Still, I can’t help but wonder about that “shower” comment. Is he suggesting we go together? Henri never would’ve said something like that. He was always so guarded, even in bed. Maybe he was afraid of being seen—really seen.
“A shower?” I ask, just to be sure. “Uh… both of us?”
“Yes, a shower,” he replies, completely unfazed. “I went for a run this morning, and as a future medical professional, I think it’s your duty to make sure I’m in good shape—by checking every nook and cranny. You never know, there could be a hidden sore, an overlooked rash, a strange malformat—”
“Okay, okay, I get the idea!” I cut him off, laughing. “You’re right. I should probably do a full check-up. Just to be safe.”
My handsome Asgarnian gives me a knowing smile, one eyebrow raised in that way that makes my heart skip a beat.
Okay… I get it. Heissuggesting something a little more playful in the hygiene room. I’ve never done anything like that before. I just hope I don’t come off as awkward or completely clueless.
I follow him to the bathroom, watching as he closes the door behind us.
My nerves flutter, but I decide to lean into the doctor-patient roleplay and keep the mood light.
“Be a cute patient and get in the shower—after you undress,” I say, trying to sound professional.
“Cute?” he repeats, mock-offended. “I’m not into cute. Did you confuse me with Wingo or something?”
I freeze for a moment, caught off guard and unsure how to respond. His reaction unsettles me.
Pherebos lets out a long breath and pulls the tie from his hair, letting it fall loose around his shoulders.
“Sorry, My Faksaya,” he says gently. “I didn’t mean to raise my voice. But please… don’t call a mancute. It’s just… kind of offensive. Let’s just take a shower together.”
I hesitate, still a little thrown. But then he steps into the warm cascade of water and holds out his hand to me.
Three seconds later, I’m there.
He wraps both hands gently around my neck, his thumbs brushing the base of my skull in slow, soothing circles. Then he leans in, resting his forehead against mine.
“Ileana,” he says softly, “you and I… we’re still learning each other. We’ll mess up sometimes—say the wrong thing, misunderstand each other. But we can talk about it. We won’t let a single word fester in silence. I want you to know that no matter what you say or do, I’ll still feel what I feel for you right now. Nothing will ever make me raise a hand against you. Ever. I don’t want you to be afraid of me.”
“I’m not afraid of you,” I whisper. “You’ve always been kind. Patient. But… I don’t like it when you raise your voice.”
He sighs, regret in his eyes. “I know. I’m sorry, My Faksaya. But, you just hit a nerve. You don’t call a man cute.”
“What was that first rule again?” I tease, a smile tugging at my lips.
“We don’t say he has a little trunk either!”
“I would never say that about yours!” I burst out laughing, the tension melting between us.
He grins, eyes sparkling, and in that moment, everything feels light again—like we’re exactly where we’re meant to be!
Chapter 15.
Pherebos.
I stretch out for a moment, letting myself enjoy the quiet. My gaze drifts to Ileana, still fast asleep beside me. She looks breathtaking like this—her features soft, peaceful, a faint smile resting at the corner of her lips.My Faksaya, my breath of life, as we say on Asgarne. She doesn’t know what that word truly means yet… but I’ll have to tell her soon.
Before the first light of dawn, Wingo’s voice cuts through the silence.
“Pherebos! Pherebos!”
“I’m coming,”I mutter, already sitting up.
I slip into a pair of simple pants, not wanting to keep him waiting. Judging by the cheerful tone in his voice, it’s clearly not an emergency.
