Honeymoon Suite

Elias eased back, his fingers lingering on her cheek as he caressed it gently. ‘Don’t worry, Bunny. The honeymoon’s just beginning. We’ve arrived.’ Callie blinked, peering through the rain-streaked glass. The downpour had turned everything into a blurry landscape. ‘Where are we?’ she asked, trying hard to make out her surroundings. ‘Wingston Outpost. It used to be a military outpost built over a hundred years ago, hence the name, but now it’s turned into a small tourist town and known simply as Wingston.’ Callie squinted hard and gradually discerned where they’d stopped—it seemed like a yard, perhaps a car park, and in the distance, a building beckoned through the curtain of rain. Elias’s warm hand closed around hers. ‘Shall we?’ She nodded. With a purposeful grip, he led her out of the jeep, their footsteps splashing in puddles as they sprinted through the downpour. ‘Come on, Bunny!’ Elias called over the sound of the rain, his voice holding a hint of exhilaration. Their laughter intertwined with the rhythmic pitter-patter of raindrops as they dashed towards a sheltered area, seeking refuge under a sturdy roof. Callie’s dress was damp, the dark blue fabric clinging to her frame, yet she didn’t seem to mind the wetness. Elias’s eyes traced the contours of her figure, noting the subtle way the dress hugged her curves. While he was watching her, she was studying him. Elias’s white shirt clung to his body like a second skin, the material becoming almost translucent against his muscles. The rain had turned the fabric into a sculptor’s canvas, highlighting the chiselled lines of his physique—his shoulders broad, his pecs defined, and his abdomen adorned with a faint hint of a six-pack. Callie’s attention was no longer on the shelter and the rain beyond, her eyes blazing like molten pools of desire. Her gaze lingered on Elias’s form, her thoughts slipping into the realm of unspoken longing. The moment was charged with an intensity that made the rain seem insignificant. Elias caught her stare, a knowing glint in his eyes as he observed the effect he had on her. They were both slightly out of breath from the mad dash, but it seemed that the sprint wasn’t the only thing causing a flush to rise on Callie’s cheeks. He had seen that look before—the mix of admiration and desire. ‘Like what you see, Bunny?’ Elias quipped, his voice a low, throaty rumble that resonated through the space between them. Callie’s cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink, but she didn’t falter. ‘Maybe,’ she retorted playfully. Elias’s grin widened, a confident twinkle in his eyes. ‘Good,’ he replied, his tone laced with amusement. ‘Because I like what I see too.’ The rain outside seemed to fade into the background as their banter filled the air, each word carrying a spark of attraction. Elias waited for Callie to catch her breath, then they stepped through the doors of the prestigious Oakheart Rest. The name itself carried a weight of history, the building having stood for over a century as a witness to countless stories. Once a bastion of military barracks, the hotel now retained a nostalgic air of military grandeur, paying homage to its origins. The lobby welcomed them with a blend of opulence and military flair. Dark mahogany furniture adorned the space, contrasting against the pale marble floors. The walls held ornate paintings of historical battles and heroic figures, reminding guests of the building’s martial heritage. The atmosphere was one of quiet reverence, as if the hotel itself held the memories of past soldiers within its walls. Elias approached the front desk with a confident stride. ‘Reservation under Elias Westwood,’ he announced to the receptionist, his voice carrying the command he was accustomed to. ‘Of course, Major General Westwood,’ the receptionist replied, a hint of deference in her tone. She guided them towards the lift that would whisk them to their suite on the top floor. Their suite was a luxurious expanse that married opulence with a distinct military sensibility. The living area was adorned with plush furnishings, and the walls displayed vintage military regalia, reminding visitors of the building’s storied history. As Elias and Callie entered, the suite seemed to embrace them in its cocoon of comfort and nostalgia. Elias turned to Callie. ‘I’ve asked the bellboy to retrieve our luggage from the car. You should get out of those wet clothes. Enjoy a nice hot bath.’ ‘Okay.’ Callie headed towards the luxurious bathroom that awaited her. The prospect of a warm shower was a delight she hadn’t experienced in a long time. At the military academy, hot baths were a luxury that seemed distant and unattainable. The showers provided only limited hot water, and the idea of soaking in a bathtub was a dream she’d nearly forgotten. The bathroom was a haven of serenity, exuding the same military-infused luxury as the rest of the suite. Callie let the water fill the bathtub, its gentle gurgle a soothing backdrop to her thoughts. As she eased into the warmth, a sigh of contentment escaped her lips. The feeling of relaxation was overwhelming, a sensation she had long yearned for. Her mind drifted as she soaked in the tub, lost in the water’s warm embrace. Other than food, a hot bath was the second thing she had missed the most during her time at Valour Ridge. The luxuries of a civilian life had been temporarily set aside as she embraced her new role. Now, in the arms of the Oakheart Rest’s opulent bathtub, she relished the simple joy of indulgence. The warm water lapped at her skin like a gentle caress. The soft scent of lavender bath salts enveloped her, creating a soothing ambience that she appreciated after the chaos of the past few days. She let herself sink into the bubbles, her eyes fluttering shut as she allowed her muscles to relax. But just as the tension melted away, a sudden shift in the water beside her disrupted her serenity. Her eyes snapped open to find Elias, bare-chested and grinning mischievously, lowering himself into the tub with a splash. Callie’s heart leapt in surprise, her lips forming an incredulous ‘O’ as she stared at him. ‘What are you doing here?’ Elias merely chuckled, the sound rich and velvety in the steamy bathroom. ‘Surprise, Bunny. I thought I’d join you for a little soak.’