Chapter 28

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Steam curled through the bathroom, thick and warm, as the hot water cascaded down like a soothing waterfall, creating a haven against the outside world. The harsh realities of their strange, tumultuous lives seemed to melt away for a fleeting moment.

Carmilla pressed Laura against the cool, tiled wall, the contrast of her chilled touch against Laura's heated skin electrifying. Her hands roamed, tracing every curve of Laura's body with a deliberate slowness, as if memorizing each inch.

Laura gasped softly, her breath catching when Carmilla's lips ghosted along her neck, leaving behind a trail of cool, wet kisses. A shiver ran down her spine as Carmilla's sharp fangs grazed the delicate pulse point beneath her jaw, teasing with their presence, reminding Laura that her lover, for all her tenderness, was still a predator at heart.

Laura's fingers tangled into Carmilla's soaked hair, pulling her closer, her voice low and breathless.

— You know, for someone who complains about being a vampire, you really seem to enjoy these... Moments.

A sultry laugh escaped Carmilla, muffled against Laura's skin.

— Maybe it's because you're irresistible - she murmured, her voice a throaty whisper that sent a thrill through Laura's core. Her lips curled into a smirk as she added, - Or maybe I just love having an excuse to get my hands on you.

The soft sound of Laura's laughter filled the steamy bathroom, echoing off the walls. Her head tilted back, offering Carmilla full access to her neck. The teasing was playful, but the spark between them was undeniable, a constant hum beneath their banter.

— I'm not complaining - Laura whispered, her voice trembling slightly, laced with anticipation. - But if you keep teasing me like that, we might not make it to dinner.

Carmilla's smirk deepened, her fangs retracting slightly as she brought her lips to Laura's, kissing her deeply. It was a kiss full of hunger and desire, the heat of the moment amplified by the contrast of their temperatures.

— Who said I ever planned to make it to dinner? - she teased, her hands trailing down Laura's sides, leaving behind a path of coolness that heightened every sensation.

A tremor ran through Laura, her body responding to the vampire's every touch.

— You're impossible - she murmured, barely able to form the words, her grip tightening on Carmilla's shoulders.

— And yet you love me - Carmilla shot back, her dark eyes gleaming with mischief, though beneath the playful arrogance, there was a depth of emotion she rarely let anyone see.

Only Laura got glimpses of this vulnerability, the centuries of weariness and loneliness that Carmilla hid behind her sharp wit and seductive charm.

— I do - Laura whispered, her tone soft, almost reverent, as she cupped Carmilla's face. Her thumb brushed over the sharp edge of her lover's cheekbone, a gesture full of tenderness. - With all my heart.

For a moment, the bravado faded from Carmilla's face, replaced by something raw and unguarded. Her gaze softened, and Laura could see the weight of centuries in her dark eyes, the loneliness that had haunted her until Laura had come into her life. The air seemed to thicken around them, the intimacy of the moment cutting through the playful teasing and the steam.

— I don't deserve you - Carmilla whispered, her voice so low it almost disappeared beneath the sound of the shower. Her eyes flickered, betraying the cracks in her confident exterior.

— Maybe not - Laura replied, her lips curving into a gentle smile. - But I'm here anyway. And I'm not going anywhere.

Carmilla's breath hitched, her emotions warring on her face, something that only happened when she was with Laura. Without warning, she kissed Laura again, but this time there was a fierceness to it, an almost desperate intensity. It wasn't just a kiss; it was Carmilla pouring every unspoken emotion into Laura—fear, love, need. It was raw, consuming, and utterly breathtaking.

Laura responded in kind, her arms wrapping around Carmilla's neck, pulling her closer until their bodies were flush against one another. The heat of the water and the coolness of Carmilla's skin mingled, creating a heady mix that left Laura dizzy, lost in the sensation. Everything else faded away, no threats, no danger, just the two of them in their own little world.

When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless, their foreheads resting together as they tried to steady themselves.

— Maybe we should... Get out before we turn into prunes - Laura suggested, her voice laced with humor as she let out a small, contented sigh.

Carmilla chuckled, the sound deep and rich, vibrating through Laura's chest.

— Fine - she conceded, though her hands lingered on Laura's hips, unwilling to fully let go. - But only because I have... Other plans for you later.

Laura raised an eyebrow, curiosity and excitement dancing in her eyes.

— Oh? And what might those be?

Carmilla's smirk returned, this time wicked and full of promise.

— You'll just have to wait and see.

With a reluctant sigh, Carmilla turned off the shower, and they stepped out into the cooler air, which sent a shiver through both of them as they reached for towels.

As they dried off, the weight of the world started to creep back in, their responsibilities, the lurking dangers outside the safe cocoon of their suite. But the warmth of their shared moment lingered, like an invisible bond wrapping them together.

Laura glanced over at Carmilla, who was lazily pulling on a shirt, still looking at her with heated eyes.

— We should go meet the others before they think we've drowned in here.

A wicked grin spread across Carmilla's face.

— Drowning definitely isn't what they think we're doing.

— Carmilla! - Laura playfully slapped her hand. - Stop that! Let's go downstairs already.

Carmilla raised her hands in mock surrender.

— Only because you asked so nicely. - But her eyes, soft and full of affection, betrayed the deep connection she felt for Laura.

Hand in hand, they left the sanctuary of their suite, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them, knowing that, together, they could conquer anything. Or at least try to.

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