ALEXANDER
The hot water beat steadily against my shoulders.
For a moment, it was the only place where my mind could finally slow down.
Training, patrol reports, council matters, board meetings—it all faded beneath the sound of running water.
I sighed, letting the tension ease from my muscles.
The bathroom door clicked open.
I turned slightly just as the shower curtain moved.
Faye stepped inside.
For a second, I simply stared at her, taking her in.
Water immediately soaked the loose strands of her hair, darkening them as they clung to her shoulders. She looked completely unbothered by my surprise, a small, playful smile tugging at her lips.
“Well,” I said slowly, blinking water from my eyes, “this is unexpected.”
Faye laughed softly.
It was a quiet sound, warm and familiar.
She
