Page 180 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

She went back to washing him properly, though there was still amusement in her eyes. She rinsed away the soap, pressing kisses to his shoulders, his neck, his jaw as she worked.

Then she moved to massage his shoulders properly—no tickling this time, just firm, steady pressure that worked at the knots in his muscles.

"Tell me about the campaign," Caroline said as she worked. "What happened?"

Caspian told her. About the corrupted dragons, about finding the orphaned creatures, about the troops and Edwin and the long ride home.

Caroline listened, her hands never stopping their soothing motion.

"I'm glad you're home," she said when he finished. "Safe. Here with me."

"There's nowhere else I'd rather be," Caspian said honestly.

Caroline's massage slowed, her hands becoming more of a gentle touch. She shifted slightly in his lap, settling closer against him.

They stayed like that for a long moment—just holding each other in the warm water, steam rising around them, completely peaceful.

Caroline rested her head against his shoulder, her arms wrapped around his neck. Caspian held her close, one hand on her back, the other resting gently on her belly.

"Caspian," Caroline said softly.

"Mmm?"

"I love you."

The words were quiet, simple, but they hit Caspian with the force of a physical blow.

His breath caught. His arms tightened around her.

"Caroline—"

"I love you," she repeated, lifting her head to look at him. Her amber eyes were shining with emotion. "I love you. I needed you to know that."

Caspian felt his chest constrict with overwhelming feeling.

"I love you too," he said, his voice rough. "I love you, Caroline. More than I thought it was possible to love anyone."

Caroline's eyes filled with tears—happy tears, based on her smile.

"I was so worried when you were gone," she whispered. "Every day, I worried about you. Not just because you're my husband or the father of our child, but because I love you. Because losing you would destroy me."

"You won't lose me," Caspian promised, cupping her face. "I'll always come home to you. Always."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

Caroline kissed him then—soft and sweet and full of love.

When they broke apart, they simply held each other, foreheads pressed together, sharing breath.

"I love you," Caroline said again, as if she needed to keep saying it.

"I love you too," Caspian replied. "My wife. My choice. My everything."

They stayed like that, wrapped in each other's arms, the warm water lapping gently around them.

Then Caroline shifted slightly, and Caspian became very aware of her body pressed against his. Of the way her eyes had darkened with desire. Of the heat building between them that had nothing to do with the bath water.