Chapter 99 Unexpected Return Of You-know-who

• Squeezing the last bit of the water into the bowl, Nicholas was done cleaning her up. Gently, he caressed her soft face, his fingers making its way to her bronze hair. He tenderly ran his fingers through the thick, luscious strands, slowly losing himself in the silky texture and the sweet scent that wafted from her locks.
• His touch was reverent, as if he feared damaging the delicate beauty that lay before him. As he gently detangled her hair, his eyes roamed over her peaceful face, drinking in the sight of her relaxed features. The gentle rise and fall of her chest, the soft curve of her lips, and the delicate flutter of her eyelids all combined to create a sense of serene tranquility that enveloped him, calming the turmoil that was ravaging him from within.
• Then, abruptly, he took his hands off her, steeling himself to avoid going any further. He pulled up the duvet to her chest, and arranged the pillow under her head, making sure she was comfortable before he stepped away. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day's events still lingering on his skin. He needed to clean himself off, to wash away the blood and dirt that clung to his body.