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Violet’s eyes widened. "A-are you sure?"

Griffin caught her hand and pressed a warm kiss to her knuckles, his voice laced with amusement. "Just admit you’ve been lusting after my hair."

Violet couldn’t help it. Laughter burst out of her. Damn it, he was right. She had been obsessing over his hair. What a weirdo she was.

"Let’s go, then." Griffin didn’t even hesitate. With a devilish grin, he scooped Violet up by the waist and carried her straight toward the shower.

"Wait—Griffin!" she squealed, laughing as she clutched his shoulders, but he was already sliding the door open with one hand and stepping inside with her in his arms.

"Trust me, you’ll want to see this," he murmured with that teasing glint in his eyes.

Violet barely caught her breath before he set her down and gestured toward the built-in shelf lined with an impressive lineup of shampoos. She blinked, genuinely stunned.

"Is this sandalwood?" she murmured, fingers grazing the bottle. She picked up another one and smiled. "Peppermint... cedar... citrus bergamot? Griffin, what are you— secretly running a hair spa in here?"

Griffin let out a deep chuckle. "What can I say? Even a big guy needs to take care of the goods. Besides, you should blame my mother for that." He tossed his hair back with a grin. "Pick your poison, queen."

Violet shook her head in amused disbelief and reached for the cedar and sandalwood blend, popping the cap open to let the rich, earthy scent fill the air. "Mmm. This one’s you."

Griffin stepped under the water, his long hair soaking instantly as the steam filled the space. Violet hesitated only for a moment before stepping behind him, rising on her toes, while her fingers slipped into his thick, wet hair.

"Good luck with that," Griffin teased over his shoulder.

"Shut it." Violet grinned, massaging the shampoo into his hair, her fingertips working with slow, circular motions as the lather built. His groan was low and unguarded, vibrating through his chest as she worked, and the sound sent a delicious thrill through her.

The water poured down around them, soaking Violet’s sleeves and clinging to her skin. She laughed breathlessly as a stream ran down her neck.

"Ugh, Griffin, this is horrible! Don’t you have a stool or something?" she protested, half-laughing as she stretched to reach over his broad shoulders.

Griffin turned his head slightly with a smirk. "I have something even better."

Before Violet could ask, he reached around her, his strong arms wrapping around her thighs, and lifting her off the ground in one smooth motion.

"Griffin—!" Violet gasped, her arms instinctively winding around his neck as she laughed. "Okay, okay, you win!"

But Griffin only grinned, his hands secure at her waist. "Told you. This is better."

Mmhmm. It was quite comfortable. If you know what she meant.

With her heart racing, Violet balanced herself and pressed her fingers back into his hair, rinsing out the last of the lather between soft giggles.

The closeness, the heat of the water, the rough strength of his chest under her fingertips, had all tangled together, turning something as simple as washing his hair into something unbearably intimate.

Finally, she rinsed him clean, brushing the wet strands away from his face as his vivid brown eyes met hers. It was dark, hungry, and locked on her like she was the only thing in the room.

Violet barely managed to whisper, "Done..." before Griffin tilted his head, his lips catching hers in a kiss that was soft at first, then deepened as if neither of them wanted to let go.

A groan rumbled from Griffin’s throat, his hands tightening at her waist, pressing her flush against him as her fingers slid through his damp hair. The heat of the shower, the wet slide of skin, the muffled sounds of their kisses, every part of it blended into a heady, feverish rush.

When they finally broke apart, Violet was gasping softly, her forehead resting against his as she tried to catch her breath. She looked down, and burst into laughter.

"I’m drenched," she swiped water from her face as her soaked clothes clung to her like a second skin.

Griffin only grinned lazily, his eyes dark with affection and mischief. "Yeah. But you’re gorgeous, soaking wet."

Violet playfully shoved at Griffin’s chest, laughing as he carefully lowered her back onto the floor. He seemed genuinely happy as he brushed a wet strand of hair from her cheek.

"You can grab anything from my closet," Griffin murmured, giving her a crooked grin. "I’ll be out soon. I still need to bath."

But Violet’s eyes gleamed with mischief, her voice dropping into a sultry purr. "I could join you, if you want."

She fluttered her lashes dramatically, with that teasing little smile she knew could melt even the most guarded walls.

Griffin paused, raising an eyebrow as if tempted, his lips twitching at the corners. "Really?"

"Yes, baby," Violet murmured, stepping close enough that her fingers brushed along his bare arm. "I’m all yours..."

For a split second, it almost worked. Griffin leaned in, his face so close she could feel the brush of his breath. But then, with a wicked grin, he murmured against her ear, "Not today, Satan."

Before Violet could blink, his palm gave a playful slap to her ass, making her squeal and spin in surprise.

"Get behind me, trouble," Griffin chuckled, sending her away before that little minx put her in temptation.

Violet stood there with a mock pout, lips pushed out and arms crossed as the bathroom door clicked shut before him.

She huffed softly. Her charm didn’t work this time. But all hope wasn’t lost because she got the chance to explore Griffin’s wardrobe and pick any of his shirts — one she didn’t intend to return. It would be her souvenir for this visit.

She couldn’t hold back the grin creeping over her face as she turned toward his closet.

Inside the bathroom, the sound of running water picked up again. Griffin looked down at the erection brought on by Violet’s request and shook his head.

Violet Purple would be the death of him.

So Griffin Hale finished his shower. Alone.