Chapter 12

David needed this shower. He saw in the mirror that he looked like hell. The massage that Irian had given him earlier that day was wasted. God, he could use another one, but he did dare ask. He wasn't sure how she would take it.

As he stepped into the shower and let the hot water sink into his muscles, he contemplated what Irian has said over dinner. Had she really just asked him to have sex with her, or was he imagining that? Had she really just asked him to share a bed with her, or what that just a product of his imagination too?

Well, if she's asking for it, then give it to her, the little imaginary devil on his shoulder whispered in his ear.

No, don't. She's really vulnerable right now. Her son is with her parents, she just lost her house and her livelihood. You can't take advantage of her like that, whispered the angel on the opposite shoulder.

"Stop it, both of you", he growled. He took a deep breath. "I'll just see how the mood goes. If she doesn't seem like she's in the right state of mind, then I won't do it." That was his decision. Never mind what his brothers thought of him afterward. Hell, as far as he was concerned they didn't need to know. What he did in the privacy of his home was NO ONE'S business but HIS OWN.

He finished his shower with that determination in mind.

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Irian sat on the couch with one of her old books from school. It was her Neuromuscular book. There was a technique in there that she needed to brush up on. Something told her that she would need it. She'd always gotten gut feelings like that, and they were usually right. Except in the case of David and his brothers. Her gut told her not to trust them, but her gut was wrong. She should have accepted the offer when it was first placed on the table instead of acting a fool and trying to take care of herself in this matter. How could she have been so stupid? She wasn't used to having people trying to kill her, that's how. People don't try to take your life every day.

She pushed the thought from her mind. She needed to focus. Read the chapter over again. Don't think about him or the other guys, just read what you need to. If you need to do some body work, then balls up and ask him if you can work on him. He's not going to tell you no. Is her? Fuck it! Just ask him. If he says no, he has three other band mates that you can ask. One of them will want a massage. Hell, one of them will NEED a massage.

She looked up at the ceiling and prayed for guidance. What should I do, God? When she looked down, David had come into the room.

"Am I interrupting something?"

"No, not at all." She shut her book and laid it on the coffee table. It was time for her to balls up and ask her 

question. "David, I was wondering if you might possibly want another massage tomorrow. I have a table and sheets in my car and I need to practice a technique."

He made a face like he was considering it. He really did want another massage and he was glad she was offering. "Sure. What kind of massage will it be?"

"Neuromuscular. It's a deep tissue massage. There was something that I haven't used in a very long time. I was reading to review how it goes."

He nodded. "Sounds good", he said as he walked over to sit next to her on the couch. "How are you feeling?"

"Everything is still sinking in. I'm really trying to think about it."

"I don't blame you. I wouldn't want to think about it if I were you, either."