Page 21 of Bound in Paradise


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Dani turned the shower on and waited, biting her lip as she stared blindly at the spray while it warmed.

Okay, so she’d taken the coward’s way out. It was no big deal… well, that’s what she told herself, anyway. It wasn’t the first time they’d had no strings sex. They’d scened every week for an entire year, and while they’d quickly become exclusive, it was only because things between them had been so good. Why settle for hamburger when you could have steak?

Now? Well, it didn’t need to mean anything.

Except you’re still in love with him.

Impossible! She had never been in love with him. It had just been a serious case of infatuation thatmighthave been flirting with the edges of love. But thankfully, it had been stamped out early on. She didn’t even know him. Not properly. The people they’d been with each other at the club weren’t the people they were in everyday life. They’d been kink partners. Perfectly matched, maybe. For her anyway. But clearly not for Zack since he’d felt the need to lie to her about having a wife.

She stepped into the shower, letting the hot water cascade over her body. As she lathered up, her mind kept racing with those dratted ‘what ifs.’

What if she hadn’t pushed him.

What if she’d let him explain like he’d wanted to.

A sliver of apprehension shivered through her when she thought back on that. He’d seemed so genuine. So insistent.

She’d thought she understood why Zack lied about being married, but now she was allowing those long-buried memories to resurface, nothing made sense. Why would he need to explain something if he was only using it as a means to stop her getting too close?

And why use something that extreme; something that was guaranteed to send her running? The nature of their kink relationship meant he could have just told her he wanted to stop. She’d have accepted that, no questions asked. Sure, Dani had been in deep enough she’d have been upset, but she wouldn’t have caused a scene. That was the nature of the BDSM lifestyle. You played, you enjoyed yourself, you may or may not hook up again. But unless you negotiated a contract, both parties were free to walk away. No drama. No questions asked.

That’s just how it was.

Dani leaned her forehead against the cool tile, letting the water beat down on her back. She closed her eyes, trying to sort through the jumble of emotions swirling inside her.

Doubt crept in, insidious and unwelcome. Had she jumped to conclusions? Made assumptions without giving Zack a fair chance to explain? The memory of his face - hurt, confused, desperate to make her understand - flashed through her mind.

Why did these things insist on haunting her?

She shook her head, sending droplets flying. No, she couldn't second-guess herself now. The evidence had been clear. Kris Warwick’s report showed one single marriage with someone with Zack’s name; one that couldn’t possibly be him.

But a tiny, insistent voice whispered: What if there was more to the story?

With a frustrated groan, Dani shut off the water and reached for a towel. She'd made her choice. She'd had her fun and kicked him out. It was done.

Except... she hadn’t actually told him to leave. Just suggested it. Just assumed he would.

Heart pounding, she wrapped the towel around herself and cracked open the bathroom door. Steam billowed out as she peered into the bedroom, half-expecting - hoping? Or would she be disappointed? - to find it empty.

She found Zack standing there, fully clothed.

"We need to talk," he said firmly, his expression stoic andwaaaytoo serious.

"Zack! What the hell? Why are you still here?" Dani pushed an indignation she wasn’t really feeling into her voice, gripping the towel to secure it properly and give herself a modicum of defense against her nakedness. This guy was far too potent.

He didn't budge. "No more running away, Dani. No more hiding. We're going to hash this out right now."

Her heart raced as she stared at him, water dripping from her hair. Part of her wanted to yell at him to get out. But a bigger part was relieved he hadn't left, that he seemed as desperate for answers as she was.

"Fine," she said shakily. "Just... let me get dressed first."

Zack's eyes roamed over her almost naked form, darkening with desire. It was enough to have her mouth go dry, even though she’d just had him… it had been a while since she’d entertained anything but BOB, after all. Perhaps they could just enjoy each other for a little longer before they started any ‘come to Jesus’ conversations that might spoil it all again.

But clearly, Zack was more determined than she was.

"Agreed," he said, his voice rough. "I'll wait outside." He turned and strode out of the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click.