Dominik
I LEAD HER TO THE BATHROOM AND TURN ON THE TAPS IN THE SOAKING tub. From a glass container, I scatter salt crystals on the bottom. I dig around in my medicine cabinet for the oil I use after a particularly bruising fight and add a few drops to the steaming water.
"What is that?" she asks.
"Copaiba oil. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant. I use it after training."
"Is this the new clause in our deal? Am I supposed to be your bathing attendant now?"
"The other way around. If you're sore after this morning, I can help you with that."
Her lips quirk. There's wash of pink across her cheeks now. "A for effort, but I'm not taking a bath in front of you."
I lean one shoulder against the doorframe, deliberately relaxed, as though every cell inside me isn't alert to her nearness. As if the vision of her naked body hasn't been occupying my thoughts and dreams.
