“Clean,” she says, a little wry. Then she sighs. “Tired.”
I nod. She looks so small sitting in the big tub, surrounded by mountains of bubbles, courtesy of Caterina, who arrived while the doctor was checking Elena out and wanted to be helpful by drawing a luxurious bath. Her sad face tugs at my heartstrings.
“Do you want company?” I ask.
She doesn’t speak. Just lifts one shoulder then nods.
I stand and undress, folding my shirt, my pants neatly, setting my watch on top. When I step in, the water rises. I settle behind her and draw her back to me. Her spine fits against my chest; her head finds my shoulder. I wrap my arms around her and let my hands rest low over her belly.
She exhales, a slow breath, and covers my forearms with her palms.
“Okay?” I murmur.
She nods.
I breathe in her hair. Soap and the faintest trace of her shampoo.
We sit without talking. The bubbles drift against the porcelain and break.
Not knowing what to say, I say the first stupid thing that comes to mind. “Tell me if the water’s getting cold.”
I roll my eyes at myself.
“It’s perfect.” Another small sigh. “Stay.”
“I’m here.” I press my cheek to her wet hair. “I’m not going anywhere.”
We sit like that. No rush. The only sound is our steady breathing and the soft sound of the water swishing.
“I was scared,” she says quietly.
“Me too,” I answer.
She nods, just once, and leans more of her weight into me. I hold it. I hold her.
“What happens tomorrow?” she asks.
“We’ll worry about that tomorrow,” I murmur and press a kiss to her wet hair, then another to her temple when she shifts.
She tilts her face up a little, and I press another kiss to her cheek. Her lips.
She kisses me back. Once. Twice. Her lips part. I slip my tongue into her mouth. A gentle tease, a taste.
The third time, her mouth opens and takes me in. I lick the flavor from her tongue and feel my body heat. She kisses me deeper. Slower. Like she has all the time in the world. Like we do. I let her lead.
Her fingers curl around my biceps, and she shifts to turn. Water rushes over the sides, and bubbles pop. She gets her knees under her and settles astride me. My cock is thickening, and she slides over it, coating me in slippery soap. I hiss, and she pulls away.
Her face is flushed. She bites her lip.
I shake my head and slide my hands down her sides. To her thighs, which are spread over me, and the hot, wet center of her.
A tremor goes through her, and her eyes drop closed.
My fingertips skim her inner thighs, and she parts her knees wider. I drag one finger up, finding her hard little clit.
She shivers and rocks against me.
I circle her gently, and her breath catches.
