*Suitable music to play now: Exist for love — Aurora.* (recommended)

The water drop grew heavy on the end of Elise's hair before it fell on the floor bellow her. "Bath?" she licked her lips, knowing well that Ian's gaze settled on her lips.

"Yes bath," confirmed Ian, as he took a step back. His lips were wide in a smile where it seemed as if he was hiding things to keep secure only to his eyes. "It's one of the best ever bath you would ever take on the land. Not to worry I won't do anything to you in the bath. We could also talk about things that I know you would like."

Between curiosity that slide on her eyes, Elise asked, "What is it?"

"My mother and family. What do you say?" Ian offered her a choice which only had one single answer to begin with. 

Elise nodded her head slowly but Ian only stared at her, "I would like the answer from your sweet lips, Elise. Haven't told you before I love your voice?"

Which was correct, "I would like to use your bath," she felt the words slipping from her lips was similar to how the tightness she felt on her heart loosened to make her feel fluffy all over. 

"Good," Ian whispered, his eyes that were red flickered but he made sure Elise didn't notice what he was having in mind. "Maroon, draw us a bath in my room."

"It has been prepared, milord," Maroon met Elise's eyes and he bowed. It seemed to Elise that the butler's gaze on her had considerably calmed compared to before that was sharp like icicles. "I will bring the lady's dress to the room."

"Wonderful," Ian pushed her back, his smile was the brightest. "We can take a soak together as soon as possible, I don't want you to shrivel up from coldness."

Elise was taken aback that she didn't move as Ian's hand on her back, "T-together?"

"We could do that together, if you would like to. You want?" the way Ian questioned her was like a person who offered a toast of bread in breakfast when it mattered a lot more than a bread to Elise. She could feel herself overwhelmed by his words and heat spreading from her cheeks to her neck.

Elise asked herself if everyone who was in a relationship moved as fast as they did. It had only been the second month since she arrived to White Mansion. Only a week ago was when she kissed Ian for the first time as well as she confirmed her love with him. But would most couple do the deed before marriage on the second month?

Elise had never been in relationship before, the only couple story she heard was her uncle and aunt's story where she believe their marriage took two years. But it felt as if Ian had skipped a year and a half.

Despite Elise thinking it was fast, Ian never forced her. He had always made her feel comfortable with his smooth leading to the relationship.

When she shake her head Ian nodded which he didn't mean he would stop there. After some consideration, Ian decided to place a week after Elise's conversation before touching her. He wasn't a man who could calmly hold himself back around Elise who kept visiting his dream. Staring at her neck that was white and slender, Ian licked his upper lips.

When arriving to Ian's room, Elise stood awkwardly. It would take more time for her to get use to the room, thought Elise. Her eyes looked around the room, seeing Ian who light the flames with only a snap of his finger. Holding to both hands, she wondered what should she do and while thinking she took a better view of the room that had always been shadowed by the darkness.

"Waiting for me to enter the bathroom?" Ian chimed, meeting her eyes that was torn on wanting to run but at the same time, wanting to spend more time with him. Ian felt her heartbeat. It had thundered even faster than the time she was on the edge of the cliff, watching him diving in and he enjoyed the reaction. Although Ian was concerned of Elise's health, not wanting her to faint when he barely started anything. 

"The room is beautiful with more lights," answered Elise with a nervous smile. 

"I don't use the room other than to sleep so I never bothered myself turning all candles on a room which I'm not going to stay for long. We could use the wax for anything else than candles which would be more beneficial," Ian leaned his back to a cupboard, his hand holding the edge, "But there is some things which I would need a light to work on with. Like now."

Elise gulped when she sensed Ian's eyes on her narrowing, a hidden fierce look settled on his eyes which was clear but at the same time was not. "Is the bath on that room?" asked Elise which received a nod, "I think you need a bath first," she noted Ian's hair that had fallen slack beside the frame of her face, his short looked slightly wet as the snow had soaked when he took it off in the carriage.

"How could I ever let my beautiful lady in my room to take the honor after me? That would be rude, go on, I will wait here," Ian tapped his finger on the cupboard, appearing to look harmless at a glance when he smiled.

Elise decided rather than to stand idle was to enter, she could feel her heart spiraling and her thinking flew over the clouds. She had to remind herself that Ian had only offered her. After all, before, when they were both at the entrance he promised so.

Entering the bathroom gingerly, Elise sneak to take a look at Ian behind her, who didn't say anything but watch her as if she was the most prized entertainment. "I'll enter," she announced, her voice sounding like a little puppy.

Ian nodded and smiled, "Take your time."