Page 61 of Lost and Stolen Gods
Tonight, I needed a hot bath, and I knew just where to get it.
It was time to pay the Empire Baths a visit.
Chapter 22
JUST THE TIP…
The empire baths were a network of caverns to the south of the barracks, filled with hot springs. I’d gone for a soak once with the sisters, and Chaya had shown us a small private spring away from the busier larger ones, which were often filled with native demigods and their drohi. The small spring wasn’t well-known or often used, and Chaya told us to come whenever we liked.
There were four entrances to the baths. I took the southern one Chaya had shown us, picking my way over rocks and onto a ledge then down a flight of roughly hewn, stone steps that led me onto a passage lit with softly glowing green moss.
I took a right and sighed as I was met with gentle heat. An arch opened out onto the hot spring, and my skin tingled, eager to be submerged. The air was misty,so visibility was low, but I remembered where the steps to climb in were.
I made my way carefully around the body of water to a platform, where I undressed quickly. There was no need for towels here. Apertures in the wall blew out hot air so you could be dry in moments.
I folded and set my clothes to one side, then gingerly climbed down the steps, sighing as hot water climbed up my body.
This was good. So fucking good. The water was deep in the center, so I kept close to the edge. I wasn’t the strongest swimmer. I leaned back against the stone ledge, toes touching the bottom and relaxed, allowing the heat to knead at my aching muscles.
Yep, this was the ticket. I tipped my head back and closed my eyes. Maybe I’d make this a regular stop off after training with Ravi. It would certainly speed up healing of any damaged muscles.
A splash followed by a rippling sound had me snapping to attention. Someone was in here with me. I strained to see through the steam, but it was too thick to make anything out. There was definitely someone in the cavern with me, though. My primal instincts warned me so.
I should say something. Call out a cheery hi. It was the reasonable thing to do, so why was my voice gone?
The mist parted, and I caught a glimpse of a broad back.
A drohi.
Shit.
I pushed away from the wall, aiming for the stairs.
“Who’s there?” the drohi demanded.
No…no, no, no. I recognized that voice.
I was almost at the steps when I was snagged around the waist and hauled against a masculine chest.
“Let go!” I kicked out, and Araz released me, chuckling soft and cruelly.
I spun in the water to face him, hands going up to cover my boobs, even though they were submerged.
“Is this what you’ve been reduced to, huh?” he said, moving closer.
I stepped back then yelped as I hit the stone walls, stomach quaking. “I came to soak.”
“Oh, is that right?” He was too close now, his body a cage waiting to trap me, and fuck, he looked good. Too good all wet and dripping, brown skin and copper tattoos. Focus on his face. His cocky, arrogant,I want to smack the smirk off his lipsface.
“I didn’t know you were in here. Trust me, I wouldn’t have come in otherwise.”
He glided closer, mist billowing behind him like a loving backdrop. The water level dropped, and his size compared to mine meant that he was waist deep, the water hugging his Adonis belt lovingly.
My lungs shivered. “What are you doing?”
“Giving you what you want.” He moved in to grip the ledge on either side of me.
“I don’t want anything from you.”
