Chapter 191: Aroma bath
Anne gently took his hand, her touch inviting, and began leading him toward their bedroom. The intimacy in her voice made his heart beat faster. Every step with her felt like a descent into a dream he didn’t want to wake from.
The bathroom was bathed in a soft amber glow from the flickering candles scattered around the edges of the deep soaking tub. The air was thick with the calming scent of sandalwood, lavender, and something faintly floral. Wisps of steam curled upward. The water shimmered, infused with rose petals and essential oils.
Anne stood beside the tub, her hair pinned loosely at the nape of her neck, a few tendrils curling down her bare shoulder.
Augustine watched her in silence, entranced by the way she moved with purpose. There was no rush, no hurry in her gestures—only calm, sensual grace.
"Let me help you," she said.
Augustine swallowed hard as she closed the distance between them, his heart pounding. He let her unbutton his shirt, one button at a time, her fingers brushing his skin, igniting fire beneath it.
Once his shirt was off, she reached for the waistband of his trousers, her eyes lifting to meet his as she let the pants slide down. There was no boldness in her gaze, only a quiet confidence, a loving intimacy that made his breath hitch.
"I want you to feel cared for," she murmured.
He stepped into the bath at her gentle prompting. The hot water enveloped him, making his muscles melt into the soothing heat. Anne knelt beside the tub and dipped a soft sponge into the water, then began to run it along his chest and shoulders.
Augustine leaned back, eyes half-lidded, letting himself feel. Her touch was both comforting and maddening, each pass of the sponge drawing them closer.
"You carry so much. Let me carry you tonight," Anne whispered, squeezing water over his collarbone, letting it trail in slow rivulets down his chest.