The sound of the running water soothes my poor battered mind and soul, as slowly I remove the layers of dirtied and torn clothing that cover my body. The sweet, sharp relaxing scent of lavender hits my nostrils as I watch my husband pour in a large measure of my favourite bubble bath, swirling it into the water, making it foam profusely.
"Your bath's ready now sweetheart." my husband calls over his shoulder, "I've added some bubbles for you." His voice is soft and soothing, as warm as the steam rising from the bath and as reassuring as the smell of lavender steam and bubbles.
Gently I ease my aching body into the water, wincing slightly as I settle down, My sore ass hitting the cold enamel of the bath bottom, the water swirling and settling around me, the bubbles moulding to my frame, popping and fizzing against my skin. "Here darling, let me help." my husband leans over the tub, his blue shirt sleeves rolled up over his elbows, he reaches for the wash cloth, smiling down at me, his bright blue eyes full of emotion. I manage a weak smile back, but the horror of this evenings ordeal is still imprinted and clear to see in the depths of my dark green, tear filled eyes.
Gently he applies soap to the cloth then presses it against the skin of my arm, washing away the dirt. Gently he works over my far arm and shoulder, leaning over me to reach, I catch a hint of his aftershave, and a sharp image comes back to my mind but I suppress it, not wanting to think about that now, just wanting to enjoy a restful bath. His hand guides the soft cloth up my neck and onto my face, ever so gently he cleans me, careful not to press to hard. I watch him as he moves down to my other arm, his face a picture of love and concern. Moving across onto my chest, he continues down, I bite my lip as he touches my breasts, his touch as always sending electric pulses through my body. He continues down over my stomach, covering every inch of me.
"Stand up for me darling, It'll be easier for me to do your legs." He smiles at me as I stand, letting me hold onto his strong muscled arm for balance. I feel a bit chilly as my body emerges from the bubbly safety of the water. Involuntarily I feel a shiver cascade down my body.
"I'll be quick sweetheart, and then we can get you wrapped up and into bed"
His strong hands wash and wipe my legs and gently, lingeringly caress the soft rounded curves of my bottom. And the insides of my thighs, my legs going weak as I feel a streak of pure lust run through me.
"Come on sweetheart; let's get you dried off before you catch your death of cold."
I step out of the water and feel my husbands arms gently envelop me with a warm, soft towel, his hands work quickly to rub and dry every part of me. The stimulation of the deep material makes my nipples strain and my body pulse.
"Here sweetheart put this on and then we'll go to bed."
He passes me my black satin nightdress, I slip it over my head and let the soft satin folds flow over my chest, tummy and thighs, smoothing it down over my hips.
I jump into my bed, warm, comforting and safe. I snuggle down under the blankets and I wait. Soon the door swings open, my heart jumps, but it is only my sweetheart, dressed only in his boxers, ready for bed. I look adoringly at his body, his long muscled legs, his strong protective arms and his warm comforting chest. He is magnificent. A tear slowly falls down my cheek.
I smile weakly as he strides over, throwing up the duvet and diving in, pressing up close to me as he covers himself with the duvet.
Held close and content in his arms I rest my head on his chest and listen to his heartbeat.
"What happened this evening love?" He whispered "please tell me."
I inhale deeply feeling the warmth of him, knowing I am comfortable and safe.
"Well I was late out of work," I began my tale, "and I foolishly decided to take the short cut home, you know I don't like walking down those country lanes when its dark but I couldn't bear the thought of having to walk all that extra way to keep to the main roads. I know it was stupid, I didn't feel safe as I was walking."