SHAPES UNSPOKEN

- 13 -

HAPPY READING 🥰

Sean Britto

The cold water streams down my head and back, but it does nothing to calm the fire under my skin.

I brace one hand against the shower wall, closing my eyes. My body is tight with restraint. Every nerve feels alive, charged, aching. Being that close to her and stopping… it takes more discipline than I expected.

Annabelle.

Just thinking her name makes my jaw tighten.

I held my shaft in the plan of my hand stroking it. I close my eyes, spread my legs, and visualize Annabelle laid out in front of me. I become harder as I brace the cold tile with one hand, continuing to stroke myself. I growl as the desire begin to fill me.

What the hell are you doing to me, Annabelle. I pick up my pace, keeping a rapid rhythm. I lean my head down as the water stream down my head and back as I pant heavily as ecstasy fills my body.

What are you doing to me girl?

I force myself to breathe slowly, to let the tension pass. I made her a promise. And I intend to keep it. No matter how hard it gets.

After a long minute, I finally step out, dry off, and pull myself together. This isn’t just about desire. It’s about proving something—to her and to myself.

I brush my teeth, get dressed, and walk back into her bedroom.

She’s sitting on the bed wrapped in a sheet, looking at me like she’s still unsure whether I’m staying or disappearing.

“If you keep looking at me like that,” I smirk lightly, “I’m going to break my promise.”

She gives a soft hum but doesn’t tease back like usual.

“Are you okay?” I ask, more serious now.

“Much better… sir,” she replies quietly.

I arch a brow. “You know you had me worried, right?”

“I didn’t break your rules,” she mutters, rolling her eyes.

“Oh, but you did,” I tease gently. “Rule number three. You talk to me. No matter how difficult it feels.”

She hides her face in her hands. “How do I tell you… I need you?”

“The same way you were about to tell Jinette,” I answer calmly. “You come to me first.”

She groans in embarrassment, and I can’t help but laugh softly.

“Nothing about you is embarrassing to me. I’m your man. You’re my beautiful lady.”

She leans into me, resting her head on my shoulder. “I’ve never felt like this before.”

The honesty in her voice hits me harder than anything else today.

“I know, baby,” I whisper, wrapping my arms around her.

She looks up at me. “You’re really leaving tonight?”

“I have to.”

There’s responsibility waiting for me back home. A son who needs his father. A life that still needs closing chapters.

“Did you call into work?” I ask.

She freezes. “After you went into the shower.”

I chuckle softly. “You’re something else, Annabelle Inniss.”

We lie back on her bed, and I hold her close. I wish she had just told me earlier what she needed instead of shutting down. I would never deny her comfort. But making love before my divorce is finalized isn’t an option. I refuse to let her feel like a placeholder. She deserves clarity. She deserves certainty.