Reprisal

Chapter 30 : The Warmth Of Love

Christopher gently placed Isabel on the bathroom counter before moving towards the bathtub. She watched in silence as he filled the tub with water, poured bubble bath in it and dipped his hand to check the temperature.

“It's perfect.” - he said aloud, smiling at her before continuing with his work.

Truth be told, she was not focused on the task. Her eyes were glued on him, moving with his every move. He lit the candles on the stand near the tub and dimmed the lights of the bathroom. Just the way she liked.

Her eyes moistened once again.

You don't realize until you pay attention that how the people around you, specially your loved ones, become in tune with your choices. How they keep your likes and dislikes in mind and behave accordingly. Not because they are bound to but because they love to pamper you and want you to be happy. It was a precious feeling. And having such people in life was a blessing.

Christopher walked towards her, a soft smile on his face. He hoisted her up from the waist and made her stand before pushing her black slip dress off her shoulders. Once again, he carried her in his arms and moved towards the bathtub. Slowly, as if she'll be hurt if he hurried, he placed her in the lukewarm water, careful to keep her hair out and head up from the tub.

The warmth engulfing her body was welcoming. Specially when her system felt frozen since her father's death.

“The water's okay ?” - he gently inquired, half bent over the tub.

She managed a smile in response. He kissed her forehead and straightened up. “You know, I had stumbled upon some fashion magazines and bought them for you. I'll just go and grab one.”

Her heart soared. She loved to go through the latest trends while relaxing in the warm bath. He knew that, she knew. But he remembered that, that was overwhelming.

“Chris..” - her hand shot out of the tub and wrapped around his calf to stop him as he turned to go.

He faced her. His tall figure might have been looming if it were anyone else before him. But for her, his face was so soft and gaze so loving that melted hearts.

“I am not in the mood for a magazine. Just don't go...”

Something sharp prickled at Christopher's heart. Her vulnerable state and fearful eyes were painful. He knelt before her, coming to her eye level and smiled.

“Let's wash your hair then.”

His offer made her smile. The one he always wanted to see on her face.

“But you know my hair is short so fair warning! I don't have an experience of washing long hair.” - he cautioned playfully as he moved behind her and picked the hand shower.

She involuntarily chuckled which took both herself and him by surprise. His heart thrummed happily. She was slowly returning to normal.

“Christopher Watson is washing my hair. I have nothing to complain.”

His smile continued to grow at her responses. The fear in him of losing her slowly receding.

A comfortable silence settled between them as he worked through her hair while she relaxed with her eyes closed. He had kept the water temperature slightly above lukewarm to avoid frizz in her hair and was currently applying conditioner to the lengths when she spoke again.

“Chris, can I ask you something ?”

“Of course, love.” - he replied half focused as he was concentrated on untangling the knots from her hair with his fingers.