A Mate's Wish(19)

“Why?” The skepticism in her breathed words was a knife to his chest. She sat up. “Ren, you and I weren’t anything. We had a few nights where we connected but the next day, I paid dearly for those precious moments.”

She was right. He’d been horrible to her. He’d fought every feeling of connection, of kindness, of love, because he didn’t know how to handle them. Didn’t know how to keep her and keep her safe at the same time.

Renner struggled to a seat, tucking the blanket around his hips.

“Those nights were everything to me. You can’t know what you did for me, Bethy. How many times I’ve replayed those moments with you, wishing I’d get another chance. And now here you are. I know I fucked up. I know. But we were kids.”

Her eyes glistened with tears. Lifting his hand, he swiped them from her cheeks as they started falling.

“Babe…” Seeing her like this shredded him. “Don’t cry.”

“I’m not weak,” she growled, jerking her face away from his hand.

“I know.” She’d proven it time and time again. Tears couldn’t mean weakness. Because he’d been as weak as they came, and he never cried.

Bethany brushed the wetness away and stood. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

Slowly and carefully, she helped him to the bathroom and turned on the shower. As steam filled the room, Renner felt a peace fall over him. Things weren’t okay, but maybe just getting everything out in the open was enough of a start.

“How are we going to do this?” Bethany asked, her cheeks turning a deep shade of pink. “Can you shower by yourself?”

Renner braced himself on the counter. His strength was returning, but only in little bursts. He was definitely stronger when she was near, but it would take a while before he could do much on his own. For once he was thankful for his shifter qualities. He’d be dead if he was a human.

Damn hunters. Their presence on the lodge property had surprised him. He’d run into the woods and changed after seeing Bethy with fucking Eagan, but hadn’t expected the danger since there was a zero tolerance policy for hunting in the area.

“You’ve got my blood on you,” he murmured. “Maybe we should share the water.”

Her eyes went wide. “Um… that’s probably not a good idea.”

Renner dropped the blanket he’d wrapped around his waist, and her gaze fell to his partial erection before she turned her head away. The skin of her neck streaked with pink as her blush deepened.

He stepped into the stall, closing the glass door behind him. “I guess you’d better stick around then.”

“I’ll just…” Her voice was breathy. “I’ll turn around and you can let me know if you need me.”

“I’ll always need you,” he muttered under his breath.

As he rinsed the dried blood from his body, he watched Bethany turn and brace her hands on the sink. Never taking his eyes off her, he lathered up, careful to avoid the wound under his arm. Her hair was down for the first time, and it was long and gorgeous, even after being slept on. He wanted that stuff strung out on his pillows soon.

Slowly, her head came up until she was staring at his reflection in the mirror. Her gaze flitted away and then back. Renner slowed his washing. With the knowledge that she was watching him, his erection went from partial to fully sprung.

With his hands, he smoothed the lather from his neck, moving downward over his pecs, and slowly, slowly across his abs. Her eyes followed eagerly.

He took the tease farther, gripping his erection and stroking twice before starting the whole process over. Neck, chest, abs, stroke. On the third pass, he kept stroking while she watched, open mouthed. If he was stronger, he’d strip her and drag her under the water with him and lick her into submission.

She squeezed her eyes closed. “I’m uh… going to find some clothes. I’ll be right back.”

Renner leaned back against the tile wall to catch his breath. He grinned, watching her go. He was a cat. He was good at waiting. He’d wait, and when she was ready, he’d pounce.

***

Bethany stopped just outside the bathroom to catch her breath. She was in trouble. So much trouble. Watching Renner wash was the most erotic thing she’d ever seen. All she’d wanted to do was jump in the shower with him and take over the stroking. She could make him feel good. No doubt about that. It was what she did for a living.

But what would happen after that itch was scratched? There was too much between them—both spoken and unspoken—to chance a random encounter.

Looking down at her ruined shirt got her back on track. He needed her to have her head on straight, not be a raging hormone ready to hump him when he’s down.