Gavin's POV
My voice came out rough and strained as I spoke. "Let's get cleaned up." Without waiting for her response, I swept Julia into my arms, cradling her against my chest. Her surprised laughter filled the space between us as her hands playfully pushed against my shoulders.
"Gavin," she protested through her giggles, "I can walk perfectly fine."
"Not happening," I replied firmly, carrying her across the room as if she weighed nothing at all. "Tonight you're mine completely, and that means I take care of everything, including getting your beautiful self to that shower."
She rolled her eyes but melted into my embrace, her body warm and pliant against mine. I could feel her pulse still racing from our earlier activities, could sense the complete trust she placed in me as she relaxed in my arms.
