Page 82 of The Player's Club

“I’ll think about it,” I said, my voice hoarse.

“Good.” Elodie took her hand back, which made my idiotic heart twist.

Why did this woman have to affect me like she did? What had happened to keeping things businesslike? I’d never had this issue before. My previous lovers had come and gone, and I hadn’t felt more than a pang. Besides Caroline, that is.

But Elodie was the complete opposite of Caroline. She was generous, kind, thoughtful. She also wasn’t afraid to call me out on my bullshit. Even Caroline had never done that. Caroline had never wanted to have any hard conversations.

The only thing Caroline had wanted was to pursue her own pleasures, damn the consequences.

I had the sudden urge to show Elodie that I wanted to change. Or at least to make up for what I’d done to her last night. I finished the last of my tea and took her hand, leading her back upstairs.

I turned the water on for the bath, a huge Jacuzzi tub I’d used all of three times since I’d moved into this house.

When Elodie looked puzzled, I said, “I’m just giving you a bath. Unless you want it to turn into something else.”

She shook her head in amusement but didn’t protest. I wished I had shit like bubble bath, but my bathroom was sparse. I had toothpaste, an old bottle of body wash, and toilet paper. I’d only recently gotten a trash can after Elodie had teased me about it.

I had Elodie get into the tub before I got in. I winced inwardly when I saw the welts on her back. I loosely wrapped her in my arms and kissed those welts, willing them to disappear quickly.

“It’s okay, you know,” she said quietly. “I won’t break. I’m pretty strong.”

She didn’t feel strong to me; she seemed small and fragile. I wanted to keep her protected. Safe.

Safe from me? I thought, angry with myself.

“No, really.” She turned to look at me. “If I had wanted you to stop, I would’ve used the safe word. End of story. I’m more worried about you than I am about myself.”

I sighed. “I don’t deserve that.”

“Now you’re being stupid.”

That made me chuckle. I then gave Elodie a gentle bath, and even as my cock rose in want for her, I didn’t push for more. I’d meant it when I’d said Elodie would have to initiate if she wanted us to have sex again.

After the bath, I dried her off and rubbed lotion onto her back, telling myself that flogging myself internally wasn’t going to help. If I wanted to show Elodie that I’d listened to her, I’d take her words to heart and really think about her suggestions. The thought of talking to some stranger about my history made me want to sprint to the hills. I hugged Elodie from behind, kissing the side of her neck.

“Do you have something in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?” she joked as she wiggled her ass against my cock.

I growled. “Keep teasing me and you’ll find out.”

She turned and wrapped her arms around my neck. “Oh, I definitely want to find out.”

I kissed her. She tasted as sweet as always. I loved the way she made little mewling sounds when I kissed her.

I ran my hands down her warm, naked body. I palmed her breasts, and I made sure to tweak her nipples how she liked.

She broke the kiss, gasping already. I kissed the side of her neck and then took her to bed.

I laid her down gently. I almost wished I’d covered the bed in rose petals. Since when had I turned into some mushy romantic?

It was Elodie. Elodie made me sentimental. She made me want to be a better man.

Her gaze was hazy, her body flushed as I climbed on top of her. Normally, I’d seduce her fast and furiously, but not tonight. Tonight, I wanted to show her my tender side.

We kissed for what felt like an eternity. I turned so we were on our sides, facing each other. That also gave me access to her pussy, which was already dripping by the time I stroked a finger through her folds.

Elodie’s cheeks were red now. “Mac,” she said, her eyelids heavy.

I gently rubbed her clit, which made her moan. “Yes?” I asked, smiling.