Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 55

Chapter 55 Not Care for Him?

Here was a rare, simple task he could perform-applying her salve-and she had refused him.

Of course he would feel dejected.

Finished

Elowen’s heart softened. She gentled her tone. “But Mira and Cora will have their own duties. They’re likely quite busy. And I truly cannot see the injury myself… I suppose I must trouble you, my lord.”

Cassian’s eyes lifted slightly. “May I?”

Elowen tilted her head, offering a soft smile. “Yes. There’s no one else I’d trust.”

Her voice was clear, like a stream flowing over smooth stones. Now it was even softer, almost coaxing, as if speaking to a child.

Cassian found it surprisingly agreeable. “Very well.”

Elowen pushed his wheelchair into the inner chamber, stopping near a table.

“I’ll sit here. It’ll be easier for you.” She moved a stool into position, then, suddenly shy, avoided his gaze. “Wait here a moment. I need to use the bath chamber.”

Cassian wasn’t sure what she intended.

But when Elowen re-emerged, her face was flushed a remarkable shade of pink.

Cassian was momentarily at a loss for words.

Elowen had already turned her back to him and begun to untie the sash of her overdress.

Her fingers trembled slightly with nervousness, making her movements slow.

It was summer; the garments were light. Elowen carefully slipped her outer and inner robes down together, baring her back.

Cassian’s gaze fell on the smooth, pale skin of her back. It took him a long, distracted moment to realize what she had done in the bath chamber.

She had removed her chemise.

The realization sent an unexpected jolt through him. His heartbeat quickened; his throat moved as he

swallowed.

Watching her bow her head slightly, so earnest and focused on this vulnerable act, a rare flicker of genuine remorse stirred within Cassian.

He had been a mischievous child.

Pranks and trickery were second nature.

When caught, he would instantly adopt a pitiable look, and with his naturally handsome features, he’d

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Chapter 55 Not Care for Him?

escape punishment time and again.

Later, on the battlefield, this had evolved into strategic deception.

Afterward, Cassian would lounge and think, easy mark.

Just moments ago, he had deliberately played on her sympathy to gain this small privilege.

Finished

But now, seeing her sit there so obediently, having shed her garments, he found himself thinking-I really am a scoundrel.

“… Aren’t you going to start?” Elowen asked softly.

Her voice felt like a feather brushing against Cassian’s heart, leaving a faint, ticklish sensation.

He snapped back to the present. “Hmm.” He was startled to find his own voice slightly hoarse.

He cleared his throat. “Right away.”

Cassian picked up the white porcelain jar, poured a small amount of salve into his palm, and pressed it gently against Elowen’s back.

She was slender. Even seated, he could trace the delicate curve of her spine.

Her skin was delicate, marred now by several ugly bruises that starkly disrupted its perfection.

Cassian’s eyes darkened. He cursed Alaric silently again.

His touch grew even lighter as he worked the salve into the bruised areas.

These hands had ended countless lives.

Today, he wanted, more than anything, not to hurt her. He tempered his strength to its gentlest.

The fierce energy of a warrior melted into tenderness.

Elowen could feel the pads of his fingers on her skin. He was trying to be gentle, but he was a military man, his palms and fingers calloused from years of wielding weapons.

Her own skin was delicate. The friction, however light, held a faint sting.

She gritted her teeth, determined not to make a sound.

If she complained, he might retreat into that wounded pride again.

“My lord…” Elowen tried to distract herself with conversation. “You seemed… subdued after we returned from the palace. May I ask why?”

Cassian certainly couldn’t say it was because he’d suspected her of lingering feelings for Alaric. He answered slowly, “Not subdued. Merely tired.”

Elowen thought for a silent moment, then pressed her lips together. “There’s something I feel I should clarify.”

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