“I owe you an apology,” Sebastian started with all sincerity in his gaze.
He wasn’t used to giving apologies, but he wanted to try his best anyway.
He took a deep breath, visibly trying to compose himself. “I’ve never been good at this,” he admitted, his gaze dropping to the floor. “But I need you to know that I’m sorry for all of it.”
Kourtney remained calm, feeling a rush of emotions at his words. She had already zeroed her mind from getting any kind of apologies about what happened from this man. But now, he surprised her.
“Honey… I never intended for you to go through what you did at Coolaroo. I should have protected you better. I want you to know how deeply sorry I am. You were scared, and I should have been there for you, not just in the end but from the beginning.”
As he spoke, Kourtney noticed the way his fingers trembled slightly, betraying the confidence he tried to project.
His voice was thick with regret, and her heart ached at the sincerity in his tone. “I…”
“It’s okay if you’re still mad at me. I understand,” He said, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ears.
Kourtney’s eyes blinked with unshed tears.
Memories of her time in the hands of those monsters came flooding back-each moment of fear, pain, and isolation.
She had built walls around her heart, but now, hearing his sincere apology, those walls began to crack. The important thing now was that he had saved her.
‘I forgive you,’ she wanted to say the words, but it wouldn’t come out.
Without another word, Sebastian began to undress her, his hands slick and gentle. His fingers grazed her skin as he slowly unbuttoned her dress.
Kourtney sensed a wave of heat rush to her cheeks, a mixture of embarrassment and trust flooding her senses. She felt utterly exposed yet deeply cherished, a strange combination that left her breathless.
She had never allowed anyone to undress her like this, but with Sebastian, it felt right. He was gentle yet firm, his hands moving like a skilled artist unveiling a masterpiece. She felt a rush of vulnerability at his touch but, she let him take control.
The man was her legally married husband anyway.
Her body trembled slightly as he peeled away the last layer of her clothing, leaving her exposed and bare before him.
“Just relax,” he murmured, his tone soothing as he carefully inspected her body.
Looking at all the minor bruises and scratches the other inmates had inflicted on her, Sebastian scowled.
His gaze darkened momentarily, a flicker of anger flashing across his features.
“These will heal in no time. But I swear I will deal with those who hurt you,” he said softly, almost to himself.
He only wished that this time… this time…she wouldn’t stop him from making them pay.
They were a team now. And she could count on him to bring down her oppositions with just a lift of his finger.
And he would do that gladly!
As he dipped a cloth into the warm water and began to wash her, his fingers brushed over the tender spots with a delicacy that made her shiver.
Kourtney couldn’t help but notice how his gaze lingered on her. She felt vulnerable yet empowered under his watchful eye as the heat started radiating off his body.
Sebastian’s breath came in shallow bursts now, and she could feel his arousal spilling into the air between them. Kourtney had seen him like this before, so she knew.
She felt his desire-a raw, unfiltered need for HER!
She looked up to meet Sebastian’s intense gaze and saw the fire burning in them.
She could see the conflict in his eyes, the battle between his desire and his need to take care of her. It made her heart race uncontrollably.
“Sebastian…,” she breathed, her voice barely a whisper as she noticed the way his eyes darkened with desire.
“It’s okay. I’m not going to. Just let me take care of you,” he said, cutting her off. “Please. I need to make sure you’re okay, and then we can talk about… everything else.”
He was a man. It was pretty normal to have such a reaction to seeing his naked wife’s body. But right now, she was beaten and battered.
Kourtney nodded.
She could see the guilt still lingering in his blue eyes.
Does he feel guilty for getting a boner even when she was in this state?
She couldn’t help but let out a small smile. It seemed like the man’s human empathy was starting to get better and better.
When Sebastian leaned closer, Kourtney could see the way his jaw clenched, the muscles tensing beneath his skin. It was as if every fiber of his being wanted and needed her, yet held back by an invisible barrier of guilt and regret.
She wanted to say something… to tell him it was alright if he wanted her right now… she would let him. But she felt tongue-tied. She was so unsure of how to voice the storm of emotions swirling within her.
As Sebastian continued to wash her carefully despite his raging boner, his hands moved with a tenderness that was almost worshipful.
He paused, running a hand through his tousled dark hair in frustration.
Good God!
She was perfect like this, and it was driving him insane.
Kourtney also gulped a mouthful of saliva on seeing her husband’s obvious battle with himself. She had never been the source of such longing before she met this man.
It was intoxicating, yet terrifying.
His eyes roamed over her, and the way they sparkled with hunger made her stomach flutter.
However, he surprisingly kept to his word.
Once he finished cleaning her, he wrapped her in a soft white towel, his fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary on her skin. Again, he carried her bridal-style towards their bedroom, and then he laid her down gently on the bed.
As he looked into her eyes, she saw a flicker of something-was it longing or, was it love?
Before she could ponder it further, he leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. Then he pressed a soft kiss on her cheek. “Sleep tight!”