Shattered

Chapter 23 Bradley

"When I'm around him I can't breathe - and when I'm not around him... I want to be." One Tree Hill

Bradley buried her flushed face into Mark's neck as he held her tightly. She was on a high, head to toes, an exhilarating feeling she had never experienced before. He had physically taken her to an unknown place with love and trust and most of all, his touch was magical, sending urges through her body she had never known until the final moment when she let go and her entire body exploded in pleasure. He was her reason for living, for breathing, and she knew unequivocally that she would spend the rest of her life with him.

She suddenly felt the bite on her forearm and panicked about the mosquito bite. "I have to get my bug bite cream," she whispered.

He nodded and helped her to her feet. The shuffling on the wood deck got the attention of their friends, now walking around the corner.

"Did you guys hear that noise?" Brody asked. Bradley's face flushed again and they both nodded in unison knowing full well Bradley's orgasm had caused alarm to their friends. "Why's your face so red?" Brody really had no filter.

"She needs her Benadryl," Mark said, grabbing her hand and pulling her inside the master suite. They both burst into laughter and he followed her inside the bathroom. She retrieved the tube of gel from her toiletry bag and handed it to Mark. "What do you need me to do?" he asked, staring at her reflection in the mirror.

"If you see any bites on my shoulder, neck or back, please cover them. I can get the rest."

"This helps?" he asked.

"Yeah, for the most part," she sighed. "Better than taking the pills. Those knock me out, but if I get too many bites I don't have a choice and I have to take the pills."

"What happens if you don't take the pills," he questioned, squeezing the clear contents of the tube on his fingers. "Geez," he muttered. "You already have welts and they're turning purple!"

"Yeah, they swell and bruise and become painfully uncomfortable."

"Bradley," he leaned down and kissed her neck while applying the cool gel to several bites across her back and arms. "I'm so sorry they hurt." She nodded. "I wish I could take the pain away."

Bradley turned around and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I know, which is why I love you so much."

After he finished covering her arms and back, he lifted her on the counter and took care of every bit on her legs and feet. He retrieved a bottle of bug spray and rubbed it over every inch of her skin, including her face and neck.

"Tomorrow," he beamed, "I will rub your sunscreen all over you."

Bradley's heart fluttered as he wrapped his strong arms around her waist and pulled her into him, his soft lips touching hers, slow at first and then with a fiery passion. She wildly ran her fingers through his short hair, wrapping her legs around his backside, pulling him into her. His tongue began thrashing against her with need.

"Are you guys naked?" they heard Brody call. "The bonfire is all set up, come out when you're done."

Mark exhaled, resting his forehead against hers. "I'm sorry." Mark frowned.

"Don't be," she smiled. "I'm so happy right now."

Mark lifted her off the counter, setting her feet on the ground. He brushed a loose piece of hair away from her face. "It might be impossible to sleep next to you tonight," he grinned.

Bradley suddenly realized she was holding her breath and slowly exhaled, a small smile beginning to spread across her lips. "Do you think it's weird that it feels like I've known you forever?"