The warm spray of the shower poured over me, soothing the lingering tension in my shoulders. Steam curled lazily in the small, cozy bathroom, blurring the edges of reality into something soft and dreamlike. The familiar scent of floral soap filled the air, mixing with the earthy warmth of the water.
I leaned against the cool tiles, eyes closed, finally letting myself relax after what felt like a lifetime of chaos. My mind still raced, fragments of the night flashing in vivid detail the restaurant, the fight, her tears…
Just as I started to settle, I heard a faint creak the bathroom door.
My eyes snapped open, heart pounding.
Before I could react, the foggy glass shower door slid open smoothly, and there she was Xier.
Completely… utterly… naked.
Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, glistening faintly from the misty air, framing her perfectly sculpted features like she'd stepped out of a painting. Her amber eyes sparkled with something playful, but also… intentional, like she'd been planning this.
"Mind if I join?" she asked, her voice soft yet teasing, dripping with an effortless allure that sent my brain into a full-blown meltdown.
Oh God. Oh God.
I froze, every muscle locking up like I'd just been turned to stone. My mouth opened, but nothing came out—not a single coherent sound.
"Y-You—! Wh-What are you—?!" My voice cracked embarrassingly, my face burning hotter than the steaming water.
She stepped into the shower without waiting for an answer, her graceful, fluid movements sending droplets of water cascading off her skin like liquid diamonds.
"You looked tense," she murmured, her tone silky and completely unapologetic. "I thought… you might need some company."
I backed up instantly, pressing myself against the cold tile wall like it might somehow save me from this situation.
"B-But—this is—I'm—" I stammered helplessly, my mind spiraling into pure panic mode.
She moved closer, so effortlessly that I couldn't even breathe. Her fingertips grazed my arm, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake that completely short-circuited my brain.
"Relax…" she whispered, her voice a perfect blend of soothing and dangerous. "I won't bite… unless you want me to."
What—
My knees nearly gave out.
I squeezed my eyes shut, desperately trying to think about anything else, anything that wasn't her, so close, so… perfect.
But it was impossible.
I was trapped in the tiny, steamy confines of the shower… with her.
---
Before I could even think about moving, her fingertips grazed my arm, trailing down slowly, leaving a line of burning warmth in their wake. I froze, every nerve in my body locking up as though her touch had rooted me in place.
Her lips curled into a soft, knowing smile, equal parts playful and dangerous.
"You're tense," she murmured, her voice like silk, warm and intimate, wrapping around me like the rising steam in the small, enclosed space.
"I-I'm fine," I stammered, pressing my back harder against the cold tile wall as if that would somehow create more distance - it didn't.
She stepped closer, her damp skin glistening in the steamy glow of the bathroom light. My breath hitched as she rested one hand lightly against my chest, her palm warm and steady over my pounding heart.
"Are you?" she teased softly, her gaze flicking up, locking onto mine with dangerous precision.
I couldn't look away couldn't breathe.
"You're... surprisingly built," she mused, fingers lazily tracing across my chest, her touch light but electric. "I didn't think woodworkers were so defined."
Her compliment completely disarmed me, leaving my brain struggling to form a single coherent thought.
"I-uh... lifting... wood... is... heavy...?" I managed, words tripping over each other like a panicked child.
Her laughter was soft, melodic, and far too pleased. She leaned in just enough that her body barely brushed against mine, close enough for me to feel the heat of her skin, the soft curve of her form, without actually touching.
"Relax," she whispered again, her voice dropping to something intimate and enticing. "I'm just... admiring your craftsmanship."
I swallowed hard, completely trapped, my pulse hammering in my chest loud enough to drown out the sound of the shower.
She tilted her head, studying me with a gaze that was both curious and knowing, like she was savoring my helplessness.
I should' ve moved. I should've said something anything. But... I couldn't.
Before I could process what was happening, Xier gracefully reached over to the small shelf, grabbing a bottle of creamy, floral-scented body wash. The faint click of the cap snapped me out of my stunned daze just in time to see her delicately squeeze a dollop of the pearly liquid into her palm.
The subtle, sweet fragrance instantly filled the steamy air, mixing with the warmth of the shower. She slowly worked the body wash into a soft lather between her hands, her fingertips gliding over her skin with practiced ease, every movement fluid and effortless.
My brain struggled to keep up - she wasn't leaving, she wasn't teasing anymore... she was... helping me?
"You're still tense," she murmured softly, her gaze flickering with warm amusement. "Let me... take care of you."
Before I could object or form a coherent thought she gently pressed her soapy hands against my shoulders, working the warm, silky lather into my skin. Her touch was unexpectedly gentle, her fingers moving with slow, practiced precision, easing away the tight knots I didn't realize I was holding.
I exhaled sharply, my whole body loosening under her skillful hands. The shower's hot spray mixed with the soft, foamy bubbles, creating a haze of warmth that wrapped around us like an intimate cocoon.
Her fingers traced down my arms, slow and deliberate, applying just the right amount of pressure to make my tired muscles melt. She moved with unshakable confidence but somehow still radiated care and tenderness.
I swallowed hard, completely disarmed, my chest tightening for reasons that had nothing to do with exhaustion.
Then, with a soft, playful giggle, she grabbed the bottle of shampoo.
"Turn around... she urged, voice teasing but insistently gentle. "I can't let you stay like this. "
Still half-dazed, I obeyed, letting the warm water cascade down my back. She stepped in closer, her fingers slowly threading through my hair, massaging the shampoo with practiced ease. Her touch was firm but soothing, her fingertips tracing light, circular motions that sent shivers down my spine.
The soft scent of fresh florals and sweet herbs filled the space, wrapping around me like warm silk. Her touch felt both intentional and carefree, balancing on the edge of intimate familiarity.
"See?" she whispered, her voice like velvet against my ear. "Much better... right?"
I couldn't even respond - I was too lost in the feeling of her hands gently cradling my head, her voice weaving through my senses like a soft lullaby.
After what felt like both forever and no time at all, she rinsed the last of the shampoo from my hair, her fingers lingering just a moment longer.
Then she tilted her head playfully, her amber eyes shimmering with mischievous warmth.
"Your turn," she purred, half-teasing, holding out the bottle of shampoo toward me. "Be gentle, okay?"
My face burned, and I fumbled to take the bottle from her outstretched hand, her fingers brushing mine just enough to make my pulse skip.
She softly bit her lower lip, tilting her head with the perfect blend of playfulness and trust.
"I'm all yours... " she whispered.
And just like that... I was gone.