They walked back in silence, the sun now beginning its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. The air had cooled slightly, but the humidity clung to them like a second skin. Back in the house, the silence was broken by the sound of running water. Shiv led her to the large, old-fashioned bathroom in the master suite. He started the shower, the water steaming up the room.

"Clean yourself," he commanded, his voice devoid of the earlier passion, now cold and authoritative. "But don't wash away what I've put inside you. That stays."