The Moth and the Flame (When Rivals Play #2) - B.B. Reid Page 0,34

it.

Just from the few tugs, I already knew the pleasure would be worth all the loathing and shame I’d feel once I came so after pouring some of her body wash in my palm for lube, I closed my eyes and gave in.

I was already damned, so what was one more offense? At least this time, I’d be getting something out it. No amount of money or power could hold a candle to the fantasy playing out in my head—Lou spread out before me, eager, wanting, and mine.

I’d start with those adorable toes of her. Kissing and bathing every digit before I moved to her ankles, her legs, her thighs—massaging and caressing.

In my fantasy, I left no part of her untouched because I knew I’d never get the chance again. The sounds I imagined she made as I worshiped her pushed me further toward the edge. Soft whimpers and wanton cries, or maybe she’d moan, and it’d be my name on her lips. My stomach clenched, and I groaned wanting it all. My strokes became jerkier, more desperate.

I pictured her wearing that shirt and ripping it from her body, baring her breasts. I licked my lips as I imagined pulling her nipples into my mouth and sending her writhing beneath me for more.

“Wren?”

The sound of my name sounded so vivid and crisp. I squeezed my eyes tighter and felt myself grasping for something, but I didn’t know what.

I was between Lou’s thighs now ready to drive inside and fuck us both to death when I said, “I know, baby. I’m coming.”

The gasp she let free when I started to enter her sounded even more real. So real that I came that instant with a gasp of my own. Cum poured over my fist but was immediately washed away by the water still raining over me. I felt like a bitch when my knees wobbled, but what was even more disturbing was the absence of regret or shame I had anticipated. Instead, I felt lighter.

Until I heard Lou ask, “What the hell are you doing in there?”

“Masturbating,” I answered honestly. “Want to give me a hand?”

“Ha. Ha. Very funny.”

“I’m curious,” I told her as I grabbed the neon pink loofah I’d taken her to buy. Then I squirted some of that fruity green apple shit that drove me crazy onto it. “Which part did you think was a joke?”

“Obviously, you aren’t jerking off while I’m sitting here, and even if you were, you wouldn’t tell me.”

I smiled at that. “You’re right,” I lied. “I wouldn’t.” I scrubbed the day away and then quickly rinsed off the suds before ripping open the curtain without warning. The water was still running so Lou was caught off guard when I stepped over the lip of the tub.

Her eyes nearly fell out of her head, and then she quickly slapped her hands over her eyes missing my grin. “Jesus! Wren!”

“My bad. I must have forgotten you were here.”

“Clearly!”

I looked around the bathroom for extra towels but didn’t see any. “Towel?”

“Why should I help you, asshole?”

“Because your foster parents will be home any minute, and you don’t want to have to explain to them why I’m naked, do you?”

She huffed and grumbled, “Fine,” before hopping off the counter and stomping toward the door. All the while, her gaze never strayed. Not even once. If I hadn’t known her so well, I might have fallen for the act and believed she wasn’t curious. “But after you get dressed,” she continued, “we need to review the boundaries of friendship.”

I laughed at her attempt to gain control. “Sure thing.”

I saw the stiff set of her shoulders and waited for her to call me on my shit. Instead, she wordlessly stepped into the hallway. The second the door slammed behind her, I braced my hands on the counter and hung my head. The euphoria was gone, and I felt like shit. I really should have known better than to think I wouldn’t feel remorse. I wasn’t just Lou’s best friend. I was her protector.

I also needed her more than she needed me.

It took her a little longer than I expected to return, but when she did, she was flushed and holding a fluffy pink towel. I didn’t get a chance to ask her what was up before she tossed it at me and said, “The Hendersons are home. I’ll go downstairs and distract them while you get dressed.”

She was gone before I could respond, and after I redressed, I stood