A storm of longing swept through her core.This wasn't just desire; he was becoming essential to her survival."What's that look for?"She challenged him with a playful pout, though her voice trembled.
"You've awakened something in me I thought was dead."He brushed her hair back, his fingertips lingering on her neck."Your hair feels like silk between my fingers.I dream about burying my face in it."His breath warmed her ear."Go check your oven before I make you forget everything but my name."He reluctantly released her.
Back in the kitchen, the timer's shrill cry barely registered as she removed the cake with unsteady hands.As she prepared the icing, her thoughts circled back to him—all he'd missed in those prison years, simple pleasures denied.The need to heal him, to fill those empty spaces, consumed her like wildfire.Her hands trembled as she made the frosting for the cake, knowing with terrifying certainty that her heart was no longer entirely her own.
Chocolate cake in hand, Ancelin froze halfway to the dinner table.The gemstones she'd collected—gone.Her eyes darted around the room, wondering where Krevan had moved them.A flutter of anticipation warmed her chest at the prospect of creating something new.The kitchen had transformed while she'd baked; emptied boxes and neatly arranged utensils lined the island countertop.He was settling her in, wasn't he?Her fingers lingered on a copper measuring cup as she placed it in a drawer beside his worn wooden spoons.The mingling of their possessions felt right somehow.She stepped out to the pantry and returned to find even more unpacked items.How did he move so silently?The heaviest carton—filled with her jewelry tools—had vanished completely.She'd have to ask him where he'd put it, though more of her belongings wouldn't arrive until the next spacecraft docked at Verrian.
“Krevan?”Ancelin called, peering into the empty room.“Would you like some cake?”
“Yes, my sweet girl,” he whispered in her ear, his warm breath sending a shiver of desire through her.
“Goodness, I’ve told you not to sneak up on me like that.”She spun and wagged a finger at him, part scolding, part amused.
“I know, but it’s a hard habit to break—and I feel so comfortable with you,” he said, hands raised in playful surrender.“I’ll try harder.Besides, you should expect me to pop up at any moment—you’ll never be spooked.”His crooked smile made her heart race, and her soul settle all at once.His strength and uncanny abilities comforted her; in his presence, she felt safe in a way she hadn’t for almost a year.
"I have something for you," Krevan said, his fingers interlacing with hers as he guided her down the hallway.His hand slipped to the small of her back, drawing her closer."Though I'm finding it hard to concentrate on anything but you," he murmured against her ear, his breath warm on her skin.
The double doors to his office swung open.Between two floor-to-ceiling bookcases stood a second desk where her jeweler's lamp cast a gentle glow across her meticulously arranged tools.The stones he'd purchased gleamed in neat rows, catching the light.Krevan watched her face, a hint of uncertainty in his confident stance."I've arranged your jewelry tools in here and put away your kitchen items," he said, his voice softening."I didn't touch anything else in your boxes."
Ancelin traced her fingers over the polished wood, warmth blooming in her chest."It's perfect," she whispered, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
"When I'm working here, feel free to join me and work on your projects,” he said."And when I'm in the greenhouse, you're just down the hall."
"Oh, your greenhouse and those seedlings.I feel terrible about the damage," Ancelin said, glancing up at him.She noticed how soft his straight golden-brown hair looked, gently falling over his eyes.
"Don't worry about it.I've already started repairing the damage."
"Really?You have?"Ancelin asked, surprised.
"Yes, I'll show you.Come with me."Krevan led her back down the hallway to the greenhouse's automatic doors.They were still under manual control, so he pulled them open.The restoration work he had accomplished in such a short time was nothing short of miraculous.All the debris was cleared, even the broken glass.He had also saved many plants and sealed the room with plastican.
"Krevan, how did you manage to do all this so quickly?"Ancelin was completely astonished.
"I work fast," he reminded her.
"I can see that."
"Now, I need some time to relax and have fun.I want to play with you."Krevan gave her a playful, hungry look."Let's enjoy ourselves in the bathtub like you promised, and once we're done, we can indulge in your delicious chocolate cake."
"Alright."Ancelin barely finished speaking before she found herself in the bathroom, her feet no longer touching the ground.The enormous tub gleamed in the soft light, steam already beginning to rise from the water.
"You moved me like I'm made of air," she whispered, her hand finding his chest for balance.
Krevan's eyes softened as they met hers."You deserve to be carried like the treasure you are."His fingertips traced the curve of her cheek as he reached past her to scatter flower petals onto the water's surface."I've been dreaming of this moment all day."His lips brushed against her temple, then the corner of her mouth, each touch a promise."Will you let me worship you properly now?"
"You never forget a promise, do you?"she murmured against his skin.
"How could I forget anything about you?"Krevan's smile was tender as he guided her toward the waiting bath.
"What you're suggesting sounds decadent—fun in the tub followed by chocolate cake."Ancelin's voice dropped to a whisper as she leaned closer, her lips nearly brushing his ear."I've got something that might make it even better."She hurried to the bedroom, returning moments later with jasmine-scented bubble bath clutched to her chest.Krevan was already submerged, water droplets glistening on his broad shoulders.His eyes darkened as she stood at the edge of the tub, the steam rising between them like a veil about to be lifted.She poured the liquid slowly, watching his expression as the scent bloomed around him.Her fingers trembled slightly as she set the bottle aside, suddenly aware of his gaze traveling over her body with unmistakable hunger."Hope you don't mind smelling like jasmine."
"Will I smell like you?"Krevan's voice was rough velvet, his fingers tracing lazy circles on her wrist.
"Everywhere," she promised.
"This is my first bubble bath," Krevan admitted, his eyes following her hand as she picked the bottle up again."Pour more—right there, under the water."He pointed to where the faucet streamed into the tub.Ancelin tipped the bottle, and a mountain of foam rose between them.His gaze traveled slowly up her body, lingering at the curves still hidden beneath fabric."Come in," he murmured, the water rippling around his chest as he shifted."I need to feel you against me."The low timbre of his voice made something flutter deep in Ancelin's belly.She fumbled with her buttons, suddenly clumsy with anticipation.
"Alright," Ancelin agreed, removing her shirt and pants, feeling a tremble of anticipation.The sudden shyness overtook her as Krevan watched her intently, noticing her unease.
