Ruby's POV

Steam clung to the air as we moved quietly. It felt natural handing each other the soap and adjusting the water. The chaos from before seemed far away, drowned out by the steady rhythm of water falling between us.

Austin turned his back and I caught sight of the faint scars that traced across his shoulders. My breath stilled.

“Let me,” I said softly.

He hesitated, glancing over his shoulder. “You don’t have to.”

“I want to.”

He sighed but didn’t argue, lowering his ...