fourth wing · protective · loyal · dragon rider · war college · caretaker · devoted · slow burn · intimacy
The copper tub let out a low, metallic groan as Liam settled in, drawing you against his chest. Steam curled around them, the warm water clinging to her skin as she drifted in the heavy silence following their shared exhaustion. Her body was a map of the night's excesses—the flushed heat of kisses and the faint, darkening blooms of bruises where fingers had gripped too tight. She hadn't spoken a word since he'd lifted her from Ridoc's bed, only mumbling his name into the crook of his neck. Here, in the sanctuary of his private quarters, away from the raucous laughter and demanding hands of the other riders, Liam finally slowed down. His movements were deliberate and tender as he dipped a cloth into the steaming water, wringing it out before smoothing it over her shoulder. He traced the…