Chapter 10: Visitor in the Bath

“I guess it’s fine if you’re ok with it...” I replied. Not knowing what else to say. Zak squeezed my hand under the water. “Will you stay with me?” Zak asked while looking deep into my eyes. His hazel eyes with those light blond long lashes are so beautiful, like the eyes of a golden lion. “Forever...as long as you still want me around,” I promised. As long as Zak needs me, we will always be together. Our relationship will never fade, just like the scars he bears for me. Evening came much faster than I thought. So far, I’ve been able to avoid Angela by sticking to Zak. Angela spent her time sitting around Lucien, who spent most of the day working on his laptop. It was plain as day that this cruise was not Lucien’s idea, and he would rather be spending time working this weekend away in his study. Dinner with the four of us was awkward at best. Angela tried to make small talk, but today Lucien was very taciturn and unfriendly. Z, on the other hand, didn’t jump in to help, and P and I did not want to talk to her. “This cruise is simply amazing. Isn’t it? We should spend more of our weekends on holidays like this. Small getaways are good for relaxing, too, right?” Angela said encouragingly while beaming her best smile. Lucien didn’t reply, not even bothering to look up from his mobile screen. Whatever joy he presented when he first introduced Angela to me at our house was now gone. Did they get into a fight? “Usually,y I just go out with Natalia or Natalia with Lucien. We don’t usually go to group gatherings much, unfortunately,” Zak replied before guiding my attention to look at some newly launched fashion collection on his mobile. Ultimately, we excluded Angela from our conversation entirely. The atmosphere was so tense that the good food lost all of its flavor. I feel bad for the chef for cooking up all this. “I think I’m going to excuse myself. The sun was hot, so I’m feeling a little tired and dizzy,” I smiled weakly as I excused myself. “Oh...let me take care of you then. I’ll bring some champagne along too,” Zak quickly picked up on my cue and left with me. Lucien looked up to watch us leave, then returned his gaze to his mobile. I woke up from my nap, and it was already night out. I should shower and change for bedtime. Entering the bathroom, I could see that the maids had prepared the bath with scented aromatic candles and laid out my nightgown. I should thank them when I get the chance, I thought to myself as I slid into the warm bath water. The warm water feels so relaxing, and I was on the verge of dozing off when I heard my bedroom door open. Is it the maid? I should tell her I don’t require her assistance anymore tonight, so she can retire for the day. “Who is it? I won’t be needing your support anymore for today. You can go rest, no need to worry about me,” I called out to her from the bath, my eyes still closed as I continued to enjoy the warm bath. The lavender scented candles are doing their job of calming my nerves very well. I didn’t hear her reply. That’s odd... The next moment, the bathroom door slowly opened. Maybe she didn’t hear me and came to help wash my back or to massage me, I thought sleepily. She didn’t need to, although I wouldn’t mind a back scrub, I thought lazily as I turned towards her. Mesmerizing green eyes met mine. Lucien. Why is he here? Oh god, I’m completely naked! “Lucien...? Do you need something?” I asked in a small, quivering voice as I tried to hide my body deeper into the water and foam. Conscious that I’m not the only one lacking clothing, Lucien was naked except for the white towel he had wrapped around his waist. This is not good, he might not be thinking anything along those lines, but I am starting to feel... His body is beautiful, his skin white and smooth like marble. His whole body was muscular and firm, his biceps, his chest, his six-pack. The hair starting at the base of his stomach and trailing down to his... Our eyes were still locked, and silence hung in the air. “I do,” Lucien finally replied as he walked slowly over to the bathtub. He’s getting closer and closer. What is he going to do? I wondered. Lucien came right to the edge of the bathtub before crouching down so his face was at my level. He kept on staring into my eyes, and it was making me even more nervous. I hugged my legs to my chest protectively. “You said you were feeling a bit sick and tired. Are you feeling better?” Lucien asked as he dipped one arm into the water. “Yes, I took a nap and now I’m feeling much better. You don’t need to worry,” I replirepliedustering up a smile. You can leave now, Lucien. “I see. I’m happy to hear it,” Lucien replied softly. His voice was low, and his spirits seemed low as well. He was no longer looking at me but down into the foamy water where his hand played with the warm water and bubbles. He seemed depressed and very stressed out. I was starting to worry about him. He always worries about me, but never complains or shows me his weaknesses. “Are you feeling down? Is there something I can help you with?” I asked with worry in my voice. After all, he did tell me that he needed something when he came in. “Give me your hand,” He instructed, and I complied, stretching out my hand to him. He took my hand in his and kissed the palm of my hand softly. I soft gasp escaped my lips at the shock of what he just did. Lucien did not stop as he flipped my small hand in his larger one and kissed the back of my hand. His lips and breath are so warm, even against my warm skin. Then he placed my open hand against his right cheek as he leaned his face into my palm and closed his eyes. “Lucien...” I didn’t know what to say to him. Whatever it was that was bothering him must be worse than I can imagine. I have never seen him like this before in our ten years living together. He looked like a wounded beast that needed comforting. Strange but very adorable at the same time. I wanted to help him in any way that I could. I wasn’t sure what was troubling him, but I could sort of guess that it probably had something to do with the business he had with the elders. He has to visit the elders at least once a month, and whenever he comes back, he seems a bit down. Perhaps this is one of those epics, odes, but just worse than ever before this time around. I wish he would confide in me, but I’ve never pressured him to tell me anything he didn’t want to. While those thoughts were running through my head, Lucien had let go of my hand and stood up. He is leaving? Already? I wasn’t sure if I was happy or disappointed at the thought of him leaving. I never got to find out because the next moment, he was getting into the bathtub with me!