Page 128 of Heart of Stone

“My grandmother used to say that the best cure for a headache was a hot bath. So, my angel, that’s what you’re going to have.”

He went over to the massive, sunken marble bath and began to run the water. Unscrewing the cap for the bubbles, he began to slowly pour the thick soap into the water, mixing it with the scented oil. Before long, a soft smell of lavender and vanilla filled the room.

“You know, if your trying warm me up to the idea of you taking care of me, it’s working.”

He flashed me one of those sexy grins that I loved so much.

“I must say – you certainly make me work for it,” he said lightly. He leaned in to plant a tender kiss on my forehead. “I’ll give you a minute of privacy so you can get into the bath. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Once I was alone, I had a minute to digest the unexpected. The impromptu bath that Alexander had drawn for me was sweet – remarkably so. It was the exact sort of thing that Alexander said he wasn’t capable of, and the same thing that I told him I wasn’t looking for.

Teddy bears and roses.

If the perfumed bubble bath wasn’t the definition of teddy bears and roses, then I didn’t know what was.

An uncomfortable feeling began to form in my stomach, and I tried to ignore it as I undressed. After removing my clothing, I wrapped myself in a towel and stood in front of the vanity mirror. My cheeks looked flushed from the swelling steam in the bathroom and my hair was growing bigger by the minute. I hastily pulled it up into a messy bun on top of my head and secured it with a rubber band that I had around my wrist.

Satisfied that my hair would stay put, I made my way over the bath. Seeing that it was almost filled, I reached down to turn off the faucet.

Once the noise of the running water was silenced, I noticed that music was coming from somewhere. I looked around and saw that little speakers were strategically built right into the walls of the bathroom. The sound was soothing, fitting to the serene environment that Alexander had created for me.

However, despite the luxury that I was surrounded with, I still felt anxious and I wasn’t sure why.

It’s because he’s breaking down your defenses.

I dismissed the bothersome voice in my head immediately, determined to just enjoy the moment.

It’s like I told Ally – live for today. Just take it as it comes.

I stepped into the bath that was fit for a god, and sunk down into its sweet foam. Leaning back, I appreciated a few minutes of uninterrupted relaxation.

When Alexander returned, he was carrying two glasses of wine and was wearing nothing but a towel around his waist. The lines of his abs rippled when he bent to set the glasses down on the ledge of the bath. I wanted to reach out and run my hands over his muscular contours, but stopped myself when I remembered why I couldn’t.

“Alex, I’m sorry. But if you have plans to join me, I can’t when I have my –,” I started.

“Relax, Krystina. I have no expectations. Tonight, it’s all about you. Now slide up in the tub,” he ordered.

I hesitated for a moment, but then did as I was told.

Alexander dimmed the lights so that there was only a soft glow about the room, adding to the tranquility. When he shamelessly dropped his towel, I found myself blushing for some unknown reason. I cast my eyes down, not wanting to brazenly ogle while he climbed in behind me.

Once he was settled, he procured matches from somewhere and lit the candles that were placed in the corners of the marble surround. Pulling me back against him, I had little choice but to settle in.

After a moment or two, he began to massage the muscles in my shoulders. A sigh of appreciation escaped me as I sipped on a delightfully sweet white wine and absorbed the music. I literally felt like a queen being pampered.

“This song that’s playing...it’s really good. Who is it?” I asked, curious about the female artists sensual lyrics and textured contemporary sound.

“It’s called “Breathe” byOf Verona. It’s on one of the playlists that I made for you.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize. But then again, I haven’t had a chance to listen to all the songs yet.”

“That’s a shame, but it might explain why I still have to try so hard to coerce you,” he laughed.

“What do you mean?”

“This particular song is on the Surrender playlist.”

“I see,” I mused, suddenly very intrigued by what Alexander hoped to accomplish with his playlists. “I’ll make a point to listen to them all soon.”

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