Page 93 of She Tempts the Duke
She lifted an elegant leg out of the water, pointed her toes toward the ceiling, and his mouth went dry as all previous thoughts scattered. Good Lord, she was limber. He could take her with her legs braced on his shoulders. He watched the sensuous movements as she skimmed her hands from heel to thigh. Perhaps even to hip. Or maybe she stopped someplace in between, a haven he was anticipating visiting once again.
He became aware of her no longer singing, simply humming a soft provocative tune that caused his breath to come in labored pants. Did she go through these rituals every time she bathed?
She dropped back her head, released a deep sigh. “Colleen, I’m ready to leave the bath.”
He swallowed hard. He was ready as well, but not to leave a bath—rather to leave his wife well and truly sated.
“Colleen? The towel? Don’t tarry. My husband will be here any moment and I wish to be prepared.”
If she were any more prepared,hemight ignite. He came to his feet, wandered toward her, and snatched up a towel in passing. He came around the screen, and decided that in the flesh, she was exceedingly more delectable. With her eyes closed, she rested her head against the lip of the tub. All of her skin was dampened with dew. Her hair was piled in a haphazard manner on top of her head. Several strands had gained their freedom and they curled in wild abandon. Her limp hands draped over the sides. Her thighs were spread wide. The water lapped around her breasts, creating two lovely islands.
She moaned low, opened her eyes slowly—
Shrieking, she sank beneath the surface of the water until the islands were in danger of drowning. Pity.
“What are you doing here?” she demanded.
“Why the surprise? I told you that I was going to visit and I heard you tell your maid you were expecting me. At any moment.”
She scowled. “How long have you been in here?”
“When I entered you knew the words to the song, then you seemed to forget them.”
Horror crossed her features. “You heard me singing? Oh, dear God.”
“You have a lovely voice.”
“It’s atrocious. I sound like a warbler.”
“And here I likened you to a lark.”
“Why did you not let me know you were here?”
“I was rather enjoying the shadow show.”
She looked at the screen, then jerked her gaze to the fire, and he saw the reality of her situation dawn, as she muttered, “Entertaining silhouettes.”
“Extremely entertaining.”
She gave him an impish smile. “I think you’re rather enjoying yourself now.”
“I rather am, yes.”
“I might have to teach you a lesson about spying on me and withhold my favors.”
“I won’t allow it.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “And how, Your Grace, do you expect to carry out that threat?”
“I will kiss every inch of your skin until you are as close to falling to your knees with aching need as I am now.”
She grinned wickedly, and he thought he might burst. “I can see your aching need even with your trousers on. Hand me the towel that I might dry off and see to that need.”
“I want to dry you and then I intend to make you wet again.”
She gasped. “Such bawdy talk!”
“Bedchamber poetry.”
