Elias nearly fumbled the cloth in his hand. His breath hitched for a fraction of a second, but he quickly schooled his expression back into neutrality.
"Master, I only meant—"
"That you find my face pretty?" Cassius interrupted, a glint of amusement flickering in his piercing blue eyes.
Elias exhaled softly, steadying his hands as he continued tending to the bruises. "I meant that it is unfortunate to see you injured, Master."
"Ah," Cassius mused, tilting his head slightly as Elias dabbed at his cheekbone. "Unfortunate indeed."
Silence stretched between them, the warmth of the room pressing against Elias's skin.
The scent of antiseptic mixed with the faint remnants of Cassius's bath oils—something subtly spiced, something that suited him.
Elias kept his touch careful, precise, treating each wound as gently as possible. Yet, despite his best efforts, his mind kept circling back to the same thought.
Cassius was breathtaking.
