Damon smirked. "Do you want me to carry you to the bath?"
She groaned. "I don't think I can survive another second in your arms. That's how I ended up like this in the first place."
He laughed, the sound deep and rich. "Fair point." He shifted slightly, pulling her closer, his fingers tangling in her hair. "But you should still clean up before you sleep, sweetheart."
Charlotte peeked up at him through heavy-lidded eyes. "You're really bossy, you know that?"
She didn't even understand why she had suddenly started speaking so informally to him, but since he didn't seem to mind, Charlotte saw no reason to change the way she spoke.
He softened his smile. "Only when it comes to taking care of you."
For a moment, silence filled the room, comfortable and warm. The fire had completely died out.
Charlotte traced circles on his chest, her voice softer now. "Damon …"
"Hm?"
She hesitated before whispering, "Do you ever think about what comes next? About us?"
