Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

HOT WATER

JESS

The early light of dawn spilled softly into the room, painting everything in muted greys and blues. Luke's arm was draped across me, his steady breaths tickling the crook of my neck, his chest rising and falling with a rhythm that somehow matched my own.

I let my fingers trace the faint scars and tattoos etched into his back, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath my touch. Every line and mark told a story, even if he hadn't shared them with me yet.

Last night had been about him. I hadn't wanted anything else. When he'd tried to return the favor, I'd pressed my lips to his and whispered, "Soon. But for now, let me take care of you." And I had.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand, the sudden sound jarring in the stillness. Carefully, I reached for it without disturbing him, glancing at the screen.

Laura: "How did the night go?"

Balancing the phone awkwardly with one hand, I typed back.

"He wanted to shower a few times and managed to fall asleep after midnight. You?"

Her reply came almost instantly, the brightness of the screen making my eyes squint.

Laura: "Josh had a nightmare. It was bad, but he's sleeping now. He

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me anything about the island,

at Luke. His features were relaxed in sleep, but even now, shadows lingered under his eyes, hints of a weight he carried even in dreams. I typed back, my fingers

hasn't spoken about it

as he buried his face

Whatever had happened on that island had left its mark on both of them,

and turned toward Luke, letting my

soap.

though he couldn't hear me. "When you're ready, I'll be

its warm rays chasing away the greys of night. Luke was warm, like a space heater

my shoulders, soothing and warm, as steam curled around me. My hands worked through my hair, the familiar floral scent of my shampoo filling the air. It

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HOT WATER

pulled me from my thoughts. I froze for a moment, the

called out, though I already

immediately. Instead, I felt him-his hands skimming along my arms, his touch sending a shiver through me despite the warmth of

he murmured, his voice low and rough, lips brushing

leaned back into his embrace, feeling