Page 83 of Grulen

“I don’t need an orgasm for its own sake.I am happy I gave you pleasure.”

“It doesn’t seem fair.”

“It’s not an issue of fair.”He paused.“Do you know what caused your panic?”

“Your weight and you looming over me.”Embarrassment tinged her words.

“Okay.”

Quietly thinking while her scent lost its acrid taint, he decided to pamper her.He stood and carried her to the sanitary facility.

“Where are you taking me?”

“I’m going to give you a bath and then hold you as you sleep.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I want to help you relax.”He started the water running in the oversized tub.After checking the temperature to ensure it wouldn’t harm her satiny skin, he carefully set her down.He rummaged through the bottles on a nearby shelf and found a bath oil made with herbs known to aid in releasing tension.Planning to add it to the bath after he cleansed her body, he placed it on the ledge surrounding the pool.

“Would you like me to remain outside the bath while I tend to your hair?”

She lifted red-rimmed eyes to his.

“I don’t understand the question.”

Lifting a hand, he rubbed her cheek with his thumb.

“I’m going to be your ladies’ maid this night.I will see to your every need.To start, I will wash your hair and body.If you prefer to have the water to yourself, I will do it from here.”

Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped.

“That’s sweet, but I don’t expect that from you.”

He tapped her nose with a forefinger.

“It is my honor, Morgan.My feelings for you are more than sexual.I want to care for you in any way you need or desire.”

“I’m usually taking care of others—either by choice or being forced when I was kidnapped.”

“Then you’re long overdue to receive.”He kissed her forehead.“Now lean back and let’s get your hair wet.”

She grabbed his hand.

“Join me in the bath, Grulen.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.I have no bad memories associated with sanitary facilities.”

“As you command.”Water sloshed as he climbed into the pool and sat facing her.

She slid downward and wet her head.Droplets flew as she blew out a breath.She twisted to give him her back.He drizzled shampoo onto her hair, then worked up a lather with gentle fingers.Her head fell onto his chest as he massaged her scalp and she sighed.

“That feels wonderful.The shampoo portion used to be my favorite part of visiting a hairdresser on Earth.”

Suds landed on his cheek when he bent to kiss behind her ear.

“So we’re bringing up good memories?”