Alexander didn't seem to expect her to compromise so quickly.
Isabella massaged him until her hands were sore. Then, she pushed the man out of the bathroom and helped him onto the bed.
Alexander glanced at the comforter next to him, pink with lace edging. It was cute and wouldn't look out of place on his blue bed.
Isabella rolled the comforter up in one big hand and cuddled it on the couch before heading into the bathroom.
The water rattled, and Alexander picked up a book. He was about to read when a sudden flash of lightning illuminated the room, and not long afterward, the rumble of thunder sounded.
Alexander frowned and put the book on the side of the bed. He lay down, tucked in, and went to sleep.
By the time Isabella came out of the bathroom, Alexander looked asleep.
"Not even nine o'clock, and he's sleeping so early?" she wondered silently.
She carefully walked over to the couch, trying not to make a sound. Gently, she reached for her computer and was about to head to her study when another clap of thunder echoed outside the window.
Isabella stopped dead in her tracks. The wind was howling outside, and the storm was coming.
After a moment of thought, she went back to sit on the floor in front of the couch table, draped in a blanket, and turned on her computer.
Tomorrow she was going to see Liam, and before that, she had to get a business plan done.
The sound of the storm outside the window grew louder, and Isabella stared intently at the computer screen.
It didn't take long to hear some sounds on the other side of the bed.
Isabella looked over and saw that Alexander on the bed didn't seem to be sleeping very soundly. He kept struggling in his sleep, and his breathing was aggravated, so he should be having a nightmare.
She busily stood up, walked over, stood next to the bed, and reached out to pat Alexander, saying, "Alex! Alex! Wake up!"
Alexander's eyes snapped open, and he grabbed Isabella's arm, gasping for air and looking at her fiercely.
"Hiss-" Isabella sucked in a cold breath, "Alex, you're hurting me."
Alexander froze for three seconds before responding and letting go.
Isabella looked at her wrist, it was red. She rubbed her hand while looking at the man on the bed.
Alexander's brow was furrowed, and his eyes were getting red. His lips were slightly open, and he was panting in small gasps. His face was pale, and his eyes had a hint of violence in them.
Isabella was startled by such an Alexander and panicked a little, "What's wrong with you?"
Alexander pursed his lips and didn't say anything. He just raised his hand and pressed it to his temple.
Isabella saw him in pain and decided not to press further.
After a moment of thought, she reached out and pressed her hand to his temple, inevitably touching Alexander's hand.
It was cold.
Alexander opened his eyes and looked at her. The corners of his eyes reddened, his whole being more than a little broken and beautiful, so pitiful.
Isabella gently said, "I'll give you a massage, you rest."
Alexander froze for a moment and slowly put his hand down.
Isabella collected herself and concentrated on the massage.
Under the dim light, the young girl looked seriously focused, as if she was treating a precious treasure, with a little heartache in her eyes.
He slowly closed his eyes.
In order to facilitate the massage, Isabella sat on the bed, leaning against it. As she continued, she didn't know how much time passed. Her hand movements became lighter, and her head lowered more and more until her whole person leaned against the bed.
Alexander opened his eyes and looked at the sleeping person. Because of the sitting position, she seemed to be sleeping uncomfortably. He slowly sat up, just looking at her.
Isabella suddenly muttered, her voice so soft that he didn't hear it. Her hand moved unconsciously, as if she was trying to give a massage.
Alexander watched the movement of her hand and somehow let out a laugh.
Isabella heard the sound and opened her eyes in a daze. Seeing Alexander close at hand, she thoughtlessly wrapped her arms around him and touched her hands to his head, like coaxing a child, "Good Alex, it doesn't hurt anymore. It doesn't hurt anymore."
Alexander froze on the spot, feeling the softness underneath him, the faint scent of warmth filling the tip of his nose. His mind went momentarily blank.
Isabella, realizing her actions, snapped open his eyes, looked down at the man she was holding, and all drowsiness was scared away!