Crush

Against my ear, I feel you breathe.
That's how it starts.

Embraced.
Embracing.
Skin, cool against one another.

Eyes closed, trembling.
Confined in your arms.
Words swirling in the steam.

"You're mine."
"I know." Acknowledgement.
"I'm going to ruin you."
"I know."

Exchanges, bitterly sweet.
First, panic; memories flood.
Second, security; clean slate.
Third, safety; do no harm.

Lip quivers.
I feel it.
Suddenly glad for the water's camouflage.
Pleading, don't notice.
Called out. Fuck.

Exposed.
Vulnerable.
Broken.
Tenderness,
A hand on the back of my neck.

Reality embedded.
Knowledge exchanged.
Cathartic mercy.
Control assumed.
Affection bartered.
Bodies consumed.