Seven Nights Of Sin: Seven Sensuous Stories by Bestselling Historical Romance Authors(9)

She wiggled against him; she did not know why, but it seemed the thing to do.

His eyes widened. “Yes,” he said in a low voice. “I think you’re ready.”

He lifted her as he stood, and then locked his fingers in hers and strolled toward a door on the side of the bedroom. He seemed nonchalant, but there was an intensity in his gait, in his humming energy, that betrayed his impatience.

She could tell he was trying to take this slow and easy, and it pleased her. This would be difficult for her, she had no doubts about it, but knowing he was determined to make it as pleasant as such an ordeal could be was a relief.

He opened the door and gestured her in. The room was warm and wreathed in steam. The claw-footed tub stood on the far side and was filled with water…scented with roses. Oh, this part—at least—would be divine.

She shot Dev a smile and was shocked to catch him unawares. His expression was pained, but he quickly recovered and smiled back. “Your bath, my lady.”

“It looks wonderful.”

“Shall I help you undress?”

Her heart leaped into her throat. She hadn’t thought that far ahead. But of course, if he were to bathe her and she were to be in the tub…she would need to be bare. But the prospect of him seeing her like that was dismaying. She locked her fingers together and looked away from his simmering gaze. “I… No one has ever seen me naked before.”

“No one? Not even your maid?”

“She hardly counts.”

“Well then, consider me your servant.”

Her servant? Oh, she rather liked that idea. “Will you do whatever I ask?”

His throat worked before he said, “Most certainly.”

Oh yes. She liked this very much. With newfound courage she presented her back to him. “Then by all means. Help me undress.” If she got nervous, she could always close her eyes, after all.

She was certain his fingers did not tremble as he made his way down the row of buttons marching along her spine, but he did seem to fumble with them. “Are you having trouble?” she asked.

“They are very small buttons,” he complained. “And it has been a long time since I have…”

“Since you have…what?”

He cleared his throat. “Since I have tackled so many buttons. Why do you suppose there are so many?”

She laughed, unsure from where this sudden audacity came. It was probably a result of the fact that she could not see him. Somehow, that made this interaction less raw. “Anticipation?” she offered.

He chuckled. “I daresay. I shall have to have a chat with your modiste in future.”

And then silence fell, because they both knew there would be no future.

“Ah,” he said and then he parted the panels of her dress. A cool wash tickled the vee of her back he had bared. And then a shiver wracked her as something soft and warm touched her skin. His lips.

They moved to her neck and he nuzzled her there. A thrill scuttled through her and she leaned into the caresses. She was so besotted by this tender exploration, she barely noticed that he had slipped the fabric from her shoulders and her dress fell to the floor.

She still wore a chemise, but it was hardly anything. He quickly, matter-of-factly, divested her of this as well. And then he turned her.

At which point, she closed her eyes.

She couldn’t face him.

The warm, fragrant gush of his breath bathed her. “Ah. Tildy.”

She peeped at him. His expression slayed her. Hunger, want, raging desire. It stoked an ember blazing in her belly. He wanted her. Tremendously.

His hand shook as he lifted it, and then, when he cupped her breast, he sighed again. As did she. His touch was achingly gentle, yet teasing as well. It left her wanting more.

Which he gave her, scudding his thumb over her erect nipple.

She was not prepared for the sudden shaft of pleasure that took her. Her eyes flew open wide and he looked up. Their gazes locked.

He smiled. It was a crooked offering and adorable. “Do you like that?” he asked in a whisper, as though this moment were too reverent for more.

“I do.”

“Excellent.”

She tipped her head to the side. “Why is it excellent?”

“Because, my dear, it speaks to your passion.”

“My passion?”

“Yes. Because this is only the beginning of the pleasure I will show you. I love that your body is so responsive to me.” He nodded to the tub, as though he were somehow suddenly impatient. “Ready?”

She was. In many ways. But she decided to follow his lead. It had been quite pleasant so far.

He held her hand as she stepped into the tub and then, as the hot water encased her, she lost all focus on anything but the utter delight dancing on her skin. Her groan was heartfelt and echoed in the tiled chamber.

He chuckled. “Nice?”

“Oh yes.” So far, she quite liked lovemaking.

But then she had no idea what he had in mind for her.

He picked up a cloth and made a fine lather with the soap. “Close your eyes,” he said and she frowned. Suddenly, she didn’t want to. She wanted to watch. “Go on.”

With a huff, she did. She leaned back in the water, reveling in the lovely waves her movement made, and tried to relax.

She jumped with the first touch of the cloth, though it was on her neck.