An Impossible Task

Chapter 7

TW: Sexual encounter. 18+ only please.

Cassie woke greeted by bright sunlight coming in through the large plate glass window. John was spooned up against her back, his one arm draped over her casually with the big down comforter wrapped around both of them. Warm and content, she snuggled back against him and heard the long, slow breathing of sleep coming from him.

She closed her eyes and sighed. It was then she realized she had slept with an almost absolute stranger for what did she know, really? The only thing she knew for sure was his name and he wouldn't lie about that, would he?

Cassie realized that she did, indeed, do it again. She tried to save someone at a cost to herself and she mentally kicked her own ass. Her little voice told her she would damn well do it all over again, too, and her little voice never let her down. But why? What made her trust a man she barely knew?

Part of her, the devil on her shoulder, told her he could well wake up and kick her unceremoniously right out of bed. It was not a pleasant thought. But then again, what if he didn't, the angel on her other shoulder asked? What if he took her in his arms and made love to her again? What would she do then?

John stirred next to her and Cassie yawned, stretching her legs out. She felt him move against her and lightly kiss her exposed shoulder.

"Cass?" he whispered, his face appearing next to her neck.

"Morning, Sunshine Superman," she sweetly replied. Cassie turned on her back towards him and placed her hand on the side of his face.

Leaning on his elbow, his finger traced her face from her forehead down to her chin, then he kissed her neck. He brought his face back up to hers and suddenly asked quizzically, "Sunshine Superman?"

She laughed. "Yes. You're a Sunshine Superman. It's a song from the 60's, Donovan sang it I think. It doesn't have anything to do with anything, really. It just popped into my brain and it's just cute," she smiled, pushing his black hair off his face.

"Cute?" he asked, incredulous.

"Cute," she answered with assurance.

John smiled at Cassie and slipped his hand around her waist as his lips kissed her neck. "I'll show you cute. Come in the shower with me," he nuzzled into her neck. "I'll wash your back..."

She arched her neck back in reaction to his kiss. "That sounds wonderful."

They sat up and went to the edge of the bed. John stood first and walked in front of Cassie. It was then she noticed the huge tattoo on his back, the words in Latin. Cassie stood and gently placed her hands on him.

"John, what is this? Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat? It's been awhile since I took Latin—I was in medical school. Fortune helps the strong? You also have a third degree burn here."

"It's the symbol of a...a...special private society," he explained, obviously uncomfortable.

"You mean like a fraternity or something?"

John nodded, turning to face her. "Yes, something like that. I'll explain later." He leaned down and kissed her neck as his hands slid down her naked back. Slowly, he began to walk Cassie backwards toward the bathroom, his lips still tasting her neck. Cassie giggled as his tongue gently ran up to her ear and he kissed her earlobe. She passed her nails softly across his back and John wiggled against her with a smile on his face as they continued toward the bathroom.

She gently removed the bandages from his collarbone and right side then John stood behind her, his strong hands rubbing her shoulders. Starting the shower, Cassie waited until the water was just the right temperature and stepped in, John behind her.