The marble wash area glowed softly under the morning light filtering through latticed windows. Steam rose lazily from the large sunken bath filled with warm, fragrant water infused with jasmine, rose petals, and soothing herbs. Vikram carried Aria’s limp, naked body as if she weighed nothing, his powerful arms cradling her protectively against his broad chest.

He stepped down into the bath and lowered himself first, then gently settled Aria between his legs, her back resting against his muscular chest. The warm water enveloped her aching body like a tender embrace, but even that made her whimper softly. Every bruise, bite mark, and the deep soreness between her thighs protested at the slightest movement.