Page 42 of Sinful

I smiled. His concern for me was touching. “The springs are inside a cave,” I replied. “We will be perfectly safe.”

Flashes of white appeared in the yawning darkness, and Sebastian narrowed his eyes. “What’s that?” he asked as we drew closer.

Along a length of rope tied between two trees, white swathes of fabric blew in the gusty wind. I gestured to them and solemnly replied. “These pieces of fabric represent the souls of our ancestors.”

“I see.”

I gave him a wicked smile. “I’m joking. They’re towels for people to use at the springs. It’s a very popular destination for bathing and recreation.”

Sebastian chuckled. “Wow. You got me,” he said, shaking his head. He went on, brows rising. “You’re funny, you know. It’s a real shame the rest of the world has to miss out on that.”

There it was again. That pang in my stomach. I cleared my throat and forced a smile. “Grab one,” I said, raising my voice as the heavens suddenly opened above us. “Before they get soaked by the rain.”

We sprinted toward the cave entrance, and I was instantly struck by the heat and humidity that enveloped me, a stark contrast to the frigid air outside. I removed Sebastian’s jacket and handed it back to him with a murmured thanks.

“Holy shit,” he said, holding his lantern high as he peered around. “This looks amazing.”

I smiled proudly and nodded. The cave had always felt like a hidden sanctuary to me, with all its warmth and natural beauty. Stalactites and stalagmites adorned the walls and floor, and every inch of stone and mineral glistened with moisture, reflecting the flickering light. In the heart of the cave lay the source of the warmth—two large hot springs with crystal clear water, steam rising in wisps from their surfaces. The pools were surrounded by smooth, dark rocks that had been worn down over millennia, providing natural seating areas.

“Hold on…” Sebastian’s brows furrowed. “Those arehotsprings?”

“Yes. It’s the most wonderful way to bathe.”

“But there are no hot springs in this part of the country.” He slowly shook his head. “This isn’t possible.”

“A gift to us from the Entity, I suppose.”

“Right.” His eyes flicked back to me. “The Entity.”

I lowered my gaze, cheeks flushing hot from the humidity in the caves. “I haven’t been entirely honest with you, Sebastian,” I said softly.

He carefully set the lantern down beside the first pool and took a step closer. “What do you mean?”

“I didn’t just want to bathe tonight.” My voice was barely above a whisper, but the enclosed space amplified my words anyway. “I wanted to know what you meant earlier. About…”

The words died on my lips. Even though I knew his presence was a reward from the Entity, it still felt too shameful and embarrassing to ask for what I wanted out loud. It was all so new to me. So strange.

“About pleasing you with nothing but my words?” Sebastian said, eyes darkening. He took another step toward me. “That’s what you meant, isn’t it?”

I swallowed thickly. “Yes.”

“You ran earlier.”

“I know. I was frightened.”

“And you aren’t now?”

I took a deep breath, eyes skating back upward to meet his gaze. “I am. But I’m curious, too. I… I want to know if it’s real. If you can really…”

Once again, my words died on my lips as soon as they bubbled up into my throat.

Satisfaction glowed in Sebastian’s eyes as he stared down at me. Even though I could barely speak to my desire, it obviously pleased him anyway. “You’re sure?” he asked. “You want this?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Then strip.” He motioned to my dress. “Strip and get in the water.”

His voice had changed in an instant from sweet and soft to coarse and rough. I liked it. It made me afraid in a way that filled my body with a rush of heat before I even stepped one foot into the warm water before me.

---