Chapter 2: Steamy Boundaries

Late at night, Caleb went to sleep in the guest room like always. I listened to the water running in the bathroom, my mind drifting. Even if he was shut down now, his body was still something else—lean muscles, broad shoulders, that perfect V-shape, a sharp Adam’s apple, firm chest, and a butt that would make anyone look twice.

Every time he wandered through the kitchen in just sweatpants, I’d catch myself sneaking glances—like some college freshman with a hopeless crush. The midnight snack runs, chilly floors, and hum of the fridge all felt so American, but none of it seemed to reach him. He was a statue at the center of my life: beautiful, untouchable.

But because of his condition, he ignored me completely. Still, I couldn’t help but wonder—did that carry over into the bedroom? Was he cold there, too? I found myself curious about what hate-sex with a guy like him would be like.

The thought made me laugh at myself—what kind of person was I? Still, curiosity was always my weak spot. In this weird, lopsided marriage, sometimes curiosity was all I had.

I changed into my hottest nightgown and marched right into his bathroom.

The tile was cold under my feet, my nightgown clinging to my skin, making me feel reckless—like a teenager sneaking into her boyfriend’s room for the first time. Steam hung thick in the air as I pushed open the door without knocking.

Caleb was reaching up to brush his bangs, the motion showing off his sculpted torso. Water streamed down his back, tracing the dip of his waist and over his perfect ass. The whole room felt like a dream sequence from late-night TV.

He didn’t notice me at first. Seeing him so unguarded, so vulnerable, made my chest ache in a way that was equal parts pain and hunger.

He heard me and spun around. His blank eyes flashed—first shock, then anger. He grabbed a towel to cover himself.

"What are you doing in here?"

His voice was sharp, cutting through the steam and my bravado. I steadied myself, forcing a soft tone.

"Honey, I was worried about you. Why are you taking so long in the shower?"

I tried to make it sound like a casual joke, but my heart pounded. I stepped closer, the humid air making my nightgown cling even tighter. Caleb’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his ears turned red as he looked away, eyes wide with helplessness. He bit his lip, silent—a startled animal cornered.

He looked so trapped, his back nearly pressed to the glass. I should’ve stopped, but something reckless took over. I let myself play the bad girl a little longer.

Pretending not to notice his discomfort, I lifted my leg and brushed it against him.

My pulse raced. My breath caught as my thigh touched his, skin tingling with contact. I felt almost giddy with power and adrenaline. “Honey, want me to come in and speed things up for you?”

My voice was teasing, low, but breathless. He still wouldn’t meet my gaze, which only made me want him more.

"Oh, and speaking of long, babe, your..."

The innuendo slipped out, my lips quirking into a grin. Suddenly, I yanked off his towel. Caleb’s eyes went wide—nowhere left to hide. I looked down, smirking.

The air buzzed with tension. I let my fingers linger on his hip, watching him freeze, every muscle taut.

"Guess being shy doesn’t stop everything from working, huh?"

He looked stricken, like someone had just livestreamed his secrets to the whole internet. My words hung there, daring him to react.

"You—"

His voice nearly cracked. His face tensed, but he said nothing. The veins on his neck stood out, like he might snap. I slid my arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. If he wouldn’t talk, I’d just use my mouth.

His breath shook against my lips. I tasted the salt of his skin, the wildness just beneath the surface. Under my relentless touch, Caleb’s eyes reddened and he finally gave in. I pressed my forehead to the glass, grabbing the man behind me as his grip on my waist tightened.

Between the pounding water and the heat of our bodies, the silence finally broke. For a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.