Ana shivered slightly as Xavier guided her to the bath. The warmth of the water was inviting, but she hesitated. Her body still trembled from the earlier events, exhaustion weighing heavily on her.
Xavier knelt beside her, his voice soft. "Let me help you."
Ana glanced at him, her lips parting slightly as if to protest, but no words came out. Xavier took that as permission. He carefully unfastened the furs draped around her, his fingers brushing against her bare skin. She inhaled sharply at the contact, heat rising to her cheeks.
"Relax," he murmured, his golden eyes watching her closely. "I'll be gentle."
He helped her into the wooden tub, his hands lingering on her waist for a moment longer than necessary. Ana closed her eyes as the warm water engulfed her, soothing her sore muscles. Xavier reached for a cloth and dipped it into the water before running it over her shoulders.
Ana's breath hitched. His touch was firm yet careful, as if he were afraid of hurting her. He worked in silence for a moment, his gaze fixed on her with a tenderness that made her chest tighten.
"You're beautiful," Xavier whispered suddenly, his voice rough. "Even now, after everything… I can't take my eyes off you."
Ana's eyes widened, her heart pounding. "Xavier…"
He leaned closer, his lips brushing against her damp shoulder. "I meant what I said before. I'll never force you into anything. But, Ana… let me take care of you."
Her fingers clutched the edge of the tub, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She wanted to trust him, to let herself sink into his warmth, but something held her back.
Xavier exhaled, sensing her hesitation. He reached for her hand, pressing a lingering kiss to her palm. "I won't rush you. But know this—I'm yours. Always."
A soft knock at the door interrupted the moment. Xavier's body tensed. "Stay here," he murmured, rising to his feet.
Xander's voice came from outside. "Dinner is ready."
Xavier didn't move immediately. His gaze flickered back to Ana, his expression unreadable. "Take your time. I'll bring you something to wear."
She nodded, watching as he left the room. Alone, she exhaled shakily, her fingers tracing where his lips had been. The warmth he left behind lingered, making her heart ache in ways she wasn't ready to admit.
Later, at dinner, the air was thick with unspoken emotions. Ana sat between Xavier and Xander, feeling the weight of their gazes on her. She could sense Xander's longing, the restraint in his every movement.
Xander cleared his throat. "Are you feeling better?"
Ana nodded, keeping her eyes on her plate. "Yes. Thank you."
Xavier smirked slightly, wrapping an arm around her waist. "She had a relaxing bath."
Xander's jaw clenched, but he forced a small smile. "That's good."
Ana shifted uncomfortably. The tension between them was suffocating. She wanted to say something to ease it, but she didn't know how.
Instead, she focused on eating, her heart still racing from the earlier intimacy with Xavier. One thing was clear—things were only getting more complicated.
As the night deepened, Ana settled onto the bedding, her body still aching but much warmer after the bath. Xavier was beside her, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist, his cold skin a stark contrast to the lingering heat of the bathwater.
Just as she was beginning to relax, Xander walked in, stretching his arms with an exaggerated yawn. "Ahh, nothing like a good meal! Now, time for a good night's sleep."
Xavier's eyes narrowed instantly. "Where do you think you're going?"
Xander grinned, ignoring the warning in Xavier's tone. He flopped down onto the bedding right next to Ana, sighing in contentment. "Mmm, this spot is nice. So warm."
Xavier's grip on Ana tightened. "Move."
Xander only grinned wider, turning toward Ana. "You don't mind, do you, Ana? I mean, I'm way warmer than our icy snake over there."
Ana hesitated, feeling the tension crackling between them. Xavier's cold body pressed against her, but the heat radiating from Xander was undeniably comforting. She reached out, placing a gentle hand on Xavier's chest. "Xavier… let him stay. His warmth helps."
Xavier's jaw clenched. "I can warm you."
Xander snorted. "With what? Your cold scales?"
Ana couldn't help the small giggle that escaped her. Xavier shot Xander a deadly glare, but Xander only smirked, clearly enjoying himself.
"Fine," Xavier growled, his voice dangerously low. "But keep your hands to yourself."
Xander placed a hand over his heart dramatically. "Me? Handsy? Never." Then, he winked at Ana. "Unless you ask, of course."
Xavier lunged at him, but Ana grabbed his arm, laughing softly. "Xavier, please."
Xavier exhaled sharply, settling back beside her, though his body remained tense. Xander, ever the troublemaker, wriggled in closer, his warmth instantly making Ana's body relax.
"See?" Xander whispered. "Perfectly harmless."
Xavier muttered something under his breath but didn't push him away. Ana, caught between their heat and cold, smiled slightly. This was her life now—caught between a possessive serpent and a teasing tiger.
And strangely, she didn't mind it at all.