Chris gracefully fastened the bracelet around Isabel's delicate, fair wrist, treating it with the same reverence one might handle a wedding band. His gentle smile conveyed reassurance. "I made this myself. It's not costly, so please, feel free to accept it."
Isabel's cheeks flushed, not from shyness this time, but from embarrassment over her earlier misunderstanding of him.
After offering her thanks once more, Chris had a servant escort Isabel back, ensuring that Lennie wouldn't trouble her further.
He watched her go, his eyes filled with tender affection.
He realized he must strive even harder to safeguard the girl.
Back in her room, Isabel lay on her bed, her face heating up and heart racing as she relived the moment Chris had put the bracelet on her wrist.
"What am I thinking?" sh
