Free Hostage by Cheryl Headford Page B

water, then.”
    When it was wet, Astrin’s hair was darker and longer. It clung to his shoulders and streaked across his face, striping it with dark and light. Rowan was surprised to realize Astrin was slightly taller than he was. For some reason he’d always thought him to be small. He wasn’t so delicate either, when up this close.
    Oh shit , Rowan thought. Just keep your eyes closed .
    “Okay, put your head back under the water and wash out the soap. You need to rub it when it’s under the water. Can you manage that?”
    Astrin tried, but it exhausted him, and they had to maneuver so Rowan could do it for him. That meant getting close again, which was even worse, because Rowan could smell the fresh scent of the shampoo.
    “Right, that’s enough. Come on, get out.”
    “Oh. Can’t I stay for just a little while longer? It feels so good.”
    “Only if you can manage on your own. Joint showering isn’t really my thing, though, so I’m ready to get out now. I’ll get dry, then help you when you’re ready.”
    “Okay.” Astrin smiled and closed his eyes. He leaned against the wall, letting the water run over his face. Rowan got out of the shower and grabbed a towel, quickly drying and dressing in slightly damp clothes. He then slipped into the bedroom to get clean pajamas for Astrin. Having second thoughts, he called through the door to him.
    “I’m just going out for a few minutes. Are you all right where you are until I get back?”
    “I’m fine.”
    Rowan set off at a run and made record time getting to his room and back. He got a few surprised looks from the guards, but apart from that no one bothered him.
    He was panting when he entered the bathroom. Astrin was still where Rowan had left him, his eyes closed, a smile on his face. Choosing a large fluffy towel, Rowan opened the shower door. For a moment Astrin didn’t move, and Rowan was entranced. Astrin looked more relaxed than Rowan had ever seen him, and his smile lit up his face. Rowan’s breath caught in his throat; then he shook his head.
    “Hey, merman, it’s time to get dry. Hell, considering you didn’t want to get in, it’s proving hard enough to get you out.”
    Astrin opened his eyes, giving Rowan a dreamy look from under lowered lashes. “What’s merman?”
    “It’s like a half-man, half-fish creature.”
    “Oh.” Astrin smiled and stepped out. Rowan wrapped him in the towel, then got another to rub at his hair while Astrin dried himself. At least that was the plan. Astrin didn’t make a move to dry, though; he just stood with the warm, fluffy towel around him, rubbing his face in its softness.
    “Will you stop doing that? Get dry. I want to be out in the sunshine.”
    “It’s nice right here,” Astrin said in a contented voice, glancing up at Rowan with his wide, innocent eyes. Rowan turned his head away.
    “Trust me, it’s nicer in the garden in the sunshine.”
    “Okay,” Astrin said and patted himself, halfheartedly.
    When he was dry, Rowan steered him into the bedroom and sat him down on the bed. Astrin seemed terribly tired.
    “Shall I put my pajamas back on?”
    “No. Here.” Rowan picked up a pile of clothes from the chair. “I brought some of mine. I think we’re pretty much the same size. I thought it would make you feel better if you got out of those pajamas.”
    Astrin’s face lit up, and he grabbed the clothes eagerly. Dressing defeated him, though, and after putting on underwear and socks, he lay half on and half off the bed, while Rowan did the rest.
    “Gods, you’re hard work. Do you know that?” Rowan grumbled as he carefully pulled the shirt over Astrin’s head, making sure he didn’t disturb the tube in his arm.
    “Am I?” Astrin asked in a voice that suggested he didn’t really care.
    “Trust me… you are.” But Rowan was smiling as he said it.
    Astrin sighed. “Are you sure we can’t just stay here? I really am very tired.”
    “You can have a nap in the garden if you like.