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“—no buts This is set in stone I ain’t gonna change e stays with ot t

hat?” The deadly tone from the bar was back, and it made her shiver

“I understand” She thought about it for a second “No, I don’t understand, but I respect that’s what you want”

He studied her, as though trying to assess if she h Now strip I’ll rub this on your back, and you can do your front” He gave her a smile that would charm the pants of a saint “Unless you want me to do both”

“No!” The word came out like a shot, but she wasn’t entirely sure she meant it

“Don’t worry You’re safe withthat suit off?”

With her cheeks burning, Friday let the black suit drop to her ankles She kicked off her boots and stood there dressed in nothing but her plain white panties The chilled night air nipped at her skin, leaving goose bumps in its wake

“Underwear, too” His voice was hoarse; she felt the words as breath on the back of her neck

Quickly, as though ripping off a taped dressing, she pushed her underwear down and kicked it to the side

He groaned behind her, and Friday felt her body flush She was standing naked In front of a fully dressed man Outside It was almost too much to comprehend Definitely too much to deal with

“Get on with it” The words were harsher than she’d intended

“My pleasure”

She felt the warmth from his body at her back and then cold cream touched her shoulder She jerked

“Shh, bébé, it’s gonna be fine” He cooed the words to her, intending to soothe, but instead causing tingles of sensation to ripple over her skin

Slowly, methodically, his hand skier Didn’t turn his touch into so sure to cover every inch of her skin She found herself swaying into his touch Her eyes drifted closed The silence and darkness became like a cocoon A safe place where she could just be Where she could live without expectation and feel without reserve For once She felt Striker’s breath on her skin as he moved down her body She tree to arch into his touch as he caressed the cream onto her skin