He did, too. “Try me.”
“Maybe I’ll keep the clothes I brought you as a bargaining chip,” I threatened.
He fell silent, looking down at his hands drifting across the bubbles.
“What?”
“You brought me clothes?” A sheepish red bloomed in his cheeks.
I swallowed the emotion that blush dragged up within me. “Of course, I did.”
“But you didn’t know if—” His throat bobbed, and he finally met my eyes. “Thank you.”
“There was no reality in which I let them take you from me, Tol. You have to know that. You’re too important to me.” That truth alone answered so many of the questions swarming through my mind. I brushed his wet hair back from his face and breathed, “I’m so fucking grateful you’re okay.”
He captured my hand, bringing it to his lips. Heat stung my palm where he kissed it, spreading out along my veins. It was once, not lingering more than a second, as if testing but not pushing any boundaries.
“I’m so fucking grateful for you.” He whispered the words against my hand, a secret I was meant to wrap my fingers around and hold on to forever.
The longer we held gazes, the more I wanted to dive right into that water with him. I told myself it was for no other reason than to cool off.
“Now hurry up,” I said, pushing to my feet. “I want a bath.”
“You are more than welcome.” He stretched his arms, tucking his hands behind his head like he had no intention of moving.
“I will drop your clothes in the water,” I warned.
His eyes widened, and he splashed beneath the surface, bubbles pouring over the sides of the tub.
Once Tolek left,I filled the tub with clean water and the jasmine soap he threw at me on his way out the door—which I loved—and sank into the warm escape. For a few minutes, all of my problems faded away.
My hair floated around me, each strand letting loose a different plaguing worry.
This one flowing for the war mounting.
That one for the curse dancing in my blood.
One for the man I’d once loved.
And another for everything I’d just stepped into.
They glided along the surface, and I held my breath beneath the cloudy water. For a moment, it was blissful, hidden in my own haven where nothing could reach me, hurt me.
Until a hand grabbed my ankle and hoisted it out of the water.
I came up sputtering, hair plastered across my face and breasts barely concealed beneath the bubbles. “Vincienzo!”
“You sent me to get food.” He gestured at the tray steaming on the dresser. “It will get cold if you float beneath the water all night.”
I scowled, but the scent of hearty spices was enticing.
“Get me a towel, please.” He handed me one, his stare lingering before turning away.
I dried off and slipped into the silk nightgown I’d packed—a hopeful inclusion that I would get one night of rest on this journey. A breeze danced through the open window, raising goosebumps along my arms. The outline of the moon shone against the pane, full with promises and hope.
Tolek leaned against the wall, hair still a bit damp but clothes clean, elbows braced on the windowsill. He swirled a glass of wine, lifting it to his lips, eyes intent on the sky. What was he thinking about?
But instead of interrupting to ask, I picked up a bowl of rice and vegetables from downstairs and moved to the bed. Settling against the pillows, I watched him. He was so at ease. Not simply content, but actually relaxed.
