Page 8 of Chomp's Challenge

“Yep.”

She nibbles on her bottom lip. “I think I want a shower first, then the bubble bath.”

I don’t ask why when it’s obvious she doesn’t want to sit in the filth that clings to her, despite how much I tried to clean her skin off when I brought her here. “Tell you what, I’ve got plenty of towels and products you can use already stocked inside. There’s a big fluffy robe hanging behind the door, too. You take that shower and I’ll find the supplies for the best bubble bath you've ever had.”

I can’t tell what she’s thinking, but there’s a little sparkle in her eye I haven’t seen before now. My gator loves it, and I grin. I'm hoping this means I’ve made my new mate happy.

I leave Ariel alone to tend to her needs and gather up supplies: candles, a lighter, liquid bubble bath I bought by accident once when I thought it was body wash, extra towels, a wine glass, and sparkling water flavored with strawberry and kiwi. I need to find out what Ariel prefers to drink, but I noticed she only wanted water to drink when we ate earlier. Something seemed off about it, and I intend to find out the details once she feels ready to talk more about her past.

Out in the hall, I pace while Ariel showers. Below me, gathered in my kitchen, I hear Kodiak, Spike, and Callie talking. They aren't discussing me or my mate, which I appreciate.

Once the water turns off and I hear Ariel exit the bathroom, I knock on the door again. “Bubble bath service,” I joke. “Can I come in?”

“Sure,” Ariel answers before she opened the door.

Fuck. Me. I didn’t expect to find her in my robe, covered in fluffy gray, and so goddamn attractive. My scent tangled with hers does wicked things to my brain. My cock hardens and I am glad I thought to wear loose jeans instead of sweats. That wouldn’t have gone over well. Lust spikes in my brain and then fizzles out. Sex is probably the last thing on her mind as a result of her attack, and it isn’t on my radar either. Someday, when we both are ready, we can take our relationship to the next level.

Now? I just want her to feel cherished, cared for, and safe. The rest will come later.

“Gonna set this up for you. Go ahead and relax. I’ll let you know when it’s ready.”

She nods, dropping onto a nearby chair. I see her eyes flutter and worry she’s too tired for a soak in the tub. Ultimately, though, it’s her call to make, so if she gets in the bath, I’ll stay outside her door and remain vigilant in case she gets too sleepy.

It takes less than ten minutes to run the bath, fill it with suds, and surround the rim with candlelight. I pour the sparkling water into her wine glass and set it within reach. I even turn on the space heater and leave it on the low setting. She’ll be warm and comfortable and can relax as long as she wishes.

I leave the bathroom with a smile on my lips, excited to show Ariel what I’ve done.

She stands as I exit the bathroom, and my gaze slides over her, taking her in from head to toe. There isn't much skin showing, but that doesn’t matter to me. I still think she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. And those secret, rare smiles I’ve seen twice? Heartstoppers. They sure stole mine.

Was the thought cheesy? Yep. Did I care? Hell no. This was my mate. I’d take things slow and enjoy every moment.

Ariel gasps as she enters the bathroom. Her wide eyes meet mine as she turns around, appearing shocked by my effort. “You lit candles.”

“Yep. Thought you might like to relax with candlelight. I heard it’s good for the soul.”

She blinks and sadness overtakes her features for a few seconds before it disappears, replaced by a soft smile that is my favorite yet. “You did good, Chomp.”

“There’s sparkling flavored water too.”

“What kind?”

“Strawberry kiwi.” I wait to see if she hates it or not.

“Well, that’s a stroke of luck. It’s one of my favorites.”

Yes! “And the others?”

“You can never go wrong with orange or citrus.”

“Good to know.” I wink and back away, heading toward the bedroom door. “You need anything, just holler. I’ll hear you.”

“Thanks.”

“My pleasure,” I state and mean it.

Maybe our meeting was unconventional, and the foundation we’d built had to start from scratch, but that was okay. I’d layer every brick and build it so strong, nothing could tear it down. Not the past, or those who had harmed Ariel, or the rules of society.

She was mine, and I’d do everything to ensure she stayed by my side. If that meant convincing her every minute of the day until she decided to stay, I’d do it.

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