The strands of hair framing Cheriseâs cars were soft and silky, carching the morning sunlight and emitting a golden sheen, much like her gentle and captivating aura. Bushing faintly, she meticulously Trmmed Damienâs stubble, ensuring each contour was perfect, before tenderly wiping his face with at Towel Finally, she breathed a sigh of relief. âMission accomplished, she announced.
âHmm, much better now, Damien remarked, turning to assess his reflection in the mirror. A grin spread across his Lace. âYouâre certainly talented, Mrs. Lenoir. It looks like I can rely on you for my shaving needs from now onâ
Cheriseâs response came swiftly. âTobject she protested with a touch of playful defiance.
âResistance is funile. Damien teased as he leaned in, pressing his forehead against Cheriseâs. âFeeling hungry? What are you craving? Iâll ship it up for you Cherise pouted, her hand caressing her stomach, realizing she did feel quite hungry.
âDoes a sandwichy sound good?â Damien suggested, already predicting Cheriseâs response from her gestures. Without waiting for her reply, he swept her up and swiftly carried her downstairs. Setting Cherise gently into a chair at the dining table, he planted a tender kiss on her forehead. âHang tight. Iâll be back ma july.â With thar, Damienâs tall, imposing figure vanished into the kitchen.
In the kitchen, Frances bustled about, her eyebrows raised at Damienâs unexpected return. âMr. Lenoir, werenât you off to get some rest? What brings you back?â As Damien stepped into the kitchen, Frances swiftly redirected him. âAre you hungry? What tickles your taste burls? Iâll whip something up for you.
Forget about doing it on your own. Youâve been burning the midnight oil. Go catch some shut-eye.
Arenât you supposed to whisk Mrs. Lenoir away to the countryside today?â
Damienâs towering frame obscured Cherise from Frances view. âYou⦠didnât get any shut-eye last night?â Cherise asked worriedly. Francesâ remarks had stirred a flutter of concern in Cheriseâs chest.
Rising from her seat, she hurried over to Damienâs side. âI thoughtâ¦â She had assumed heâd risen early, like her.
Francesâ words jogged her memory. Someone had whispered promises in her car last night her heâd handle company affairs before joining her for their countryside adventure. So he re slept at all.
The realization that this man had sacrificed his rest for her, coaxing and worrying about here a sleepless night, weighed heavily on Cherise. âPlease, go and rest,â she urged, gently clasping âI can handle the cooking.
âI have time to spare, Damien replied, turning to her with a tender smile. âIâm thrilled that we ma amends today, Mrs. Lenoir. Let me make you a sandwichâ
âYou can make me a sandwich any time, Cherise insisted, pouting and halting him. âYou need to rest first.â
Damien smiled ruefully. âNo need. I insist on making a sandwich for you first⦠Before he could finish, he staggered sideways. Cherise acted swiftly, catching him to prevent him from falling. Frances also hurried over to support Damien from the other side. the doorframe, declining assistance from the two women. âBut it seems I could really use some rest.
âMr. Hampson!â Cherise called out promptly. Shortly after, Mr. Hampson arrived with other servants, and they supported Damien to the upstairs bedroom.
âMr. Lenoir is utterly exhausted, the family doctor remarked an hour later, removing his stethoscope. âIn my professional opinion, Mr. Lenoir hasnât had a decent nightâs sleep in a week.â