Page 69 of Bride of the Merciless Laird
Ewan hauled in a deep breath, breathed out noisily and, lifting her off his lap, but still holding her in his arms got to his feet.
“I shall dae as ye wish Lady Mackenzie. I am here tae serve yer needs.”
She chuckled at that. “And I yers, Laird Ewan.”
He strode with her to the place where the tub sat, still steaming. Then he lowered her, ever so gently, into the water.
She stretched out, the water deep enough to almost cover her shoulders, her head resting on the wide rim of copper.
After hastily pulling off his shirt, Ewan flung a leg over the edge of the tub and sank into the lapping warm water.
“Ah,” he said.
The water rose as he sank into it, covering Tyra’s breasts. He reached a hand, sensuously stroking and cupping them where they bobbed in the water.
“These wee rosy globes are a great delight tae me.”
She laughed, slipping a hand across his broad shoulders.
“Just as these braw, strong arms and shoulders delight me.”
She lay back in the tub, wallowing in the warmth, allowing the sensations to flood her senses. Raising her knee, Ewan slid his fingers along her thigh to revel in her damp curls, causing her to gasp with surprised pleasure.
“Yer body is an altogether wondrous creation.” He chuckled softly.
“As is yers.” She delighted in the shining glow of his rippling muscle outlined in firelight, and his strong hands holding her ankle.
He kissed her ankle, along her calf to her knee and then, lowering her leg, he took up the bar of scented soap and quickly lathered himself.
After he’d rinsed, he turned her around so that she lay back against his chest. He took his time, lathering her breasts, making the pink nubs pucker under his touch. He soaped her arms and down to the parts of her under the water, much as if she was a wean at her bath.
Then he undid her already wet braid and spread it with his fingers before slowly massaging the delicately scented lather through the long length of her hair. Satisfied with his handiwork, he ladled water from a bucket beside the tub, rinsing her hair free of suds.
“Mm. Methinks this must be what heaven is like.” She grinned up at him. “This is new tae me. I’ve ne’er had such care bestowed on me before.”
“It is me pleasure too, Lady Wife. And ye shall lathermeback when I’ve done wi ye.”
Bathing with another was a newfound delight.
Ewan shifted himself around in the tub so that she sat behind him, her legs spread at his side and took up the bar of soap.
His hands slipped up her legs, causing her to gasp and giggle a little at his cheekiness and the distracting rivers of heat that came from his touch.
“If ye wish me tae pay attention tae this broad back I’m presented with, ye’d best nae distract me wi’ those hands of yers that dinnae ken their place.”
He gave a huff of indignation. “Very well. Pleasure me wi’yerhands and I’ll keepmehands tae meself. At least fer now.”
Taking the lavender soap in her hand, Tyra, slowly slid it across his shoulders, sensing the strength of the muscles rippling under his skin. She soaped from his nape, across his breadth and down each arm in turn, taking care to make him adjust his position so she could reach his underarm and toy with the dark hair in his pit.
He laughed. “Lass. What are ye about. Ye’re tickling!”
Glorying in the feeling of ownership she held over his powerful body she lathered the wide expanse of his back, fingering a scar that reached from his ribs.
“Is this from a great battle ye fought?”
Slanting her a rueful over-the-shoulder grin he shook his head. “Nay. I could pretend it was when I fought fer the Bruce, but truth tae tell I had it as a lad. I fell from the height of a great treeI was climbing tae gather an eagle’s eggs from the nest. A sharp branch ripped me.”
“Justice fer a lad stealing a noble bird’s eggs.” she gave a disparaging sniff, causing him to chuckle.
