บท 17: The Dinner

Ian carried me to the soft bed, leaned over, and kissed me on the forehead. He said, "I'll have the cook slaughter a sheep for you."

My body was weak, and I lay on the pillow, breathing slowly. My eyes were too tired to open. I wanted to sleep more than I wanted to be hungry.

I heard the maid's footsteps and water being poured into the bathtub just as I was about to fall asleep—Ian's lips against my earlobes as he spoke to me in a very gentle voice.

"Baby, get up. You need a bath!"

I closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep, thinking that Ian would stop. He laughed, picked me up, and walked to the tub.

I had to open my eyes. The maids had left the room. Ian put me in the hot tub. He put his feet in and sat behind me. He put me against his chest. The hot water was about the same height as my breasts.

Ian lathered a soap bar with his palm and let his frothy hands slide down my neck. He massaged my shoulders forcefully and slowly.