Night pressed on like velvet against the window as Selene sank deeper into the steaming bath, the floral scent of rose oil curling in the surrounding air. The soft flicker of candlelight made shadows dance along the tile walls.
Lucas sat behind her in the tub, fully bare, his long legs bracketing hers beneath the water, his hands gently moving through her curls. He worked slow, careful fingers through her hair, rubbing her scalp with soothing precision, his fingertips occasionally grazing her skin just enough to make her shiver.
"You, Selene Brooks," Lucas began, voice low and rich, "are unlike anything walking this earth."
Selene's eyes fluttered closed as she leaned back against his chest.
"I tried to resist you," he murmured against the shell of her ear, "but I just couldn't." He le
