It’s frustrating as hell when I talk to him, and he seems to be a million miles away. But getting upset with him isn’t going to help anything.
Besides, I don’t want to add to whatever pressure he’s under. If I look back at every time I was struggling since I met him, he has shown me endless patience, given me space when I needed it, and given me attention when I needed it.
So, whatever he needs—I am going to give him.
It’s early in the morning, and I expected to be up before him, but he’s already dressed and in his office working.
Instead of going straight to him, I head down to the kitchen first.
I make a big mug of coffee, dark and sugarless, just how he likes it, and a plate piled high with crispy bacon.
Sometimes the way to a man’s heart is simpler than you think. Bacon and coffee.
Upstairs, I knock lightly on his office door, but he doesn’t notice.
“Adrian?” I say his name gently.
He doesn’t look up but grunts softly. “Mm?” he says, typing at the keyboard and squinting at the screen.
“I thought you might need some breakfast?”
Finally, he looks up, managing to appear surprised to see me.
“Athena?” he says, a tired smile curving his lips. “What’s this?”
“Bacon and coffee,” I grin, walking in and setting it down in front of him, then stepping closer and snuggling against his side.
He doesn’t hesitate to put his arm around me and pull me close.
“Did you sleep well, kitten?” he asks, looking up at me and touching my cheek.
“I did. Did you sleep at all? You’re still wearing the same clothes?”
I know my brows, wanting to lecture him and tell him I’m worried, but deciding against it.
“I had some work to do. I guess I got caught up and didn’t notice the time,” he sighs.
He looks drained and stressed.
“Well, why don’t you have some bacon, drink that coffee, and I’ll run you a hot bath. I’ll throw in some magnesium salts or mustard salt. It’ll help you relax. Then you can catch a few hours’ sleep?”
“It sounds lovely but…”
“It wasn’t a request. It was a command from your wife,” I grin playfully.
He chuckles. “Well, acommand… from mywife. I certainly can’t argue then, can I?”
I shake my head adamantly. “Nope. No arguing,” I smile.
“Alright, I’ll soak in the salts, but I don’t think I have time to sleep,” he sighs.
Twenty minutes later, I have Adrian lying in the bath. His gorgeous, tanned body, etched with tattoos and scars, sculpted with muscles and strength, is soaking in the golden, strained water of a mustard bath. I’m sitting behind his head outside the bath, rubbing the tension from his shoulders and neck.
He groans in pleasure with his eyes closed.
While my hands knead away his stress, my eyes enjoy the gorgeous view in front of me.
Dammit, this man is fucking beautiful. It’s insane how one person can be this incredible to look at.
