Page 57 of Goldsin

“It’s ready.”

Startled by my voice, her body jolts a little. She turns toward me and away from the poem she was reading.

“Thank you,” she whispers, eyes zeroing in on mine for just a second, enough to leave me wanting more of her attention. Those big green eyes are like a portal to a world of everlasting spring. It makes my chest tighten every single time I stare at them.

Forcing myself to focus on her, and not on the way she awakens my whole body, I follow her into the bathroom.

I can’t help but watch her, taking in the way the light plays on her fiery red hair and the curve of her hips as she moves. Despite everything that’s happened between us, she is still the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

But I have to remind myself that tonight isn’t about lust or desire. It’s about taking care of her and making sure she feels safe.

“Is that ... my favorite honey bodywash I smell?”

Apivita Royal Honey. After being in her room the other day, I couldn’t shake her smell, so I went and bought it. Simple.

If I had to be haunted by it, might as well make it right. Plus, it seriously leaves the skin smooth. Emeric wanted to buy himself a bottle, but I punched the guy. Fuck if I want my best friend to smell like the girl of my dreams.

“Come here,” is all I say in response, ignoring her question.

She steps closer to me, her gaze hesitant but trusting.

As tempting as it is to let my hands wander over her body, I remain focused on the task at hand.

“What are you doing?” Her voice wavers slightly as I reach for the hem of her dress. Yet she doesn’t distanceherself. Trust shines in her inquiring eyes, feeding me into oblivion.

“Taking care of you,” I reply, keeping my tone gentle yet firm.

Slowly I lift the material, exposing her skin inch by tantalizing inch. My breath catches in my throat as I take in the sight of her: the smooth expanse of her pale stomach, the delicate curve of her waist, the way her chest rises and falls with each shallow breath.

God, she is perfect.

“Julian ...” she whispers, a hint of vulnerability lacing her voice.

The way she says my name could shatter my resolve if I let it. But I can’t allow myself to be distracted. This is about her, not us.

“Relax,” I murmur, pulling her dress up and over her head, leaving her standing before me in just her lingerie.

My fingers itch to trace every line and curve of her body. To explore every inch of her until I know her better than I know myself. But instead I continue undressing her, carefully sliding the cream mesh thong down her legs.

“Step out,” I instruct softly, and she obeys without hesitation, kicking the thong aside. All that remains now is her smooth silk satin bra.

The cream material barely contains the swell of her breasts.

“Turn around.”

As she does, I reach for the clasp, my fingers brushing against the warm skin of her back. I can’t help but letout a silent groan at the contact, my body aching with need for her.

“Julian, I don’t ...” she says, but I cut her off.

“Trust me,” is all I say as I unhook her bra and let it fall to the floor, leaving her completely exposed to my ravenous gaze.

She turns around and my eyes roam her body hungrily, taking in her rosy nipples peaking at the cool temperature, the curve of her hips, the soft triangle of hair between her thighs. She is flawless, an ethereal goddess standing before me in all her naked glory.

“Into the tub,” I instruct gently, guiding her toward the steaming water. As I help her step in I let warm water cascade over her hair and her shoulders, careful to avoid her eyes.

She looks up at me then, her eyes searching mine for reassurance.

“Shouldn’t you be the one taking a bath?” she asks softly, gesturing toward my body. “You’re the one who’s covered in the most blood.”

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