Page 16 of Arion
“Come.” He rose, lifted her out of the high chair, and carried her through to the master bathroom.
The room was large. He’d done it mostly in whites, including a white leather chaise lounge where he had imagined his Little mate lying many times in his life. Naked. While he shaved or showered or got dressed.
That wasn’t on today’s agenda though. This evening was not going to include Jezebel comfortably lounging in the middle of the bathroom with no clothes on.
Arion sat and stood her in front of him. He held her steady with his hands on her biceps. “This dress is so pretty, Little mate. You’ve looked like an angel all day. I’m going to take it off you now, and then I’ll give you a bath.”
She glanced over at the tub. “You’re going to bathe me? I, uh… I can do it myself.”
He rubbed her arms. “I assume you’ve been doing so for most of your life.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“I know it seems foreign right now and confusing, but you’re going to learn to enjoy having my hands on your body. You’ll look forward to when I bathe you each evening. I promise.”
Her lip trembled, but she inhaled bravely. “I know I’m supposed to obey you, Daddy. I’m just nervous.”
Arion lifted a hand to rub her bottom lip with his thumb. He wished he could fast-forward through this awkward stage and get to a place where she craved his touch on her sweet body.
Patience.
ChapterNine
Jezebel’s stomach was doing flips. She was glad she hadn’t eaten much of Arion’s meal. The bananas and cereal had been mild and enough. Nerves were going to eat her alive.
At least he was being so very careful with her. It really helped that he talked through things first and let her know what to expect. He was patient. She’d worried for months about having a mate who scared her.
Not Arion. He might have been tall and broad and so built he could easily carry her around without breathing heavily. But he didn’t rush her. And she was grateful.
“I would expect you to be nervous, Bella. Let me ask you a few questions.”
She pursed her lips. She wasn’t sure if she wanted him to ask her questions. The required answers were often embarrassing.
“Has anyone seen you naked in recent years?”
She shook her head. “No, Daddy. My mom always waited outside the bathroom when I took a shower or bath to make sure no one bothered me.”
“You won’t have secrets from Daddy, Little mate. You know that right?”
She nodded. She knew. Intellectually she understood. But this was a huge step, and her body was reacting funny to his presence, especially since he’d pressed their wrists together earlier.
“Can you turn around so I can unzip your dress, Bella?” He nudged her gently, guiding her to face away from him.
As he eased the zipper down her back, she held her breath.
“How many layers of material are under this?” he teased, his voice light.
She couldn’t help but giggle, and she appreciated his attempt to calm her. “Three.”
After easing the dress down her body and arms, Arion said, “Step out, Little one.”
She lifted one foot and then the other, grateful she wasn’t facing him. She was still mostly covered, but that was about to change.
Arion gathered the next two layers of cotton tulle and lifted them. “Arms up, Bella.”
She shuddered as she obeyed. Now she was left in the thin shift. It wasn’t the same one she usually wore. It was covered with delicate lace and satin, intended for her mate to see.
He turned her back around and held her bare biceps. His eyes were intent on her face before lowering slowly down her body.
