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He finished off the pastry before stepping back—and pulling me a few steps back with him. I stumbled a little, but his grip on my hips was steady enough to hold me upright.
When I opened my mouth to ask him why he’d moved me, he stepped between me and the sink, and took over doing the dishes.
A soft laugh escaped me. “Amarok.”
“You can feed me another oliniv if you want to help.”
A louder laugh escaped.
I lifted myself onto the counter and grabbed another pastry, lifting it to his lips. His expression was playful as he took a bite, still working on the dishes.
“It’s not the end of the world if I clean up after myself,” I said, giving him another bite.
“Of course it isn’t. But I’m here, and you baked for me, so I’m going to clean up.”
I shook my head at him, but couldn’t fight the smile that curved my lips.
“What changed today?” he asked.
Neither of us needed clarification about what he was asking.
He wanted to know why I’d moved in so suddenly.
Maybe it would’ve been wiser to be vague, or give a half-answer, but I didn’t want to do either of those things. I wanted to tell him the truth.
“I didn’t realize the eclipse was tomorrow until lunch time,” I admitted. “I went out to find you, to make sure we were on the same page about spending it together, but you were gone. I found Valko instead, and he told me how hard things were for you guys before we got here. I realized I’d been focused on the other humans, and myself, and haven’t treated you as well as you deserve. So, I’m going to do better. Starting with this.”
He blinked, his expression almost taken-aback.
“I know we’re not mated right now, and we haven’t really talked about our shitty pasts, but our relationship is permanent to me, too. Not because fate put us together, but because you’ve been here for me even when it’s hard. You treat me well, even when I’ve given you no reason to. You’re a good man, and I’m really, really glad it’s you.” I lifted my pastry back to his lips.
He didn’t bite into it, this time.
Instead he stared at me, his eyes full of emotion.
Amarok finally shut off the water and took a small bite of the pastry. He dried his hands, then lifted me off the counter by my thighs. I wrapped my arms around his neck, the treat hanging down his back as I leaned against his chest.
“What are we doing?” I asked.
“Taking a bath. I’ve missed you.”
I leaned closer. “I’ve been dreaming about having you naked again since the last time.”
“I’ve been dreaming about a hell of a lot more than a little nudity.”
My lips stretched in a smile.
He set me down on my feet, and I slipped my shirt over my head. His eyes moved slowly down my figure, his gaze hot. “Damn, Aurora.”
“You’re not so bad either,” I teased him lightly, as he stepped out of his shorts.
A shriek escaped me as he grabbed me again and stepped into the tub in one fluid motion. The water quickly covered us to our shoulders, and I sighed as I relaxed against him. Neither of us made a move to do anything about his erection against my core, but his bare skin felt incredible on mine.
Amarok’s arms wrapped around my back, pulling my chest tighter to his. He held me there, and I closed my eyes, relaxing in the silence. Some part of me I hadn’t acknowledged in far too long seemed to calm under his touch, and peace eased my mind as we sat there together quietly.
A few moments passed before Amarok spoke again, his playfulness gone. “My brother died today.”
My throat swelled.
