Chapter 82

                                    

                                          
I can sense a subtle change in him, an undercurrent of tension that mirrors my own heightened awareness. The feeling of his gaze on my exposed form sends a thrill through me, a spark of electricity in the midst of the tranquil scene.
I finish bathing, the soap washing away the remnants of the day's trials. With a satisfied sigh, I turn to Curtis.
"Your turn," I offer, a mischievous glint in my eyes. I hand him the soap, the small token of trust passed between us.
Curtis and I sit side by side near a small stream, the gentle gurgle of water providing a soothing soundtrack to our surroundings. We have taken the opportunity to clean up after the day's exertions, and now it's Curtis's turn.
His shirt is already discarded, revealing the strong, sinewy lines of his back and shoulders. I dip a piece of cloth into the water, letting it soak before wringing it out.
With a newfound sense of determination, I reach out and gently press the damp cloth against Curtis's skin. His muscles tense briefly at the contact, a subtle reaction that doesn't go unnoticed.
My heart races, and I feel a rush of warmth flood my cheeks. This close proximity, the intimate act of tending to Curtis, has a surprisingly potent effect on me.
Determined not to let my embarrassment show, I focus on the task at hand, my movements becoming more purposeful and efficient. The cloth glides over his skin, tracing the contours of his back with a gentle touch.
Curtis's quiet sigh of contentment resonates in the air, a soft sound that stirs something within me. I bite my lip, silently urging myself to stay composed.
As I continue to cleanse his skin, my fingers graze over the subtle lines that mark his body. Each mark tells a story, a testament to his resilience and strength. I can't help but feel a surge of admiration for him, a deepening connection that goes beyond mere camaraderie.
Curtis shifts slightly, his body relaxing under my ministrations. I steal a glance at his profile, the play of light and shadow casting his features in a captivating dance. His eyes are closed, a serene expression on his face, and I marvel at the vulnerability that he allows me to witness.
Emboldened by the moment, I work a bit faster, my movements growing more confident. My fingers linger over the ridges of his spine.
A soft chuckle escapes Curtis's lips, and my heart skips a beat.
"You're being quite thorough," he remarks, his voice laced with amusement.
I clear my throat, my cheeks undoubtedly tinged with a rosy hue. "Well, I don't want to leave a single speck of dirt behind," I reply, my tone light and feigned nonchalance.
Curtis turns his head to look at me, a glint of playfulness in his eyes. "Is that so? And here I thought you were simply enjoying the view."
My breath catches, and I'm momentarily rendered speechless. Curtis's teasing has caught me off guard, his words stirring a mixture of embarrassment and undeniable attraction.
I busy myself with rinsing the cloth, my fingers fumbling slightly in my haste. Finally, I clear my throat and manage to meet his gaze, my voice a touch steadier than before.
"Well, perhaps a little bit of both," I admit, a shy smile tugging at the corners of my lips.
Curtis chuckles softly, a genuine warmth in his expression. "In that case, I suppose I can't complain."
He slithers his tail between my legs swiftly, eliciting a surprised gasp and a rosy blush that paints my cheeks. "That's even."
I can't help but feel a mixture of astonishment and warmth at the unexpected gesture. As Curtis's tail gently unwinds, Darius's presence solidifies beside us, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a vigilant focus. His role as a protector is clear, and I appreciate the steadying influence he brings to our intimate moment.
With a quick, knowing glance at Darius, I manage to regain some semblance of composure. "Just keeping things fair," I retort, a touch of playful embarrassment in my voice. Darius's expression remains composed, his focus unwavering on the task at hand.
"Someone's got to make sure no unwelcome visitors interrupt this... vulnerable moment," he states matter-of-factly, his gaze flickering to Curtis before returning to his watchful position.