Tyler knelt in the steamy shower, the hot water cascading over both of them like a much-needed blessing. His slender, smooth body was pressed close to Mal’s — one arm wrapped securely around her waist to keep her upright while his other hand gently worked through her soaked red hair, fingers careful not to tug on the tangles. The heat was finally starting to chase away the violent shivering that had wracked her small frame, but he could still feel how cold her skin was against his own.
His cheeks burned crimson, and it had nothing to do with the temperature of the water.
He kept replaying Simon’s voice in his head — that low, commanding tone that had cut straight through him like a blade. “Good boy.” Just two words, and his cock had twitched so hard he’d nearly embarrassed himself right there on the tile. He swallowed thickly, trying to focus on Mal instead of the way his body was reacting.
“You’re doing so good, Mal,” he murmured softly, his voice gentle and a little shaky as he tilted her head back to rinse the shampoo from her hair. His pretty hazel eyes flicked over the bruises and scrapes on her shoulders, the angry bite mark on her neck, the way her dog ears lay limp and waterlogged against her skull. His free hand moved lower, carefully soaping her back, tracing the base of her tail with hesitant but tender fingers. “Just breathe. I’ve got you. Simon said to warm you up, so… I’m gonna make sure you’re warm.”
Tyler’s own cock was half-hard against his thigh, impossible to hide in the tight space. He shifted slightly, mortified but unable to stop the flush spreading down his chest. Every time he remembered Simon’s hand on his chin, the way those intense green eyes had locked onto him and given an order… his stomach flipped in the most confusing, exhilarating way.
He leaned in closer, pressing his forehead lightly against the side of her head, voice barely above the sound of the running water.
“I… I saw your ears and tail at the apartment,” he whispered, almost shy. “They’re really pretty, Mal. They move with how you feel. I didn’t know… I didn’t understand before, but I want to. I want to help. Whatever this is… whatever you need right now… I’m here.”
His hand slid down to gently cup her hip, steadying her as another shiver ran through her. He was achingly aware of how naked they both were, of how Simon was just outside the door, of how badly his own body was responding to the memory of being told what to do.
Tyler swallowed again, voice dropping even softer. “Simon told me to take care of you… so that’s what I’m gonna do. Okay?”
