Page 251 of Black Reign

So I surrender.

Temporarily.

The bathroom looks like a private spa someone forgot to charge admission for.

Pale stone.

Glass shower large enough for a small family.

Steam controls.

A tub facing the London skyline.

And on the heated bench beside the shower, Xavier has already placed a thick white towel and an equally ridiculous robe.

Fluffy.

White.

Soft enough that I run my fingers across it twice.

There’s a toothbrush still in its packaging. Shampoo. Conditioner. Face cleanser. Everything new.

Nothing from some previous woman.

I hate that I notice.

I hate even more that relief follows.

From the other side of the door, Xavier calls, “I’m ordering dinner.”

“What?”

“Dinner.”

“I heard you.”

“Then why did you ask?”

I smile despite myself.

“What are you ordering?”

“Something uncomplicated.”

“That sounds terrible.”

“You were kidnapped today.”

“Temporarily.”

A pause.

Then, “I’m adding dessert.”

I laugh softly.

The shower nearly puts me to sleep standing up.