The scalding heat of the shower felt like a rebirth.
Elara stood under the heavy spray in the chateau’s stone bathroom, watching the dirt, pine needles, and dried blood from the climbing wire wash down the marble drain. Her muscles ached with a deep, bone-weary fatigue, but the adrenaline humming in her veins refused to let her collapse.
The heavy glass door clicked open, letting a rush of cool air mingle with the steam.
Lucian stepped into the shower with her. He was already stripped down, his massive, scarred frame taking up most of the space. He didn't say a word. He just took the soap from her trembling hands and began to gently wash her shoulders, his touch reverent and agonizingly tender.
"You're freezing," he murmured, his deep voice echoing in the wet stone chamber. He pull
