Yours, Until Needed
Chapter 123: Bonding

Chapter 123: Bonding

Technically, I promised my husband a few things, like bonding with him after work.

But I have yet to consider what we could do together, not counting the part where we do each other, for which I owe him an additional two rounds.

All I could come up with were the things Rina and I did whenever we had sleepovers.

At first, it sounded stupid, but by the time Lucian came to pick me up, it felt too perfect to pass up.

How could it not be when I feel like I’ve aged quite a bit just to finish all that work?

Either Lucian was going to be in for a treat or in for a scare.

I decided on a home spa night. Rina and I used to do this often, but it’s been a while since we’ve had the chance to do it again. And if I’m not mistaken, I should still have a few face masks lying around.

"So, what’s this good bonding time that you’ve arranged?" Lucian challenged.

"Just wait for it, and make sure to cooperate. It’ll suck if you don’t, so be good!" I warned.

Lucian just rolled his eyes, but I knew better. He’ll be sour about it, but do it anyway. So, I just responded with a grin.

However, just because he was going to follow my lead didn’t mean he wasn’t cursing me in his heart.

Especially when I started slathering a generous amount of the avocado and honey face mask on his face.

It started while I was preparing our props for tonight. Lucian was already very skeptical when I asked him to change into a bathrobe.

"It’s not some kink. Cleanse your brain!" I shouted as I told him not to judge me.

So, when he realized I wasn’t exactly preparing cucumbers for a snack, he looked like he wanted to back out.

"You don’t like being touched by random people, or just people in general, so allow me to do this for you."

"I look stupid."

"That’s fine. We’ll all look like that anyway."

"You say that because you’re used to it." He said with a scowl, and I may or may not have thickened the mask in retaliation.

"Look at Chester! He’s being supportive!" The good boi barked from his spot on the couch, his tail wagging in excitement.

I couldn’t leave Chester out, so I’ve long prepared a dog-friendly oatmeal and yogurt mask.

"Let me just finish your whiny Dad’s face, and you’ll have yours too," I told Chester, whose tongue was out as if understanding.

"Now what?"

"Now, you relax. Either snack on something, nap or watch a show with me."

"Come here, Chester, it’s your turn."

Unlike Lucian, Chester was more cooperative and enjoyed the attention. The only downside was having to reapply his mask because he kept eating whatever his tongue could reach. But he looked far too pleased in himself for me to tell him off.

Then, the gentle massage and barrage of belly rubs followed as part of the "treatment package," and Chester looked extremely delighted.

"Why does he get a massage, and I don’t?"

"Because he’s a good boi who looked happy with the service. This is the kind of customer I would like."

"Well, maybe if the service wasn’t as dubious, the customer would’ve given better feedback."

"Fine."

This disgruntled service provider would show you the wonders of a home spa treatment.

Although my cooking skills were questionable, my massage skills were top-notch. Rina was an avid client who could be bought with a massage coupon.

As predicted, I got a new customer. A little whiny and a bit too rough on the edges, but a paying customer nonetheless.

My husband was initially hesitant but eventually warmed up to my touch.

His body started out tense but loosened significantly by the time the face masks had crusted.

If my guess was correct, this guy probably never went for a massage. Lucian would hate the idea of someone unfamiliar being so close by. Especially knowing that they would have access to his vital points while he was vulnerable.

So, I figured this was something I could do for him.

I let him nap a bit while I fed Chester some cheese cubes. The big guy seemed to be enjoying his time and was very appreciative of all the services he received.

When it came time to wake Lucian up and wash off the mask, he was surprised to realize that he had fallen asleep.

"Hmph!" I had a smug look on my face and gave Lucian a knowing smile.

He rolled his eyes at my attempt to ask for a better review, but I laughed it off. No one would look intimidating with that kind of face mask on.

I know he wouldn’t admit it, but I saw him inspecting his reflection in the mirror. Even rubbing his face a bit.

His handsome face now had a brighter glow and looked smoother, too.

Now, it was time for my favorite part of the home spa: ear cleaning! That device from one of the Zellner’s subsidiaries was heaven-sent for people who enjoy cleaning their own ears. When it was released, it pushed out the cotton buds, as people could now see what they were actually cleaning.

"What are you planning on doing with that?" Lucian eyed me suspiciously.

"Perform miracles. So, come now and sit here!" I patted my lap while calling him over.

I even got one just for him. I just forgot to hand it over.

"Poke anything else, and I’m coming for your ass." Lucian threatened.

"Trust the process. What you’re about to see is a sacred art passed down through generations of wives who just want their husbands to hear them better."

"Who knows? Maybe after this, you’ll start using your ears to listen better."

I was careful and took my time with him and his ears.

Okay, maybe I took a bit more time than necessary because it felt empowering to know how obedient he was when his hearing and brain were at stake.

Of course, my dear husband did not enjoy my fits of giggling and decided that it was his turn to do what he wanted.

"It’s your turn to be serviced."

Sorry, Chester. This time the service was too exclusive for you to join in.

So we left the good dog, who had returned to napping happily after the remainder of his mask was washed (eaten) off.

Lucian’s demeanor changed as soon as we entered his home court and immediately proceeded to redeem his rewards.

As if this guy was going to let anything past him.

Lucian made sure to use his rounds well, prolonging each service for as long as possible.

Maybe giving him a massage to relieve the tension in his body served to bite me in the butt. Because Lucian’s motions were more fluid, and if I was probably more conscious, I’d realize that he was trying to mimic some of my massage ministrations.

"Everything must be massaged," Lucian whispered.

And he wasn’t kidding. From the roof of my mouth to the deepest parts of me, Lucian wanted to reach everything for a thorough massage.

The guy didn’t even need to take lessons.