?