Then he scooped her feather-light into a bridal carry, the bundled towels tucked under his arm, and strode out of the bar. The shredded remnants of their clothes he left for the cleaning staff to deal with later.
The hallways were dim and quiet as he carried his unconscious mate through his estate. West Wing. Master bedroom. The doors parted silently at his approach.
Kade shouldered into the opulent washroom, marble cool under his bare feet, steam already ghosting the mirrors from the automated system that kept the bath ready. He eased Dakota's limp, blanket-wrapped form into the oversized tub, the porcelain cradling her like a nest.
The taps twisted under his free hand, warm water cascading in a gentle stream, filling slowly until it began to lap at her skin. He unwrapped the blanket, peeled away what remained of her ruined clothing, and let the water begin its soothing work.
