Chapter 77 Falling into the Bathtub
Regina saw exactly what she expected.
Douglas was seated in the bathtub by the floor-to-ceiling window, his arms casually draped over the edge. With his head tilted back and eyes closed, he looked as if he were sleeping.
His profile was sharply defined, and the contours of his exposed muscles were both fluid and powerful. There was an undeniable intensity about him.
Regina forced herself to calm the storm of emotions raging inside her as she approached the edge of the tub.
The closer she got, the more she avoided looking around.
She knelt by the tub, lowered herself, stared at his face, and called, "Douglas, you done with your bath?"
Douglas slowly opened his eyes.
When their eyes met, Regina felt a bit guilty.
"I thought you were soaking too long. I knocked and called, but you didn't answer. I got worried, so..." Her voice trailed off. "Now that you're awake, why don't you get up?"
She stood to leave, but Douglas grabbed her wrist and pulled her back.
She looked at her hand in his grip. "Need something?"
Douglas stared at her.\
She was wearing a white nightgown, its soft, skin-hugging fabric outlining her graceful figure. As she straightened up halfway, bending over to stand next to Douglas, her subtly revealing cleavage was laid bare before him.
His voice was low and hoarse. "I'm feeling weak, can't stand. Can you help me?"
Regina thought, 'Weak? Really? His grip feels strong.'
But she didn't think much of it. She tried to help him up, but he didn't budge. After several tries, she slipped and fell into the tub, splashing water everywhere!
She was mortified.
She apologized, trying to get up, unaware of Douglas' plan.
He gently pressed her waist, looking serious. "Regina, be careful.
"You're all wet. What now? How about a bath?"
Regina, like a deer caught in headlights, looked at him with innocent, apologetic eyes, flustered.
Douglas knew she was usually cool and rational, but sensitive and slow in these matters. He was ready for her to reject him. If she did, he'd let go.
But Regina didn't reject him.
Her damp eyelashes fluttered. She didn't speak but nodded slightly. Douglas sighed in relief.
He took a black hairband from Regina's hand and delicately gathered her damp hair, pinning it up at the back of her head. He worked with a natural ease, his movements smooth and practiced.
Yet, Regina couldn't bring herself to look directly into Douglas' eyes.
