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“I was just thinking we could lay down in this thing.”

“Maybe later…”

The water stings on cuts and lacerations, clearing the grime and sweat from our battered bodies. At least enough so that I do not feel disgusting when we sink into the steaming depths of the tub. It’s better than I imagined. Utterly amazing.

Ciro’s hands on my shoulders a moment later tops it by a hair.

“What are you doing?”

“You’ve never had a massage before?”

“Net. I have no time for nails and spa days.”

“You should make time. And we have time now.”

“True. At least until they decide to come take us back to the dungeon or to the guillotine.”

“That’s what you went with? I was thinking firing squad. Classic hanging.”

“No. Not in such an opulent place. They would put on a show. At least a drawing and quartering. Perhaps even an iron maiden?” A moan interrupts my deathly musings. How can his fingers hurt so good?

“Hm, you’re a tied-up mess.”

“Mm, do not say things you will not follow through on…”

His lips brush against my neck, but I wiggle, shrugging my shoulders. “More.”

“Yes, madam. We may as well enjoy this while we can. Soon, they will drag out my intestines.”

“Fill my mouth with bees.”

“Mm-hmm. Burn us alive in a giant wicker statue.”

“You watch too many movies.”

“You know too many horrendous murder techniques for someone who hasn’t.”

“Less talking, more kneading.”

“You are all Ineed,” he hums into my ear. I am just too damned euphoric to turn around and smack him upside the head.

The bath lasts until neither of us can stand the heat any longer. We scrub, soap, shampoo. Drying off, I feel like a completely new person with our fill of water, food, relaxation.

I understand why people crave this. It is as close to heaven on earth as one might find. But it makes people weak. Ciro’s perspective holds weight, however.

Indulging every now and again adds spice to life.

Just like the lips of the man who holds my heart.

I drop the towel, swaying my hips as I lean in. It has been exceedingly difficult to ignore his erection this entire time. But I managed.

Now, it’s all I can think about.

“I wonder,” he whispers, catching his breath after a long, passionate kiss, “If we could have ever been like this. Just…normal. In a beautiful place together.”

“We are not cut from that fabric. And this place is far from normal. It is another extreme, just like the rest of our lives. So for tonight, be whoever you want to be. As long as you are mine.”

The next kiss drags out, even as we meander through the expansive chamber, caressing one another. Ciro explores my curves with undivided attention, his gently gripping hands sending jolts of excitement through me.