Eric's POV
“Take off your clothes and get in.” I spoke with a casual air, slightly turned to the side, my body submerged in the circular bath. The milky water reached just above my chest, my elbow resting on the edge while I lazily sipped from a glass of wine. Steam rose from the surface, curling into the air as gentle ripples spread beneath my collarbone.
Valeria stood frozen, feet pressed together as if to swear she hadn’t crossed the threshold of the bath. She halted at the door, making no move to come closer.
I took another sip of wine, then placed the glass back on the tray. Turning my head, I met her gaze, “Is there a problem?”
Avoiding my eyes, Valeria looked toward the swirling steam at the bath’s edge. “There’s a bathroom on my side, too,” she mumbled, trying to offer an excus
