Seeking Escape

34. Expected and unexpected

*** Joyce's POV ***

Time to come clean. Literally and figuratively. I'm letting down my guard with Quinn rapidly. It's like a switch was flipped last night. I felt bold. Empowered. Limitless.

Quinn, as usual, shed his clothing and shamelessly walked into the bathroom nude. I wanted to feel that freedom and I trusted that if I ever got to that point, it would be with him. I grabbed a towel and stripped out of my grungy work clothes, noting the soreness in my limbs.

I wrapped the towel around myself and timidly entered the bathroom. Quinn had already entered the shower and was letting the stream flow over him. He was the stuff of fantasies right now and by some miracle, he was mine.

I hung the towel and opened the door. He glanced at me and let his eyes travel the full extent of my curves. He stepped back out of the shower stream, allowing me room to join.

"Is the temp okay for you?" He asked.

"Yeah, it feels good." I acknowledged as the hot water pelted my stiffening neck, shoulders, and back.

"May I?" He asked before touching me.

"Yes. I feel a little bad that I didn't ask you this morning." I admitted.

"I'll just have to punish you." He teased, slipping a hand onto my ass and patting gently.

I instantly froze. "No. Please don't even joke."

Quinn instantly realized his mistake. "Shit. I'm sorry."

I nodded and tried to relax, reminding myself that Quinn wouldn't hurt me. And even sexually, he wasn't into spanking or domination. It wasn't consistent with his brand.

"Can I touch you?" He asked again, sensing my heightened nerves.

"Please." I yearned for it, which I honestly couldn't have said two months ago.

Our hands rubbed and explored each other as the hot water worked our muscles loose. It wasn't particularly sexual although Quinn was hard and if he had reached between my legs, I was most definitely turned on.

He took his time on my back, tracing over the scars one by one. When I thought he was finally done, I looked back over my shoulder. I was surprised to find his blue eyes brimming with tears. "Quinn?"

He wrapped his arms around me drawing my back against his chest and leaning his forehead to my shoulder. I locked my arms over his and held him tightly, giving him a moment to regain himself. After a few minutes, he spoke. "I'm sorry. I...you..."

"It's okay. Take your time." I urged him. He lifted his head and I took the opportunity to turn in his arms. I cupped his neck and gazed up at him. He finally dropped his gaze to mine.

"You're the strongest person I know, Joyce. To be subjected to that..."

"It has taken it's toll, Quinn, but I had no choice but to keep going. It would have torn me apart and consumed me if I dwelled on it." I whispered.

"I understand why you have trouble trusting, but Joyce, please believe me." He pleaded.

"I do." I said.

He brought his hands to my face and we stood, clinging to each other under the rushing water.

"I love you, Joyce. Not because I think you deserve to be loved, but because I can't help it. I'm captivated by you. I am made whole by you. And I want to be a part of your life for a very, very long time if you'll have me." His voice shook with emotion and the only response that I could muster was to kiss him.