Chapter 152
The day felt like it was interminable.
While Antero’s mood definitely improved following his return from the rooftop with Lorita, Alcee felt hers was continually on the downswing. It hadn’t mattered how much she tried she was finding herself crankier with each passing second.
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Dinner was quiet and perhaps it was everyone coming down off the emotions of the day, but by the time Antero was put to bed, Alcee was done with the family. She loved Brunella, Cicciu and Lorita already and their presence was a balm for her soul. Their unwavering support and commitment to her as Antero’s mother and Torq’s partner, the unconditional acceptance of them, felt good. However, she needed a break from all of them.
They were all watching her too closely and even Torq seemed to see he was underfoot and after he’d helped get Antero into bed, while Alcee read his stories, he left them to their own. Pressing a kiss to her sleeping son’s forehead, she realized she’d been watching him sleep for nearly twenty minutes, using the quiet of his bedroom as a place to hide from the family.
She returned back to the kitchen and stood in the middle of the room and noted everyone seemed to have scattered while she’d put Antero to bed. She cocked her head at the incredibly clean kitchen, a tad annoyed there wasn’t anything more to distract herself with. Brunella was as much a neat freak as she was and there was nothing now to keep her occupied until she fell asleep. She debated pouring a glass of wine or making a cup of chamomile tea. She felt on edge, stressed and strained from the hell of the day.
While Torq offered his apologies in the morning with his family in attendance and he’d worked hard all day to ensure she was aware of how regretful he was over his actions, she was still angry with him. She wanted not to be. She wanted to be forgiving and open–minded but his actions from the night before still stung. He was probably in his office, working away while she was out here, struggling with emotions she didn’t quite understand–herself. He had his distraction, and she was left to ruminate.
“What are you looking for?”
Torq’s voice was quiet as he stealthily came up behind her.
“Debating with myself over wine or tea,” she looked over her shoulder and gave him a smile she knew didn’t quite reach her eyes. She frowned as she noted his hair was wet and he was wearing nothing but sweatpants.
“How about,” he held his hand out, “you come with me instead?”
“Come with you where?”
“To our bedroom. Come on.”
“Torq,” she made a face, and he chuckled.
“I’m not looking for sex, Alcee, though I’d never turn you down but come with me.”
“Fine.” She let him take her by the hand and pull her into the direction of the bedroom and as they entered the space the scent of lavender permeated her nostrils. She looked around for the source, but he was dragging her into the ensuite bathroom, despite how slow her own feet wanted to move.
She froze at the sight in front of her. The bathroom lights were dimmed. The bath was run with bubbles nearly overflowing. The strong smell of lavender filled the air, and candles were lit all around the tub. A glass of red wine sat on a little table he’d set next to the bath.
“I took my shower first, so you’d get the bathroom to yourself.”
“Really?” She looked at him in surprise. “You did this?”
“I did. For you.” He smiled. “The water is fucking hot though. I wasn’t sure how long you’d be with Ant, so I made it extra hot in the event he took some time to fall asleep.”
“Unless it blisters the skin, it should be perfect.”
“Soak as long as you want. I’ll be in the next room. I’m going to work using my laptop in the bed. I want to be close in case you need me, but I’ll give you space.”
“Why?” She questioned his behavior curiously.
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Chapter 152
“Because it’s been a hell of a day, two days, actually, and while I appreciate your engagement in everything today, you and I haven’t chatted alone, really. I hurt you last night, Antero shut down last night. You were exhausted but you were up with Antero before I was awake. You’re likely emotionally and physically strung out and it’s all my fault. The least I can do is help you relax. However, based on how tired I feel, I know you must feel a hundred times worse and so,” he smiled softly, “I’m going to sit in here just in case you fall asleep in the tub. If you do, I’ll put you to bed but otherwise, I’m giving you
space.”
“You,” she inhaled sharply feeling strangely emotional over this thoughtful behavior. “You drew me a bath because you think I need to relax?”
“I know you need to relax. Now, do you need help getting undressed or can you manage it?”
can manage it.”
“Good,” he placed the gentlest of kisses to her forehead. “Then enjoy your bath and your glass of wine and don’t hesitate to call out if you need me for anything.”
She watched him walk out of the bathroom with her nose scrunched up in confusion. She quickly undressed and dipped a toe into the tub and then grimaced. He wasn’t kidding. It was scalding hot. It took her at least five minutes to get into the tub, inch by inch but by the time she was in, neck deep, her eyes closed, only one hand out holding her wine glass, Alcee was completely relaxed.
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