Her response was a contented sigh as she nuzzled into my neck, her lips pressing soft kisses to my throat that made me want to forget about the shower entirely and just tumble her straight into bed.
That would have to wait for later. I had to take care of my angel first.
The bathroom was a thing of beauty—marble and glass with a rainfall shower that could easily fit four people. I set Isla down gently on her feet, my hands immediately going to the ribbon she'd fashioned into a belt.
"Let's get you out of these wet clothes," I murmured, slowly untying the silver satin. “Need to make sure you don’t catch a cold from our little adventure."
She shivered again, but I could tell it wasn't from being cold. Her eyes were dark with renewed desire as I peeled the damp Santa pants away from her body, followed by what remained of her white lingerie.
I reached into the shower to turn on the water, adjusting the temperature until steam began to rise.
When I turned back, Isla was standing there completely naked except for her Santa hat, and the sight nearly brought me to my knees.
“We’re drying the hat," I said roughly, nabbing her hat and stepping out of my own boxers. "It looks good on you."
Her laugh was soft as I pulled her into the shower with me, both of us sighing in relief as the hot water cascaded over our chilled skin.
I backed her against the marble wall, my hands roaming over her body to check for any signs of cold or injury.
"I'm fine, Adrian," she murmured, though she didn't protest when I continued my thorough examination. "More than fine, actually. Tonight was..."
"Perfect," I finished, reaching for the expensive body wash the bathroom had been stocked with. “Fucking perfect."
I began washing her with gentle hands, working the vanilla-scented lather across her skin. I couldn't help but smile at the contented sounds she made.
Taking care of her, worshipping her body with something as simple as a shower, was almost as satisfying as fucking her had been.
"I love you," she whispered as I shampooed her hair, her eyes closed and head tilted back in bliss.
"I love you too, angel," I replied, meaning it with every fiber of my being. "More than you'll ever know."
When we were both clean and properly warmed through, I wrapped her in the fluffiest towel I could find, taking my time to dry every inch of her before bundling her up.
I dressed her in the softest pajamas she owned—fluffy white with a lace trim that made her look like an angel descended from heaven.
"Better?" I asked, pressing a kiss to her damp hair as I buttoned the last pearl button.
"Much," she sighed contentedly, leaning into my warmth. "Though I think I might need some hot chocolate to complete the recovery process."
"I think that can be arranged, angel."
Hand in hand, we made our way downstairs to find the most perfect Christmas scene waiting for us.
The living room was bathed in the warm glow of the fireplace, Christmas lights twinkling from every surface, and snow falling steadily beyond the windows.
Soft holiday music drifted from speakers—something instrumental and peaceful that wrapped around us like a warm blanket.
The others were already settled in, and I had to grin at the sight. Connor sat in an oversized armchair with Sierra curled up in his lap like a cat, both of them wrapped in a thick plaid blanket.
Jax had claimed the corner of the sectional sofa, Estelle tucked in his lap while he absently played with her hair. Everyone was dressed in fluffy pajamas and looked thoroughly satisfied with life.
And Toffee, my prince, was curled beneath the large tree like the little Christmas king he was.
"There they are!" Estelle called out with a grin. "We were starting to think you'd drowned in there."
"Just being thorough," I replied with mock seriousness, settling into my favorite spot on the opposite corner of the sectional and pulling Isla onto my lap. "Had to make sure every inch of my angel was properly warmed up."
"Your hot chocolate's waiting," Sierra said, nodding toward the coffeetable where a steaming mug sat next to a plate of the cookies we'd decorated earlier. “We added extra marshmallows."
