I stepped closer behind her and rested my hands around her waist.
“E.”
She exhaled.
I kept my voice calm but firm.
“I don’t need feelings before I walk out the door.”
She stared at me in the mirror for a second longer.
“Okay.”
She turned around and nudged my chest as she moved past me toward the tub.
“Just have your ass at my breakfast table by eleven.”
I chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.”
She gave me that little side-eye that meant she was still irritated but letting it go.
I turned the water on for her, poured in her favorite salts and bubble bath, and helped her step into the tub carefully.
The hot water started filling while she leaned back against her bath pillow.
Her body visibly relaxed.
That made me feel better about leaving.
I stepped into the shower and washed up quick, because I was twenty minutes late to meet Ares.
When I stepped out, I wrapped a towel around my waist and walked back over to the tub.
Emily was soaking, eyes half closed.
I leaned down and kissed her forehead.
“Don’t fall asleep in here. I promise I’ll be home before noon.”
She reached out and squeezed my hand.
Then she pointed toward the corner.
“Put my towel and walker there.”
I grabbed both and set them beside the tub where she could reach them easily.
She looked up at me again.
“Just come home untouched.”
I smirked.
“Always do.”
She watched me leave the bathroom but didn’t say anything else.
That was Emily.
