Chapter 45: Monster, Part 5

It took him several minutes to find the girl and have more water heated, but she also offered to bring up food and ale. She flushed bright pink when she saw Binhadi standing naked in the tub, set the tray on the table, and all but ran from the room.

Binhadi's mouth quirked just the barest bit. "I had not thought I'd become that unattractive."

Cemal laughed and looked Binhadi over himself. If he were not so exhausted, and in a better frame of mind, he'd have enjoyed the lookover immensely. "I don't think lack of attraction was the problem." He set down the newly filled buckets then retrieved two more from the foot of the stairs.

When all the buckets were in the room, he closed the door and finished filling the tub before scrubbing Binhadi clean.

"Thank you," Binhadi said when he was finished. Cemal helped him out of the tub and into fresh clothes.

Once he was settled, Cemal filled a plate with food and poured a cup of ale. "It's not good wine, but it will have to do."