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The companionship division has ten private bathing areas for our exclusive use, in consideration for the services some of us provide and the extensive cosmetic preparations many of us require. I breeze past the smaller options like the one where I brought Ivy last time.
This time, I don’t want the experience to feel like something I’m presenting her with. I want us all on the same level, like real lovers rather than anything resembling courtesan and client.
And having additional space for whatever other activities we might engage in would be ideal too.
The first of the larger rooms has the eyes closed on the face carved on the door, indicating that it’s locked for use. The second is open.
I slip into the cream-tiled space, survey it to confirm it meets my expectations, and secure the door. With practiced efficiency, I move through the room—turning on the tap on the massive bathtub built partly into the floor, pouring in an oil for relaxing sore muscles and a bubbling powder with a soothing scent, setting three plump towels on the bench for ease of access.
Then I spread Ivy’s cord on the floor in its circle and step back through to the meeting room.
Ivy and Alek are leaning against the table, his arm still around her and their heads bent close together. When they look up at my arrival, it’s clear I’ve interrupted a quiet conversation.
A pang shoots through my heart like the sensation that hit me when I walked in on them kissing in the side room the other day. Like a wordless admonishment telling me that I can never have quite the same shared affection.
But maybe I can. Maybe it isn’t too much to ask that I have a woman who wantsmeto be happy as much as I want the same for her.
Because as content as Ivy looks in Alek’s embrace, her face lights up at the sight of me.
She’s an incredible woman. I’m still serving both my godlen and my purpose on this earth by catering to her pleasure.
Who could deserve more than the woman who’s putting herself in so much danger to protect us all from divine retribution?
“Come with me,” I say, and quickly add when Alek starts to hesitate, “Both of you.”
We emerge one after the other into the bathing room. Ivy looks around at the sprawling, tiled space and lets out a laugh. “It’s not just a bathroom—it’s a bedroom too.”
There is indeed a large, four-poster bed with covers the same ivory as the frame standing at the opposite end from the bathtub.
I grin at her. “Sometimes people want to relax in a drier fashion once they’re clean. We can accommodate all preferences. If you simply want a comfortable sleep, you’re welcome to it.”
A sigh escapes her. “I might take you up on that. But first…”
She walks up to the bathtub, reaching for the lacing on the basic silk gown the conspirators dressed her up in. So much more confident than the last time.
It warms me to see her assurance growing.
I move to join her, loosening the ties with experienced fingers. “I thought the three of us might enjoy a soak together. I’m sure both Alek and I could use a chance to unwind after all our worries about you while you were missing. And then you’ll have proper company.”
Ivy hums. “Sounds fair enough.”
She casts a sideways glance toward the scholar, and I follow her gaze. At his awkward expression, I realize I may have miscalculated in my hurry.
“Only if you’d like to,” I say to him, unsure of the best approach. Alek has always seemed like a rather private person. “I shouldn’t have assumed—”
“It’s all right,” he interrupts with a crooked smile. “I’m glad you counted me in. It’s only— My mask…”
He gestures to the leather shape that covers most of his face—not a good material for dampening.
Of course. I should have been prepared for that concern.
I scan the room, considering the possibilities. “I’m sure I could find an appropriate substitute if you’re not comfortable removing it completely…”
Ivy turns with her dress slipping partway off her shoulders. “Or you could go unmasked. You know I think you’re just as handsome without it. And I’m sure Casimir won’t judge.”
There’s a tenderness to her voice that I’ve never heard with anyone else. An understanding between them that I’m not privy to.
At her words, Alek practically glows with adoration in return. He touches the edge of his mask, weighing the options.
