# Chapter 57 - Tender Bonds and a Shocking Omission
I looked at Rhys's outstretched hand, water droplets sliding down his arm. His eyes held nothing but warmth and invitation, no pressure or expectation.
"You sure?" I asked, clutching my towel tighter. Despite everything we'd shared, I still felt a flutter of nervousness.
"I'm just offering a bath," he said with a gentle smile. "Nothing has to happen."
The honesty in his eyes broke down my hesitation. I let the towel drop and slipped into the warm water opposite him, our legs tangling comfortably. The tub was massive enough to fit us both with room to spare.
"This is nice," I sighed, letting my head fall back against the porcelain rim. The heat seeped into my muscles, soothing aches I hadn't realized were there.
"Here," Rhys said, grabbing a bottle of bath gel. "Turn around."