"We'll shower together," I say, reaching down to scoop her off the mattress.
She squeaks as I lift her, her arms flying around my neck. "Nico! I can walk."
"I know." I carry her toward the bathroom anyway. "But this is faster."
"You're ridiculous."
"And you're naked in my arms. Stop complaining."
She giggles.
The bathroom is all black marble and glass. I set her down on the heated floor and turn on the shower, adjusting the temperature until steam starts rising. Kristen watches me, her arms crossed over her breasts in a way that's more habit than modesty.
"Stop covering yourself," I say without looking at her.
"Stop bossing me around."
"No."
She huffs, but her arms drop. Progress.
I guide her into the shower. The water cascades over both of us, hot enough to sting. Kristen tips her head back, letting it soak her hair, and I watch the droplets trace paths down her throat, her collarbone, the valley between her breasts.
Focus.
I grab the soap and start lathering my hands. "Turn around."
"Yes, sir." The words come out teasing, but something flickers in her eyes. Like she's testing how it sounds.
My cock twitches. Down, boy. We just finished.
"Careful," I murmur, stepping closer until her back is against my chest. "Keep calling me that, and this shower is going to take a lot longer than it should."
Her breath catches. "Maybe that's the point."
"Is it?" I run my soapy hands over her shoulders, down her arms. Slow. Deliberate. "Because you seemed pretty tired a minute ago."
"I was. I am." She shivers despite the hot water. "You're not playing fair."
"I never play fair." My hands slide around to her stomach. "It's not in my nature."
"Shocking revelation."
I smile against her wet hair. "Smart mouth."
"You like my mouth."
"I do." I turn her to face me, cupping her jaw. Water streams down both our faces. "I like everything about you, Kristen. That's the problem."
She kisses my thumb.
I wash her properly after that. Her hair. Her back. Every inch of skin I can reach. She does the same for me, her small hands running over muscles I've spent years building for violence.
When we're both clean, I shut off the water and wrap her in the biggest towel I own. She looks cute, swimming in white cotton, and I can't stop staring.
"What?" she asks, catching my expression.
"Nothing." I grab a towel for myself, scrubbing it over my hair. "Just thinking."
