The tub is deep and modern, and I can imagine myself soaking in a sea of bubbles.
The shower has multiple rainforest heads, and is definitely big enough for more than one person. My core clenches at the thought of getting dirty with Soren in here, then clean, then dirty again.
Expensive cologne and a few other men’s products are tucked neatly away. Everything he needs and nothing more.
But the bathroom light is too bright, and I squint. The mirror shows me a version of myself that looks thinner than I feel. Eyes too wide. Skin tight with something I can’t shake.
I take my time to get ready, removing my dress and replacing it with his T-shirt which is as soft and comfortable as hepromised. It’s big on me, and I hug it close to myself. It feels comforting, nice.
Then I wash my face and brush my teeth, avoiding my reflection.
I’m aware of him the entire time on the other side of the door, waiting.
When I come back out, he’s sitting on the edge of the bed, watching me. “Better?” he asks.
I nod. “Thanks.”
He glances at the T-shirt and quirks a smile. “You like it?”
“Yeah, it’s super comfy.” I smile back, just a little.
He looks pleased. “Told you.”
He stands, and gestures once at the bed. “Get into bed now.” The phrasing lands wrong. Too direct.
My pulse jumps. I climb into the bed anyway. The sheets and comforter are like cozying up with a pile of soft, fluffy clouds. The pillows are equally comfortable. Without intending to, I let out a sigh.
The lamp clicks off. The room drops into shadow.
Soren moves toward the door.
Relief loosens something in my chest.
Then he stops. “Hey, Ivy?”
“Yeah?”
A pause. “Can I ask you something?”
My stomach tightens again. “Okay.”
He leans against the doorframe, casual, his silhouette dark against the soft hallway lighting. “But you can tell me to shut up if it’s too much.”
It sounds respectful.
That’s what makes me nod. “Ask.”
His voice lowers. “Did he hurt you physically?”
The question cuts straight through everything.
My body goes cold. “Yes.”
Silence.
“How bad?”
My hands curl into the sheets.