I don’t know what to do with that.The praise.The way his fingers trail up to brush behind my ear like he wants to touch the softest part of me.
“I just wanted to do it right.”
“Youdid.”
His hand settles at my jaw, thumb glancing over my lip.“Can I kiss you?”
It’s such a gentle thing to ask, after everything.That he still bothers to ask.I nod.
His kiss isn’t demanding.It doesn’t need to be.It’s slow, sensual, lips pressing to mine like he’s saying thank you without words.And I realize maybe he needed this too.Maybe I’m not the only one figuring shit out in here.
When he pulls away, I press my forehead to his.“Do you… do this often?”
“No.”A soft huff of breath.“Not like this.Not with someone who asks if they’re doing it right.”
I smile faintly.“Did I?”
He laughs quietly.“Every time you looked up at me, it was a question.”
“And you answered.”
He nods once, then falls quiet again.His hands settle at my hips.Possessive, almost, but not in a way that makes me want to run.In a way that makes me want to stay exactly where I am.
The hum of the air vents fills the silence.The glow from the wall light turns everything amber.I could fall asleep here.I couldwake uphere.
“I should go,” I whisper, even though I don’t move.
He nods again, slower this time.“Will you come back?”
That hits me harder than I expect.Notcanyou.Notshouldyou.Butwillyou.
“I might.”
His lips brush my cheek.“I hope you do.”
And for the first time in a long time, I leave a room not because I’ve been dismissed, but because I’ve been invited to return.
6EPISODE 6
Ishouldn’t be in here.
Not because I’m not allowed.I’ve got the keys.I work here.I’ve cleaned this place more times than I can count.But the private sauna is supposed to be booked by appointment only, and it’s marked asin useon the roster tonight.
But I didn’t see anyone go in.
I tell myself I’m just checking the thermostat.A maintenance excuse.But when I crack the door open, heat pours out like a wall, thick with eucalyptus and something heavier.Musk and sweat and… voices.
Laughter, deep and rich.
Then, a sound stops me.A breathless gasp.Not pained, but pleasure,sharp and caught,like someone didn’t mean to let it out.
I should back out, but of course, I don’t.Instead, I step inside, lured by curiosity and the heat.
The glass is steamed over.The muted amber light and shadows draw my eyes.I can barely make out the shape of two men seated on the upper bench—legs tangled, shoulders pressed together.One of them has his head thrown back, throat bare.The other’s mouth is right there,devouringhim like he’s starving for it.
My breath catches.One of them notices me, but he doesn’t stop.He keeps going, sliding his hands down his partner’s slick chest like he knows I’m watching now and he wants me tosee.
I should apologize.I should leave.Instead, I shut the door behind me.
