Chapter 11: A Ring in the Moonlight

The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, golden hue over Sarah’s bedroom. The room was a sanctuary of sorts, filled with the comforting scent of old books and the faint hint of Rhys’ cologne that lingered from the night before. Sarah naked lay in bed, her eyes closed, her mind still reeling from the intensity of their encounter. She could still feel the ghost of his touch, the memory of his lips on her skin, the way his fingers had danced over her body with such reverence.

Her body was sore in all the right places, a testament to the passion they had shared.

As the sun streamed in through the window, she opened her eyes and found Rhys still asleep beside her. A soft smile played on her lips as she watched him, his chest rising and falling with each breath. She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips, murmuring, “Morning, handsome.” Rhys stirred, his eyes fluttering open to meet hers. “Morning,” he replied, his voice still groggy with sleep. Sarah grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Come on, I’ve run us a bath. I thought we could start the day off right.” Rhys raised an eyebrow, a slow smile spreading across his face. “A bath, huh? Together?” Sarah nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly at the implication. “Yes, together. If you want to, that is.” Rhys chuckled, his hand reaching up to cup her cheek. “I’d love to, Sarah.

But only if you promise to wash my back,” Rhys replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Sarah laughed, her cheeks flushing slightly at the innuendo. “Deal,” she said, standing up and holding out her hand to him. Rhys took it, allowing her to pull him out of bed and towards the bathroom. The room was filled with the warm, steamy air of the bath, the scent of lavender and vanilla filling their nostrils. Sarah stepped into the tub, sinking down into the hot, bubbly water with a sigh of contentment. Rhys followed, his eyes never leaving her as he lowered himself into the water opposite her. “This is nice,” he murmured, his voice soft and relaxed. “It is,” Sarah agreed, her eyes meeting his. “But I have to admit, I’m feeling a little shy all of a sudden.” Rhys’ brows furrowed in concern. “Why?

You’re the one who wanted to explore every inch of me last night,” Sarah said, her voice playful. Rhys chuckled, his eyes never leaving hers as he began to wash himself. “I did, and I still do. But I also know that you’re a bit of a prude, and I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” Sarah rolled her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips. “I’m not a prude, Rhys. I just don’t like feeling like a piece of meat, you know?” Rhys nodded, his hands moving to his chest as he began to wash himself. “I know, and I promise I won’t treat you like that. I just want to make sure you’re comfortable with everything we do.” Sarah’s eyes softened, and she reached out to take his hand, her fingers entwining with his. “I am, Rhys.

I just don’t want to rush things.” Sarah said, her voice soft and reassuring. She reached for the loofah, lathering it up with soap before turning to Rhys. “Here, let me help you with that.” She began to wash his back, her hands moving in slow, circular motions. As she reached his lower back, she couldn’t resist a playful smack on his ass with the loofah. “Oops,” she said, feigning innocence as Rhys yelped in surprise. “Sarah!” he exclaimed, turning to look at her with wide eyes. “What was that for?” Sarah giggled, her cheeks flushing slightly. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist. You have such a cute butt.” Rhys shook his head, a mixture of shock and amusement on his face. “Well, I guess I should be flattered,” he said, turning back around.

“But I’m not sure I’m ready for a full day of nudity just yet.” Rhys chuckled, reaching for the robe that was draped over the back of the chair. Sarah’s hand shot out, stopping him in his tracks. “Rhys, today is our important day,” she said, her voice firm but gentle. “We don’t wear any clothes. I learn from you.” “You want to go commando today, huh?” Sarah nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Yes, I do. I want to feel free, like we did last night. I want to embrace this new side of me.” Rhys’ eyes softened, and he reached out to cup her cheek. “You’re incredible, you know that?” he murmured. “I’m just trying to keep up with you.” Sarah smiled, her heart fluttering at his words.

“I’m glad you think so. I want to be open with you, Rhys. I want us to explore this together.” Rhys think deepen and remember that, “Sarah can not be pregnant.” He feel sad for that, but he try to hide his feelings, but Sarah feel that Rhys sad for something.

She ask him, “Rhys, what’s wrong? You seem distant.” Rhys sighed, his eyes drifting to the window where the sun was starting to set, casting long shadows across the room. “It’s nothing, Sarah. Just ... old memories,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. Sarah’s heart ached for him, and she reached out to take his hand, her fingers entwining with his. “Rhys, you can talk to me. I’m here for you,” she said, her voice gentle and reassuring. Rhys looked at her, his eyes filled with a mix of pain and longing. “I just ... we can’t have children, Sarah.

I remember last night and you say to me that, “you can’t be fertile, because of your age.”

I feel sad for that, but I try to hide my feelings. I don’t want to make you feel bad. I just want to be with you, and explore this new side of me with you.

Rhys looked at her, his eyes softening with gratitude. I just ... it’s something I’ve always wanted, you know? A family, a future. But it’s not something I can have with you, and that’s okay. I just need a moment to process it.” Sarah nodded, her heart aching for him. “I understand, Rhys. And I’m here for you, no matter what.” She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.

“We can still have a future together, Rhys. Just because we can’t have children doesn’t mean we can’t build a life together.” Rhys smiled, his eyes meeting hers. “You’re right. I just need to get used to the idea. And I want to, Sarah. I want to build a future with you.” Sarah’s heart swelled with happiness, and she pulled him into a tight hug. “I’m glad, Rhys. Because I want that too.” They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, Sarah’s head resting on Rhys’ shoulder as they both looked out at the setting sun. After a while, Rhys turned to her, a playful smirk on his face.

“You know, I’ve been thinking. Since we’re going commando today, we should make the most of it.” Sarah raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. “Oh, really? And what exactly did you have in mind?” Rhys grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Well, I was thinking we could go for a walk in the park. You know, feel the grass between our toes, the breeze on our ... assets.” “Rhys, we can’t just walk around naked in the park!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise. Rhys chuckled, his hand reaching out to take hers.

“I know, I know. I’m just teasing you. But I do have an idea. How about we go for a hike? Somewhere secluded, where we can be alone and ... explore.” Sarah’s cheeks flushed at the implication, but she couldn’t deny the excitement that coursed through her at the thought. “That sounds ... interesting,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Rhys grinned, his thumb brushing against the back of her hand. “I promise it will be. But first, we need to eat. I don’t want you passing out on me halfway up the trail.” Sarah laughed, shaking her head. “Deal.

But only if you promise to make breakfast,” Sarah countered, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Rhys chuckled, “You drive a hard bargain, Detective. But I think I can manage that. What’s your pleasure? Pancakes, eggs, or something more exotic?” Sarah considered for a moment before responding, “Surprise me. I’m feeling adventurous today.” Rhys grinned, “Adventurous, huh? I like the sound of that.” He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips before standing up and grabbing his robe. “Alright, I’ll get started. You go ahead and get ready.

I’ll be right there,” Sarah said, her voice barely above a whisper. Rhys nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Okay, I’ll see you in a bit.” As Rhys left the room, Sarah let out a deep breath, her mind racing. She knew she had to talk to him about their relationship, about the fact that they were keeping it a secret from everyone. She didn’t want to hide anymore, not from her colleagues, not from the world. She wanted to shout it from the rooftops, to tell everyone that she had found someone who made her feel alive, who made her feel seen and understood. But she also knew that it was complicated, that there were people who would judge them, who would look down on their relationship. She knew that there would be whispers and stares, that people would question their professionalism, their judgment.