Chapter 24: The Private Moment, Part 2

Kade retreats and pulls the blanket up to my chin, tucking me in. Disappointment is a bitter taste in the back of my throat.

He moves away from the bed, taking his warmth with him. I strain my ears to listen to his shoes tapping as he crosses the room. I roll onto my side and open my eyes as he flicks on the bathroom light and saunters inside. He yanks on the door, which swings but doesn't shut, leaving a small light to spill through. I stare at it, as wide awake as ever until the sound of water crashing against tiles fills my ears.

I listen to it. It's not as peaceful as rain, but it still stirs a sense of comfort. I imagine the hot streams beating against my back and rolling down my spine. It was Kade who allowed me my first hot shower. He didn't have to. It was only juice on my skin, something I could've cleaned off with a damp towel. I thought about it while slouched on my cot, resigned to my quarters until further notice, like a punished youth.

I doze off to the sounds of Kade w