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The steamy air is heavy with the scent of jasmine and vanilla, and with a happy sigh, I rest my head on his shoulder, seeking the heat of his body. My whole body is pleasantly sore, used in the best possible way.

He begins massaging my shoulders, working out the knots, melting the remaining tension from them. “Feel good?”

“Mmm.” I close my eyes, focusing on the soothing caress of his hands and the warmth seeping into my skin.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” He laughs. “Did you know that dolphins sleep with one eye open?”

I can’t help but laugh. “Seriously?”

“I missed your laugh, princess.” He places slow, deliberate kisses along my neck. “And I missed holding you.”

“I missed you too.”

After we wash up and rinse the soap, his strong arms wrap around my waist, cradling me close to his chest.

“Thank you.” My voice is barely audible above the sound of the water lapping around us. “For taking care of me.”

I tilt my head up, seeking out his lips. He obliges, kissing me softly and thoroughly. It’s an unhurried, languid kiss filled with tenderness and care.

“You never have to thank me for that, princess. Your pleasure and comfort are my top priorities.”

“Why do you call me that?”

“Call you what? Princess?” He presses a kiss to my wrist. “I don’t know. It fits you. Delicate, yet strong. Regal, yet warm. And, of course, utterly breathtaking.”

“Mhmm.”

“Your uncle wasn’t happy about us, was he?” The peace inside me shatters, replaced by a swell of panic.

Sebastian’s arms tighten around me. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”

“No, it’s alright. He wasn’t happy at all. I’ve never experienced him so angry.”

“I’m not surprised. Our families have despised each other for as long as I can remember.”

“Did your parents say anything to you?” I intertwine my hand with his.

“My mother likes you. But my father…”

Hates me. “What did he say?”

Sebastian’s jaw clenches. “He told me to end things with you. He was worried the Nexus deal could be jeopardized if anyone found out we were together.”

“Nexus?”

“It’s nothing. Forget I mentioned it.”

“No, please. Tell me.”

He hesitates, his brow furrowing. “It’s a big deal. A top-notch technology that could change everything for our company. But if word got out about us…” He shakes his head.

I sit up straighter, water sloshing around me. “What do you mean? Why would us being together affect anything?”

“Because the Campbells own the company we’re taking over, and they’re in bed with your Uncle, our competitor.”

“Jason’s family?” It’s like I’ve been punched in the gut. “What?”

“I know, I know. It’s a fucking messy legal minefield.” He leans back, staring at the ceiling. “My father’s been working on this for months, if not years. If anyone finds out about us, it could be seen as a conflict of interest or, worse, insider trading. The regulators would jump on it, investigating both our companies for unfair practices. Nexus would likely back out to avoid the scrutiny, fearing fines or legal action that could bankrupt them.”

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