Page 26 of Vicious Hearts
8
Roxy
My fingertips brush against my stitches. The wound is closed and healing well, but it’s still a little bit tender.
A knock on the door. “Rox? You’re crying. What’s wrong?”
He’ll think I’m an idiot. It sounds so fucking stupid.
I try to swallow my sobs and level my voice, but when I speak, my voice cracks.
“I can’t wash my hair. I can’t see what I’m doing and I’m afraid to touch my head.”
The handle squeals as it turns. I gather the bubbles in my arms, piling a wall of foam in front of me, and duck low in the water. Ben’s face appears round the doorframe.
“Why knock if you’re just going to walk in?” I ask. I wrap my arms around myself, covering my breasts.
“I’ll wash your hair for you.”
It’s not a question, and he doesn’t wait for an answer. Instead, he picks up a glass from the basin edge and takes out his toothbrush, setting it down. I watch as he walks around the bath, rolling up his sleeves as he goes, and then he’s behind me, out of sight.
“I don’t need you to–”
“Shh,charodeyka.” His hands are on my shoulders, kneading them. “You’ve had a fucking shitty few days. Be a good girl, and let me help you.”
The knots in my muscles melt away under his touch. The same hands that gripped my throat are now loosening the tension, moving firmly over the sore spots. I sigh and lean back on his chest.
“Why do you want me?” I whisper.
“Because you’re an angel,” he says. His hand steals into the water, and he finds my nipple, pinching it gently. “Every woman I ever knew had a hard, cruel edge to her, but that’s because the Bratva made them that way. You’re not from that world. You’re tough but not cold, and you have faith in people.” He pauses, removing his hand from the water and picking up a bottle of shampoo. “And you’resofucking hot. I mean, what sort of a question was that anyway?”
I want him.So what if he’s no good? I thought Ihadlove and safety once, only for them to be ripped away. I’m not holding out for that again. He’ll leave, and he’ll let me down, but for now, he’s here.
I smile as Ben tips the warm water over my hair. He puts his palm on my forehead as though he’s checking my temperature, pulling my head back gently, so suds don’t sting my eyes as he works the shampoo through the strands. He massages my scalp, careful to avoid the tender area, and rinses the lather away.
“You tell me what you need, Rox,” he says, “and I will make sure you have it.”
A thought occurs to me.Shit.It's been a while since I shaved…well, anywhere. I keep my underarms smooth, but my legs are fuzzy. And my bikini line? The less said, the better.
Ben stands up and picks up a large towel from the rail. He holds it by its corners.
“Out.”
I frown. “Ben, I’m not gonna get out of the bath with you in here–”
“Roxy.” His expression darkens. “The only reason you’re not full of my come right now is that I was considerate enough to get you some food. You wanted a bath, and you got one. Now it’s my turn to get somethingIwant, and you know what it is. Do you think I can concentrate for a fuckingsecondotherwise?”
The light reflects in his eyes like two tiny stars. His gaze is unwavering, intense.
I stand, the water running off my skin. The chill air hits me, and I try to cover myself with my hands.
“I’m sorry,” I say, cupping my mound. “I’m not exactly presentable.”
Ben’s eyes scan my body. “You’re beautiful. But you’re notcomfortable. Hang on.”
He passes me the towel, and I wrap it around my body, grateful I’m covered. I try to step out of the bath, but he raises a hand and stops me.
“Stay there. I’m gonna shave you.”