Chapter 59
Elowen's POV
I sighed, feeling the sweat stick to my skin. "I need to go take a shower first. I'm all gross from tennis."
A small smile tugged at Cassian's lips as he caught my wrist gently. "Wait. What if we try something different?" His ice-blue eyes softened as they met mine. "A bath instead. Together. Just to soak and relax. Nothing more unless you want it."
The idea sent conflicting waves of fear and longing through me. Juno perked up hopefully inside me.
"You'd just... sit with me?" I asked skeptically.
"I'd just sit with you," he confirmed. "Maybe wash your hair if you'd let me."
The thought of his strong fingers massaging my scalp sent an unexpected shiver of pleasure down my spine. "I'd like that."
Cassian smiled and stood, heading to the adjoining bathroom. I heard water running as he prepared the bath. When he returned, he extended his hand to me.
"Come on, little wolf. Let me take care of you."
I took his hand, allowing him to lead me to the bathroom where steam rose from a large tub filled with bubbles. The soothing scent of lavender immediately enveloped me, making me inhale deeply.
"Bubbles? And lavender?" I raised an eyebrow, a genuine smile forming for the first time that day. "My favorite."
Cassian shrugged, looking almost shy. "I thought the bubbles might help you feel more... covered. And I remember how much you love lavender."
My heart swelled at his thoughtfulness. This dangerous, powerful wolf shifter had added bubbles and my favorite scent to help me feel safe.
He turned his back respectfully. "Take your time. Join me when you're ready."
I hesitated only briefly before peeling off my sweaty tennis outfit, quickly slipping into the warm, fragrant water and allowing the bubbles to cover me. "Okay," I called softly.
Cassian turned, his eyes finding mine before he slowly removed his own clothes. I couldn't help watching, admiring the play of muscles under his skin, the casual grace with which he moved. When he was naked, he paused.
"Still okay?" he checked.
I nodded, moving forward slightly to make room as he stepped into the tub behind me. He settled with me between his legs, my back to his chest, but with enough space that we weren't pressed together.
"Is this alright?" he murmured, his breath warm against my ear.
"Yes," I whispered, surprised to find I meant it.
Slowly, carefully, he began to scoop water over my shoulders, washing away the sweat and tension. His movements were methodical, soothing, without demand. When his fingers eventually found their way to my hair, massaging gently as he washed it, I couldn't help the soft sigh that escaped me.
"That feels nice," I admitted.
"Good," he murmured, continuing the gentle massage.
I leaned back slightly, allowing myself to rest against his chest. The feeling of skin against skin was both terrifying and exhilarating, but the slow pace and his evident restraint helped keep the panic at bay.
After a moment of comfortable silence, I felt him shift slightly. His hands moved from my hair to gently cup my face, tilting it up toward him. His ice-blue eyes searched mine, seeking permission.
"May I kiss you?" he whispered.
My heart hammered against my ribs, but not from fear. "Yes," I breathed.
His lips met mine with gentle pressure, warm and soft. When I didn't pull away, he deepened the kiss, his tongue tracing the seam of my lips. I parted them hesitantly, and he slipped inside, exploring with a tenderness that made me melt. His tongue was warm, soft yet demanding, dancing with mine in a way that sent tingles down to my toes.
Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Something about his careful approach gave me confidence. We kissed until we were both breathing hard, the water sloshing gently around us.
When we finally broke apart, his eyes were dark with desire, but still controlled. "You can do whatever you want, your majesty," he said with a playful yet heated tone.
I smiled, feeling a boldness I hadn't experienced in ages. Maintaining eye contact, I traced my fingers slowly along his jaw, down his neck, feeling his pulse race beneath my touch. "Whatever I want?" I whispered, my voice husky with desire.
Cassian's ice-blue eyes darkened further, reminding me of a deep ocean despite their cool color. I couldn't help but continue tracing my fingers across his face, marveling at his beauty.
"God, I love him," I thought to myself, my heart nearly bursting with emotion. "How can someone this gorgeous possibly want me?"
As if hearing my thoughts, he captured my hand, bringing it to his lips for a kiss before pressing his forehead against mine. "You're the only one I want, Elowen," he murmured, his voice low and sincere. "Always have been, always will be."
The intensity of his words made my chest tighten with emotion. "Yes," I whispered, unable to say more.
As we rested in the cooling water, wrapped in each other's arms, I felt a strange peace settle over me. The world outside this bathroom with all its complications could wait. Right now, in this moment, I was exactly where I needed to be—safe in the arms of someone who saw me, truly saw me, and wanted me anyway.
Cassian pressed his lips softly against my forehead, his arms tightening around me as if he never wanted to let go. And in that moment, I didn't want him to.