While the two sisters were whispering in the yard, the bathroom door creaked open. Evan stepped out, steam still clinging to his damp skin, his eyes locking onto them as he strolled across the grass.
"Sister, my brother-in-law is coming over," Maya whispered, her bravado evaporating instantly. "Do you think he guessed it was my idea? Is he going to kill me?"
"Don't be afraid," Elara comforted her, though her own voice was shaky. "As long as I'm here, I won't let him beat you to death. At least... not more than half to death."
Maya's eyes widened. "Half to death?"
When Evan reached them, he opened his mouth to speak, but before a single word could escape, there were two simultaneous thuds. Both women had dropped to their knees on the damp earth.
"Husband, I was wrong!"
"Brother-in-law, I was wrong!"
Evan stopped, blinking in confusion. He had just come over to see if Elara was okay after her nosebleed, but the sight of the two most powerful women in the house kneeling before him was as jarring as it was amusing.
"What exactly did you do wrong?" he asked, crossing his arms.
"This was my idea," Maya blurted out, her head bowed. "It has nothing to do with my sister. If my brother-in-law is angry, you can hit me or scold me. Let your anger out however you like!"
"No, Evan!" Elara interjected, reaching for his hand. "Maya was just curious for my sake. Don't be angry with her. If someone has to be punished, let it be me."
Watching them compete to take the blame, Evan couldn't help but chuckle. In his old world, such a transgression might have caused a week of silent treatment. Here, they acted as if they'd committed high treason. "Okay, okay. It's no big deal. Get up and go take your shower, Elara."
"Aren't you... aren't you angry?" Elara asked, slowly standing up, her eyes searching his face for any sign of hidden rage. She felt a cold shiver of terror; she had finally found happiness, and the thought of losing it because of a moment of foolish suspicion was unbearable.
"Angry? Of course I'm angry," Evan said, his voice dropping into a dark, malicious register that made Elara's breath hitch. "But this is a matter between a husband and his wife. I'll teach you your lesson properly after I take another rinse and we go to bed."
Looking into Evan's burning eyes, Elara understood exactly what kind of "lesson" he had in mind. Her face detonated in a blush, and she nodded obediently, scurrying toward the bathroom.
Evan then turned his gaze to Maya. "I really didn't expect this from you, Maya. You usually look so serious, but your thoughts are... complicated."
Maya turned a deep shade of crimson, looking at her feet. "I'm sorry, brother-in-law. I shouldn't have put those ideas in her head. If you want to strike me..."
"Come on," Evan mocked, stepping closer until he was looming over the warrior. "I'm not a violent man. I won't pursue it this time, but let this be a warning. If you have questions about my body or my past, don't use your sister as a spy. Come and ask me directly. I might even show you what you're looking for."
"I... I wouldn't dare," Maya whispered, her heart racing.
"Don't you dare? I thought there was nothing Maya Ashcroft feared." Evan smirked.
Maya bit her lip. She wasn't afraid of monsters or soldiers, but her brother-in-law's gaze felt like it was stripping her bare. "I was wrong. I won't do it again."
"Good. Since you've admitted it, I forgive you. It's late, go to bed." He turned to walk away, but paused, casting a glance over his shoulder. "Just remember, Maya... if it happens again, I'll have to punish you personally."
Watching him walk away, Maya felt a strange, fluttering heat in her stomach. She knew she should be relieved, but a treacherous part of her mind was already wondering: What kind of punishment does a man like him give to a girl like me?
Inside the bathhouse, Elara was submerged in the hot water. The heat soaked into her skin, but it couldn't compare to the fire burning in her mind. She thought back to the sight of that crimson mark—proof of his purity—and the sheer, heavy size of him.
He's really big down there, she thought, her hand slipping beneath the surface of the water, her breath hitching. And he's mine.
Suddenly, the door was pushed open. Elara shrieked, splashing water as she looked up.
Evan walked in, locking the bolt behind him. He didn't say a word as he strolled toward the tub, his eyes raking over her petite, wet form.
"Evan? Why are you back? Is something wrong?"
"You rubbed my back earlier," Evan said, his voice a low, predatory growl. "In return, I think it's only fair that I rub yours."
"Ah... no, I don't need—"
"I'm going to do it," Evan said, reaching down and gripping her chin, forcing her to look up into his dark, domineering eyes. "You have no reason to refuse. You're being punished, remember?"
Elara swallowed hard, her pulse skyrocketing. "You... you're going to punish me now?"
"What do you think?" Evan whispered. He leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear. "Don't worry, little wife. For you, this punishment will feel exactly like a reward."
"A reward?" Elara's eyes clouded with curiosity and longing.
"Lie down. Give me your back," Evan ordered.
Elara obeyed instantly, leaning against the rim. Evan reached into the water, his large hands finding the smooth, slender line of her back. He began to stroke her, his palms moving in slow, rhythmic circles that made her let out a soft, broken moan.
"I didn't expect my lady's back to be so beautiful," he murmured. "And your neck... it's so white, so tender. It makes me want to take a bite."
As he spoke, he leaned down and sank his teeth gently into the junction where her neck met her shoulder. He bit just hard enough to leave a small, dark claim — a perfect crescent of his teeth blooming red on her pale skin.
Elara let out a sharp gasp, her eyes fluttering. She turned her head back to look at him, her expression dazed and utterly consumed by him.
"Come closer," Evan commanded, his voice thick with desire. "Lean against me."
Elara stood up in the tub, the water cascading off her breasts, and pressed her front against his side as he sat on the edge. She looked up at him, her lips parted.
"You're so obedient," Evan teased, his hot breath hitting her earlobe. "You've been waiting for this all day, haven't you?"
"Yes..." Elara whispered, her hands finding his damp chest. "Yes, I have."