Once his auburn hair was thoroughly damp, I poured a ribbon of golden soap into my palm and rubbed it into a rich lather. I worked the foam into his scalp with slow, steady circles. Gadriel exhaled, a quiet sound of contentment. We remained silent while I scrubbed away the remnants of his exertion, the scent of heated musk and crushed herbs lingering in the steam.
When I finished, I cupped warm water over his head to rinse it clean, careful not to splash. I began drying my hands on the edge of a cloth when his hand suddenly reached for my arm.
“Get in,” he murmured, voice low. “Next, wash my body.”
I nodded once. “As you wish, Your Highness.”
I hesitated for only a breath before stepping to the edge of the tub, fingers moving to untie the strings at my waist. Gadriel’s gaze never left me, his amber eyes fixed on each movement as I loosened the cream-colored robe. It slipped down my shoulders and pooled at my feet.
The heat of the bath enveloped me as I stepped in. I knelt beside him, quiet and composed, reaching for a clean washcloth. I lathered it slowly as the water lapped softly around us.
I glided toward Gadriel through the steaming water, each movement careful, leaving a trail of gentle ripples in my wake. His eyes remained fixed on me as I settled into his lap, wrapping my legs around him. I caught the faint hitch in his breath but paid it no mind, directing my focus to the washcloth in my hand.
Steadily, I began to cleanse him. Starting at his chest, moving up to his shoulders, along the curve of his neck, and down his arms. His hold tightened around my waist as I worked, but I continued as if I didn’t notice, each pass of the cloth drawn out.
His eyes never left me.
Eventually, he broke the silence. “You’re rather quiet today, Odessa.”
I met his words with a composed tone. “Does Your Highness prefer me to act differently?”
He stilled my arm, fingers closing around my wrist. The damp cloth was suspended between us, water trailing down my forearm.
“Is there a reason for this behavior?” he asked, watching me more closely now, the edge of curiosity sharpening in his voice.
“I’m simply following your instructions. Is my performance not to your liking?”
Gadriel’s jaw tensed. I could see the flicker of irritation tightening his features. I was aware I was pressing the boundary, but I didn’t care.
“Explain why you’re being so distant.”
“I’m not sure why you see me that way.”
“Odessa,” he warned. His wet hair clung to his temples, his mouth a firm line. He pulled me closer until our faces nearly touched.The warmth of his breath grazed my cheek. “I’m giving you one final chance to speak the truth.”
I lowered my eyes, letting a pause settle between us before answering. “You know why, Gadriel.”
He didn’t move, but his presence felt heavier.
“Are my decisions not worthy of your respect, Odessa?”
“They are.”
“Then explain your behavior.”
My voice was barely above a whisper. “I’m disappointed, that’s all. By next week, your decision will be unchanged. And I’ll still be here.”
Gadriel gave me a pointed look, then pulled me closer, positioning my body until the back of my head rested against his shoulder.
“Was I not clear that there was to be no further discussion on this?”
“You were,” I answered.
“It’s unlike you to challenge my orders.” His hands began to roam slowly over my body. I could feel the tension building in him as he turned my face toward his and kissed me. “However, I’ve reconsidered your incessant request.”
My heart skipped. “You have?”
“Would you like to hear my decision?” he asked, voice brushing against my ear.
