Nicholas hadn't moved far. He lay beside her for a few more minutes, brushing gentle circles against her back, his breath slowly calming. The room was hushed now, only the faint hum of the city outside filling the silence between them. But even in silence, Ella felt held—protected—in a way she never had before.
Still, her body ached, tender and unfamiliar in its looseness. Her muscles had melted during their time together, but now she felt a lingering soreness between her legs and a shyness creeping in, pulling the sheets closer to her chest. It wasn't regret. No, not even close. But the vulnerability of being fully seen—fully taken—was beginning to settle in.
Nicholas stirred and pressed a kiss to her shoulder, then slowly sat up, stretching before sliding off the bed.
"Where are you going?" she asked, her voice sleepy.
He looked over his shoulder, flashing her a small grin. "To run you a bath."
"A bath?" she echoed, blinking.
