I didn't know how much time had passed since Zeke had held me. I was too comfortable to care. I didn't have the pleasure of sleeping in his arms last night, so I was taking full advantage of this moment. The warmth of the bathwater and the steady rhythm of his breathing were soothing, creating a cocoon of calm around us. After some time, Zeke whispered into my hair, "Are you okay?"
I nodded, snuggling closer to him. "Yes," I whispered back.
He kissed my neck several times, each kiss tender and affectionate. "Okay," he murmured against my skin.
I had never seen this side of him—so affectionate, soft, and tender. He was the opposite of what I thought he would be. The hardened exterior, the sharp edges I had come to associate with Zeke, were all softened in this intimate moment. It was as
