Chapter 11

When Elise finally went limp against the sofa, utterly spent, Rob gently pulled out and scooped her up into his arms. She was light as always, her petite frame curling trustingly against his chest, head resting on his shoulder. Her breathing was slow and heavy, cheeks still flushed, the tiny white thong completely ruined and clinging to her.

He carried her down the hallway to the bedroom without a word, laying her carefully on the bed. With tender hands he unclipped the wrist cuffs and set them aside, then hooked his fingers into the soaked thong and slid it down her legs, dropping the drenched scrap of fabric onto the floor. Elise watched him through half-lidded eyes, too exhausted to speak, but the soft, grateful smile on her lips said everything.

Rob disappeared into the en-suite and started running the bath, testing the water until it was perfectly warm. He dropped in one of her favourite bath bombs, the one that smelled of lavender and vanilla, watching it fizz and bloom into soft purple swirls. Once the tub was full and fragrant, he returned to the bedroom, lifted Elise again, and carried her into the bathroom. He lowered her slowly into the water, supporting her until she was settled, the warm liquid enveloping her tired body.

“I’ll be right back,” he murmured, brushing damp hair from her forehead.

He fetched a fresh glass of cold water and set it on the edge of the tub. Then he lit a few of the scented candles they kept on the shelf, their soft glow filling the room with gentle flickering light. Elise remained quiet the whole time, but her eyes followed him with clear appreciation, that small, contented smile never leaving her lips.