She stared at me, and I saw everything cross her face in waves. Fear mixed with longing. Anger tangled with something that looked dangerously close to love. Her eyes didn't leave mine as I walked toward the tub.

"Lucien..." My name cracked on her lips.

I stepped into the water, feeling it rise around us both. The tub was large enough for two, the warmth enveloping us without any soap or bubbles yet. I positioned myself over her, bracing my hands on both sides of her so I wouldn't crush ...