Yara |18+|

14

VICO

Helping Yara into the filled bath, I was half tempted to join her.

Instead, I kneeled next to the bathtub and used the cloth to run warm water over her back. She let out the quietest and subtlest moan and gave me a look, urging me to keep going. I grinned, having no intention of stopping as I squeezed the soapy water over the length of her back.

I liked her reactions to things. Yara wasn't monotonous—or stoic. She had life in her and she made sure I knew that.

I admired her, in a way. Albeit only knowing her for a night, I admired the way she carried herself. She was a woman who trusted herself over anyone, and she trusted that she could take care of herself or protect herself. At the same time, she didn't let her doubts and concerns hinder her from getting what she wanted.

She was...a woman. A beautiful woman who I couldn't say bye to. I sighed, stopping myself from yelling at her to stay with me. I reached my hand to my neck, touching the mark her blade had made.

It was faint but it was there and for once, I didn't mind the scar it might potentially leave behind. Am I fucking crazy? I must be.

Who in their right mind would invite over the woman sent to assassinate them? Internally shaking my head at myself, I tried to convince myself that this was normal behaviour.

"I needed this," she murmured, hugging her knees to her chest. Maybe I needed it too. I didn't say it, but I thought about it. I let my fingertips trace over the tattoo on her back, finding it more interesting the longer I looked at it.

Besides that, I couldn't stop staring at her skin. Stunning. She had a glow on her—especially on her face. I frowned, silently sulking that I wouldn't see her again. Get your shit together, Vico. What the hell is wrong with you?

I cleared my throat, reaching to the faucet to top up on hot water for her. "Feels good?"

"Very," she said and an innocent smile was sent my way. "You don't want to join me?"

"No, mama," I whispered, grabbing the cloth and letting the hot water run over her chest. "You enjoy it, okay?"

She rolled her eyes, "How am I supposed to enjoy this if you're...fully clothed?"

"I already showered," I told her, just needing to sit down and stare at her. That's all I wanted to do. Just look at her.

"So?" she asked, scowling in my direction.

I laughed, shaking my head at her. "Next time."

"Yeah sure, next time," Yara murmured. She leaned back, resting her head against the slope on the edge of the tub. Being fully naked, I let my gaze roam her body but all I really wanted to do was look at her face.

Her eyes closed and she let out a deep breath, submerging herself in the bubbled water until it reached her neck. Yara seemed almost...at peace. As if she didn't have a care in the world. It was clear her guard was down.

Does she trust me? Or does she trust herself enough to kill me before I could attempt to try anything? I was fine with either.

"Don't fall asleep," I whispered, not minding if she did but just warning her.

"I won't," she said. "But I can't promise anything."

After a beat of silence and a few moments of studying her face, I couldn't help but say, "You're so beautiful."

I meant it. In every way. Yara was the most stunning woman I've ever seen and I was in awe of her.

Her hand reached to my cheek and she grinned, silently thanking me for the compliment. She didn't need to say it, but I heard her loud and clear.