Whole

Jessica watched as Damon shifted beneath her, his muscles flexing subtly as he straightened, the water cascading off his body.

For a moment, her breath caught as she took in the sight of him, powerful yet gentle, like a force she couldn't fully understand but felt undeniably drawn to.

He took a towel from the rail and then reached for her, his hands strong yet infinitely careful as they slid beneath her arms to lift her out of the tub.

"Damon," she murmured, her voice carrying a hint of protest.

He stilled, his dark eyes meeting hers. "Let me take care of you."

Her words caught in her throat as he carried her into the bedroom, droplets of water trailing behind them. She squirmed lightly in his arms, her gaze darting to the bed. "We're wet," she began, but her words fell away as he gently laid her down on the soft sheets, the cool fabric sending a shiver through her already sensitive skin.