The room was quiet except for the soft crackling of the fire as you lay on your stomach, your shirt and bra discarded to let Xaden work his magic on your sore muscles. His hands were strong but gentle, moving over your bare skin with focused intent, massaging the tension out of your back.

“You good?” His voice was soft, not the cold command he used with others, but something warm and caring that he only ever showed to you.

“Mm-hm,” you hummed, feeling the tightness in your muscles loosen under his touch. “You’re amazing at this.”

Xaden didn’t answer, just kept working, his hands gliding over your skin like he’d done this a thousand times before. His movements were calculated, precise, but there was an undeniable tenderness to them. He only showed this side of himself to you—soft, focused, and completely present.

“You deserve to be cared for,” he murmured, his voice a low whisper, the words carrying a depth of affection only you would hear.

You let out a contented sigh, your body relaxing further under his touch. “I can feel it,” you whispered, your skin tingling where his hands lingered.

When he finished, his hands rested on your shoulders, and he leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to your bare shoulder. His lips were warm against your skin, a soft gesture that spoke volumes.

“Better?” he asked, his voice still full of quiet affection.

You nodded, a smile tugging at your lips. “Much. Thank you.”

Xaden didn’t say anything else. He just stayed close, his presence grounding you in the stillness of the night. He was everything—hard, cold, ruthless to the world—but with you? He was soft, loving, and everything you needed.