LOVE'S QUAGMIRE [18+]

Chapter 23: Bathe

Daphne's POV~

"Ugh," I moaned as the sun woke me up, making me sit up and rub my eyes to shake off the sleepiness. I glanced around and saw the curtains were wide open, letting in all that annoying morning light. The bed beside me was empty. I looked for Zephyr, but he wasn't there. 

I looked towards the door creaking open, and there he was, looking all dashing in his navy collar t-shirt and beige pants. His fashion sense was on point, as usual, radiating richness and old money in every way.

"Oh, you're up," he said, stepping into the room and closing the door behind him with his elbow. I hadn't even noticed the tray he brought in until he placed it on my lap.  He sat down near my feet and rubbed them gently from above the blanket.

"I'm sorry... I overslept... Did you have breakfast?" I asked, my words coming out in a jumble.

 Last night had been exhausting, and I must have slept through my alarms. 

But wait, uh as far as I remember I didn't turn them off—did he do it again? I quickly checked my phone, and sure enough, the alarms were off.

"Did you turn my alarms off?" 

"Can't I?" he replied, raising an eyebrow and locking eyes with me. I fidgeted nervously.

 "I mean... I set them to wake up early," I stuttered, trying to explain.

"As I've said before, I don't appreciate anyone disturbing my wife's rest," he said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear, making butterflies dance in my stomach. 

"Have breakfast," he pointed, but I declined, saying I wanted to take a bath.

Before I could get up, he surprised me by lifting me into his arms. I held onto his shirt tightly, in response he chuckled. 

"Let me take you," he said with a smirk, carrying me towards the bathroom and settling me on the washbasin counter. My legs felt like jelly, weak, and sore from last night's activities.

He handed me my toothbrush, and I hesitantly took it.

I was about to stand up, but he gently placed his hands on my thighs, stopping me.

"Do you need anything?" 

"I want to stand," I replied, not wanting him to carry me around all day. 

"Today, you're mine to take care of. I want you to relax," he bowed like a prince which unknowingly brought a small smile to my face. 

This was the Zephyr I adored—the one who was always smiling, laughing, and showing care. Not the one I saw last night, all angry and scolding.

I brushed my teeth while he filled the tub with warm water. 

"Come on," he said while looking at me. 

Wait, was he not leaving?

"I-I can..." I started to say, but he interrupted, dipping his hand into the water to check the temperature. 

"Butterfly, you look tired from our adventures last night. I can feel it." 

"But..." I tried to protest again, but he cut me off, looking straight into my eyes. 

"Enough arguing. I know what's best for you," he said in a stern tone, standing up and walking towards me. 

"Trust me"  he whispered, and he started to pull down the straps of my gown. I shut my eyes, feeling embarrassed and unsure. I mean, I appreciated him looking out for me, but he needed to see things from my perspective too.