“Mornin’, baby. You already had a bath?” His voice deep and thick from sleep.

“Yes, I’m just about to shower,” I answer, looking over my shoulder.

He walks around me, coming to my front, and folds me in his arms. “You’re so warm. Your skin’s all pink and damp. I think you need to get a little dirty before that shower?” He cups my butt, rubbing me against him.

I squint my eyes closed even though he can’t see my face. “I’m a little tender, you know. So, maybe later,” I eke out, embarrassed.

“You’re so cute. Last night, you were demanding to ride my cock, and this morning, you’re embarrassed to talk about being sore.” His low chuckle heats my belly. I love that sound.

“Shut up, you big meanie. Quit making fun of me.” I pinch his side.

“I’m not making fun of you, baby. I think you’re adorable. You can beg, demand, ask, or hell just look at me, and I’ll give it to you.” He winks.

I tut and roll my eyes. “You are impossible.” I push back and turn on the shower. Masen’s palm smacks my backside making me jump. “Ouch,” I say, looking back at him.

“Your ass looks nice pink. I was jealous I didn’t cause it,” he states with a shrug, proud of himself. I huff and get in the shower.

Masen gets in after shaving when I’m just about to get out. I touch his smooth cheeks thinking about how tonight he’ll be scruffy and loving him both ways. I give him a small kiss above his heart and tell him I need to get ready for school.

I just have two classes today, so after Bio, I’m going to head to the mall in Marshall to get some camera equipment. I do my hair in a loose, messy, fishtail braid that falls over my shoulder. I’m wearing my favorite skinny jeans and a lavender off the shoulder sweater. My black bra strap is barely visible under my braid. The Mark Masen left on me is fully covered. I gather my things knowing I’ll grab coffee at school.

Masen walks in the kitchen looking gorgeous in black slacks and a white button-up shirt. He’s looking down, rolling his sleeves up his forearms. I think I might be drooling on my shirt. He went from rugged, bad boy in jeans and t-shirts to naughty CEO in dress clothes.

He looks up at me. “You know I can feel you right?” he asks darkly. “Because we are marked, I can feel your emotions, feel that you want me right now no matter that you’re sore.”

Oh my God. “Em, no.” I shake my head. “I mean I knew something was up yesterday at the meeting hall, but I just felt like I needed to be near you. I kinda just went with and didn’t think about it.” I smile sweetly. “Sorry, you look very handsome. This is embarrassing.” I laugh at myself.

He finishes up with his sleeves and walks over to me. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I want you just as much. I’ve just had a little practice controlling my emotions. Sometimes as an Alpha if I feel things strongly enough others will too, so I’ve always had to control my emotions.” He tugs my braid and tells me, “You look beautiful, baby. I have some things I need to take care of today, so I’ll drop you at school and have Cass bring you your Jeep when he goes to class in a little bit. That okay?”