Julius poured the last bucket of steaming water into the tub, nodding to Maverick as he set the bucket down.
"I'll be downstairs," he said quietly, retreating from the room, leaving Maverick alone in the bedroom.
Maverick sighed, stripping off his garments and easing into the bath. The hot water was a balm to his muscles, but his mind kept circling back to Julius's words.
To think Julius would be willing to give up his title just to be with me, he mused, running a hand through his wet hair. "A guy five years younger than me…that's a sweet deal," he murmured with a faint smile.
Yet doubt lingered, and he rested his arms on the edge of the tub, staring into the water's gentle ripples. "But am I allowed to be this selfish?" After a long, quiet moment, he sighed, deciding to let things flow naturally.
