Page 117 of Love Limits

Can I lean back? they asked.

Sure, he answered before he could second-guess himself.

Ash settled in between his thighs, their slender back nestled against his chest. They rolled their head lazily back onto his shoulder so they could see him.

Thank you, Daddy. This is lovely.

He wrapped his arms around their waist. It really was. Their skin was so soft and their legs gentle and buoyant where they brushed against his. It was completely relaxing.

It felt intimate, too. Not because of their bodies, but because they could trust each other with them.

Ash sunk lower, until the water was up to their shoulders and their knees were completely folded. That seemed like an invitation for a shoulder massage, so Zhong took it. He could see Ash’s mouth opening to moan, so he knew they were enjoying it. He was, too.

It was a very long time before Ash sat up. The water was starting to get cold, but he supposed he could always add more. He wasn’t in any hurry.

They twisted just enough to see his face, looking relaxed and content. Just the way they should always be.

Is this what you wanted? he asked.

Not quite.

He jerked. Not quite? Was he doing something wrong? Was it still not enough? He searched Ash’s face.

They kept up the emotionless facade for another moment, then gave a sneaky smile. I was promised a smoothie.

He put a hand over his pounding heart. That was a terrible trick to play. Just for that, you can get your own smoothie.

Ash rose to get it, dripping all over the tile. Zhong took the opportunity to exchange some of the cold water for hot.

When it was warm enough, he helped them settle back down, this time facing him. They looked inordinately pleased with their breakfast. Or maybe with their trickery.

So now is this what you wanted?

Almost… This time he could see the merriment in their face.

Go on… what else do you need? He knew now that it wouldn’t be something terrible. They were just teasing.

Daddy’s supposed to wash me. I mean, wash my back, they corrected.Was that for his benefit or theirs?

Then why are you hiding it? He joked.

They started to turn, sloshing water everywhere. He caught their knee, stilling them. Stay there. I haven’t washed your toes yet.

He found the washcloth and soap and lifted their leg to begin. Is this OK?

They took a big slurp of smoothie, eyes alight. Yep. Anywhere.

He scrubbed over their delicate skin, leaving behind a trail of bubbles. If that was what they wanted, he could do it. This was bath time. It was Ash. They were drinking a smoothie and looking delighted. All because he could put some soap on their skin.

It was an honor to be the one to do it. A small, familiar intimacy to make them feel treasured and be close. It didn’t have to be sexual, and he didn’t have to worry.

He stretched up their lean legs, and when he couldn’t get any further without them toppling over, he had them kneel so he could get their belly. All of their body was beautiful. It was his to take care of.

They set down the smoothie and closed their eyes. There wasn’t anywhere near enough space in the tub to do this properly and he was pretty sure they were going to get water all over the floor. Next time, he’d have to remember to put down a towel.

He scrubbed up their delicate arms and wiped carefully over their shoulders and across their chest. He didn’t concentrate on any particular area, but he wouldn’t ignore anything either. The bits between their legs were a part of them, too. Ash was perfectly formed, just the way they were, and he tried to let them know it with a few calm swipes of the washcloth.

That part of their body was definitely… swelling. But they didn’t say anything so he didn’t either.