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A chill runs through me despite the warm water. “So what do we do?”

He rests his chin on top of my head. “I don’t know, princess. But I do know that I’m not willing to give you up. Not for some business deal, not for anything.”

I twist in his arms, meeting his gaze. “Even if it means going against your father?”

“Even then.”

“I don’t want to come between you and your family, Sebastian.”

“You’re not. This is my choice.” His fingers tilt my chin up, and he captures my lips in a kiss, one that is a promise. A vow.

We resume soaking in the warm water, his fingers continuing the nonsensical patterns across my skin.

“We should get out of the tub before we turn into prunes.” Sebastian chuckles, though the reluctance in his tone is obvious.

“I suppose.” I nestle closer for one last moment.

“You’re really making this hard for me.” He helps me stand up, our bodies still wet and slick from the bathwater.

Gently, he wraps a towel around my shivering body before attending to himself. After he’s done, he scoops me back into his arms.

“I can walk, you know?”

“And I can carry you.”

We’re almost back to the bed when I spot my bag. His bruises.

“Wait, put me down.” I try to wiggle free, but Sebastian’s grip is too strong.

“What are you doing?”

“Your bruises.” I gesture at my bag. “We have to put the cream on them.”

“Shh. Relax.” He stops in his tracks. “You can treat me in the morning. Right now, we’ll rest.”

“Please.”

“I think I didn’t fuck you properly if you still have so much energy, princess.”

“Please.”

With a groan, he lets me down, and I rummage through the bag, fingers closing around the small jar.

“Sit.” I point to the bed.

He lowers onto the edge of the bed, towel slung low around his hips. I stand between his knees, acutely aware of his gaze on me as I smooth the salve over his bruises. The dark marks marring his beautiful skin must hurt.

“I’m sorry,” he says softly.

“It wasn’t your fault.”

“Not just for the fight.” His hand covers my wrist, stilling my movements. “For not telling you the truth. You deserve better than that.”

I meet his eyes, struck by the raw emotion simmering beneath the surface.

My free hand traces the sharp line of his jaw. “I forgive you. Let’s forget it, okay?”

He turns his head, pressing a kiss to my palm. “You’re too good for me, princess.”

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