They stepped out of the bathroom together, skin still warm from shared water and lingering touches.
Steam drifted lazily into the hallway behind them.
Camille walked first, towel wrapped securely around her body, another smaller one in her hands as she squeezed excess water from the ends of her cornrows. Droplets traced slowly down the elegant line of her spine.
Behind her, Gabriel followed — her white bathrobe tied low around his waist, damp hair pushed back from his forehead.
There was something almost disarming about him dressed in something so soft.
He didn't rush ahead.
Didn't reclaim distance.
He simply stayed close enough that his presence brushed her awareness with every step.
She reached her bedroom doorway and paused, glancing over her shoulder.
"You realise you're still in my robe."
"You realise you're staring."
Her gaze dropped briefly — broad chest visible where the robe fell open slightly.
"I'm evaluating damage."
"From the shower?" His voice lowered a fraction.
Her lips curved faintly. "From letting you get comfortable."
He stepped closer then, closing the small distance between them. His hands settled at her waist — over the towel this time — steady, familiar.
"You invited me to stay."
"I did."
"And you didn't regret it."
That wasn't a question.
Sunlight filtered through the bedroom curtains, casting pale gold across both of them. Morning felt fuller now. Real. No haze of night to soften choices.
She tilted her head, studying him in daylight.
"You look different like this," she said quietly.
"How?"
"Less guarded."
His thumb traced slowly along the edge of the towel at her hip, not testing, just feeling the line of her.
"That's because I'm not negotiating anything right now."
Her pulse shifted at that.
No games.
No power.
Just presence.
She turned fully in his arms, her hands resting lightly against his chest. The robe parted slightly with the movement, warm skin beneath her palms.
"This is my space," she reminded him softly.
"I know."
"You don't take over here."
"I wouldn't."
His answer came without hesitation.
That mattered more than she expected.
He leaned down, pressing a slow kiss to her temple — not urgent, not demanding. Just there.
Outside, the city was fully awake now.