54- We Are Plumbers

She closed her eyes and tried to swallow her tears. His nearness was again making it all hard to…

He pulled back and eyed her carefully.

“Have you been crying?” he held her chin between his thumb and forefinger, “What is it?” She was in no position to speak so she just shook her head.

“Bella?” he called her, but she just smiled.

Somehow it was embarrassing for her that he was always there to witness her weak moment.

“You can keep your guard down. Remember? It's me. Marwick!” he tried to assure her. And then pulled her back to him.

“Let’s get you out of here,” River instantly shook her head and spoke for the first time.

“My make-up. I must be looking…”

“You look beautiful. If you want to go to your room for a touch-up, then that’s fine. But trust me. You are the most beautiful woman in that goddamn room, little lamb!”

For some reason that made her chuckle. She sniffed her nose and tilted her head up to look at him, “thank you… for making me feel better.”

“Pleasure!” he offered her his