Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

ATHENA

The scent of roses is the first thing I notice.

Then soft, warm kisses, featherlight on my shoulder, my cheek, and my collarbone.

I stir with a sleepy sigh, the ache between my thighs, a hazy reminder of how thoroughly my husband ruined me last night.

My lashes flutter open, and the first thing I see is Alex. Shirtless with his hair slightly damp, his green eyes burning into mine like he never stopped watching me, not even for a second.

"Good morning, my beautiful wife," he murmurs against my skin, pressing another kiss to my jaw. "I figured flowers and kisses were a good way to wake you."

I glance toward the nightstand, and sure enough, a stunning bouquet of deep red roses sits in a crystal vase.

"Are you trying to spoil me?" I ask, my voice still thick with sleep.

"Always,” he replies, brushing my hair from my face. "But right now, I'm here to take care of you."

He sits up, pulling the sheets down gently. I shift, wincing a little at the soreness between my legs.

Alex notices immediately.

"Too much?" he asks, his voice low and full of concern.

I give him a lazy smile. "Worth every second."

A dark smirk touches his lips, but he doesn't push. Instead, he leans down and kisses my forehead, then stands and offers his hand.

"Come with me."

I let him help me out of bed, his hands firm and steady as I find my footing. My legs still tremble slightly, and he notices that too, scooping me into his arms without another word.

"Alex-"

"No walking. You've earned the right to be carried," he says simply, carrying me through the villa.

He takes me out onto the private terrace, where steam rises from a sunken jacuzzi overlooking the ocean. The air smells like salt and flowers.

He steps in with me in his arms, easing us both into the warm, bubbling water. The heat instantly soothes my body, the ache slowly dulling as I melt into his chest.

“Better?” he murmurs, his hands already working slow circles along my back and thighs.

"Mmm... so much better," I sigh, resting my head on his shoulder.

We sit like that in silence for a while, the ocean stretching out before us, the sun rising higher in the sky, and the only sound is the gentle ripple of water and his heartbeat under my ear.

He presses a kiss to the crown of my head.

I've been keeping from

really improved lately. What is it

draws circles on my back. Something he does when

turn so I'm on the other side

happen?"

green eyes find mine, and he hesitates. "I didn't want to tell you earlier because it would have ruined

closer and capture his head

what the

dying, she asked me to find the people who killed

I freeze.

sudden chill crawling up my spine. My breath catches in my throat as I

you to what?" My voice shakes

find who was behind it.

I can feel it

like it never left. I blink rapidly, trying to

I whisper. "Did

He shakes his head,

"Not yet."

like it

want to lie to you, but I also didn't want

Luca's been helping. So

out of sadness but from the overwhelming wave of emotion surging

that the flood incident was just a cover-up. But didn't have

anyone can find those answers,

to his. "You didn't have to do this

course I did," he says softly. "You're

in the best way. I wrap my arms around his neck

tight, the water sloshing

find..." I say quietly, "I

his lips to

know everything. I

Alex finally helps me out of the jacuzzi, wrapping

my feet, but there's something comforting and intimate about letting him care for me like this. It makes

I pull on one of his crisp white dress shirts, the hem falling just

addictive

to my shoulders, still dripping slightly down my back. I don't bother with underwear.

on a pair of black sweatpants, low on his hips, and

bare chest, sculpted torso, the band of his Calvin Clein boxers peeking out

does he always

bite my bottom lip before I can stop myself, my gaze lingering just a

on the V-line disappearing

He catches it.

he says, stepping toward me