By the time we got back to the villa, I felt like my body had melted under the sun and the weight of his stares.
I needed to breathe. I needed to not think. I needed a bath.
The staff, of course, had already drawn it, because of course he had told them to. Warm water, flower petals, soft steam curling like tendrils in the candlelight. It was too perfect. Too intentional. Too… Kael.
I sunk in with a sigh, head tilted back, eyes closed.
The door creaked open minutes later, and I didn't even look.
"You're supposed to knock," I said lazily.
Kael's voice was closer now. "I didn't want to miss the chance to join you."
A small splash followed, and the water shifted around me.
He settled behind me, long legs framing mine, chest against my back. Warm, strong, still. His arms slid around my waist like they were always meant to be there. Like I was supposed to fit.
