Dakota listened quietly, fingers gently smoothing shampoo through the little girl's dark hair while Takoda leaned trustingly against her.
And somewhere beyond the bathroom walls—through the bond—she could still faintly feel Kade awake in the suite. Calm. Watching. Waiting. Like he already knew they belonged there beside him now.
Warm steam curled thickly through the bathroom, fogging the black marble mirrors while water cascaded endlessly from the rainfall showerhead in shimmering silver sheets.
Takoda giggled loudly as Dakota rinsed the shampoo from her hair, tiny hands splashing carelessly beneath the spray. "Royal Mother! Look!"
Before Dakota could react, the little girl scooped up a handful of water and sent it flying toward her in a dramatic wave that splashed directly across Dakota's stomach and chest.
Dakota blinked once, then narrowed her eyes slowly.
Takoda gasped in delight. "Uh oh…"
"Oh really?" Dakota muttered, her voice low and dangerous.
