Hot shower

The bathroom was a sanctuary, and tonight, it felt even more necessary. I stepped inside, closing the door behind me and locking it with a soft click.

The world outside the tension, the teasing, the worry in Layla's eyes could wait. I needed a moment to clear my head, to let the heat of the water wash everything away.

The shower was one of my favorite places in the villa. A spacious glass enclosure dominated one wall, the tiles a smooth slate grey that glistened when wet.

The overhead rain showerhead promised a cascade of soothing warmth, and the built-in bench along the side made the space feel almost indulgent. I turned the handle, and the water sprang to life, steaming almost instantly. 

Peeling off my clothes, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My hair was a mess, my expression tired, and the faint shadows under my eyes betrayed the weight I was carrying.