Presque Vu

Chapter 28

Shannon got Raina settled into the bath before climbing in with her, positioning himself so that she could lean back against his chest. She snuggled into him, enjoying the fuzzy high she was on, while she replayed the day's events in her head.

"You need to do that more often," she told him as he tucked her hair over one shoulder and placed a gentle kiss at her throat.

"Do what?" Shannon chuckled softly. "Kiss your throat?"

"No," she purred, "talk to me like you did earlier. You are so good that. Holy shit that was hot."

Shannon laughed and pulled her in tighter. "You too. That was amazing." He nuzzled her neck, the stubble on his chin tickling her damp skin and making her giggle. "My girl has such a dirty mouth."

They were still cuddling under the bubbles when Jared finally appeared, silently setting the bag of toys on the bathroom counter before starting the shower. His displeasure was obvious and the atmosphere in the small room immediately changed. Raina wasn't sure what to say to him but she sat up, pulling away from the comfort of Shannon's chest in anticipation. Jared took the used plug out of the bag and grabbed a small bottle of detergent, soaping up the toy and washing it thoroughly before setting it out on the counter to dry.

Once the toy had been cleaned Jared looked down, lost in thought, before moving over next to the tub and kneeling so that he was at eye level with Raina.

"How are you, princess?" He asked matter-of-factly.

Raina didn't like the look on his face but she was confused as to what it actually meant. "I'm fine, Sir," she replied. "How are you?"

Jared ignored her question. "You're not hurt?"

"No, of course not," Raina said. She could already feel the achiness setting in, from her tender neck that had been ruthlessly devoured during their game, to a well-paddled bottom and aching muscles. But she wasn't actually injured, maybe just overused, and she didn't understand his almost grave manner. "I'm just a little sore, Sir. That's all."

Jared sighed. "You're going to be a lot more than a little sore. I know damn well you aren't used to playing at the level we have been this weekend." He stood up, shaking his head, before turning to enter the shower but stopped short. "I have limits too," he added softly, "and I think that maybe you need to start thinking about what it is you actually want from me." Before Raina could say anything else he climbed under the steamy water.

Raina turned and looked back at Shannon, a sour taste already starting to fill her mouth. She wasn't sure which line she had crossed, the day had been wild and too many different things had happened. She had wanted to push things, to try her own limits, and she thought Jared had been on board with all of it. The thought of having upset him, or perhaps having disappointed him, was making her stomach turn. Instantly all the bliss she had been basking in was gone.

"Hey," Shannon said, cupping her cheek when her eyes fell, "it's fine. He's just upset about losing."

Raina shook her head. "I don't think so. I think it's more than that,"

Shannon pulled her back against his chest, the solid warmth reassuring her even if it didn't restore her earlier high. "It will be fine. I promise," he said, kissing the top of her head before reaching for the shampoo. " He just needs a few minutes. Let's get cleaned up."

as he poured the fruity shampoo into his hands, Raina had to admit it was nice to have the chance to do this with Shannon. He was naturally so cuddly and playful, and this was a different sort of intimacy for them. They took turns washing each other's hair and soaping up their tired limbs, and by the time Jared stepped back out of the shower Raina was clean and relaxed, reassured and ready to face him.