Sam sank into the steaming hot water and let it close over his head. The muffled sound was soothing and he wanted to stay there. Stay where he did not have to think. His capacity to hold his breath gave way, and he emerged, sucking in a huge breath and stripping the water from his face as he did so.
He jumped when he opened his eyes to find Tristan staring down at him. “I didn’t hear you,” he said, and curled up his knees so he could wrap his arms around them. Tristan looked miserable. That beautiful, serious face was as miserable now as the day that he had appeared and Sam had begged him to help him escape. Sam had to look away.
“I know.” He handed Sam a towel so he heaved himself out of the water. It seemed foolish to try and cover himself, but he did. He turned his back, roughly towel
