I should leave and tell Slade thank you and good-bye. But I can’t go back home to my quiet and empty apartment. It’s just not possible, not yet. “No. I’ll head back tomorrow, as planned.” My voice comes out surer than I actually feel. “I bumped into a friend.”

“Someone you trust? I’m not so sure this is a good idea. You’ve just been through a lot, and we’re all leaving—”

“Yeah, I trust him.” I squeeze the towel between my fingertips.

Any of us could have died tonight.

“S-so glad you’re safe.” I can hear her short and choppy breaths, as though she’s slightly hyperventilating.

“Okay. I’ll see you back home tomorrow.”

I put my phone away and step back into the bathroom. My chest is tight. I feel relief but also dread. All the what-ifs are still fresh in my head.

He reaches out, touching the side of my face. “They’re okay?”

I lean my head into his palm when I remember he wasn’t alone either. “Did you connect with your friends?”

He shrugs casually. “I’m sure they’re fine. You ready?” His fingers dip inside the tub. “I added some hot water.” He puts his wet palm out to me before averting his head.

I take a hard swallow and drop the towel. My dress falls off with it. Trying to remove my strapless bra, I wince. I stop and go for a second attempt, this time using only one arm. I move my upper body for easier access, but it’s tricky.

He seems to notice my discomfort. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s just my bra. It’s taking me a minute with only one hand.”

“Turn around.” His voice is gruff.

I slowly pivot.

Not a second passes before his deft fingers settle on the center of my back. “I won’t look, okay?” Unhooking delicate white lace, he removes the bra from my breasts. His fingers then move to the top of my panties.

Oh God.

He slowly drags them down. I shiver as his callous fingers slide down the outside of my thighs. I bite my lip, both nervous and turned on. I could have taken off my underwear without his help. He’s doing this because he thinks I can’t. I should stop him. But he’s doing it, and I’m—

They’re on the floor, loose at my feet. I lift one foot and then the other, leaving the scrap of white lace behind.

“I’m going to turn around and give you my hand again.”

Slowly, I circle back. His hand is out and body turned away, as promised.

I use my toes to push my underwear into the corner. Gripping his fingers, I step one foot at a time into the steaming tub. Once covered in soapy suds, I sigh, “I’m inside, Slade.” Not for the first time, I realize how good his name feels in my mouth.

“Did your friends have any information?”

“It was a rap feud. Sanam thought I was trapped in the restroom, which I wasn’t. And I—you and I, we ran away.” Again, it dawns on me that I’m safe and sound while others are hurt or dead. “And you left the scene because of me. We should go back. I shouldn’t be here, in this bath, while others are—” My voice breaks off as I grip the side of the tub, ready to sit myself up.