Page 43 of The Duke of Pain

Impossibly long lashes feathered his flushed cheeks. His sensual lips were parted slightly as his even breathing indicated a deep sleep. Unshaven and disheveled, he looked like a fallen angel. She gently pulled the quilt over him. Gideon did not even flinch.

She stood and reached for his shirt and slipped it on. Considering the size of this bedroom, he must have his own bathing area. She looked about the room.

On the walls were gilded framed oil paintings of battles fought long ago. Medieval knights in epic combat, sailing frigates fighting stormy seas, and red-coated soldiers lined up with muskets on a wide, barren field.

Next to the brown leather settee was a sideboard with two crystal decanters and glasses. On the opposite wall were two doors. She padded to one, opened it, and peered in. A walk-in wardrobe. Olivia crossed the threshold and smiled at the racks of suits, waistcoats, shirts, and coats lining both sides of the narrow space. The shelf above held many hats of different sizes and colors.

She headed toward the suits, then lifted a sleeve to her nose and inhaled.

Pure Gideon.

A faint whiff of his cologne mixed with his spicy scent. She rubbed the rough wool against her cheek as if to immerse herself in his potent aroma. Olivia turned and opened one of the many small drawers. Gloves of every kind, made of chamois and leather. Another drawer held neckcloths and cravats of all colors and types.

Heavens, there was enough clothing here to dress five men. Well, he was a duke, after all.

She turned and left the dressing room, softly closing the door behind her. Upon opening the door next to it, she gasped.

His private bath was stunning and completely modern. The tips of Olivia’s fingers brushed across the top of the large porcelain claw-foot tub, which was big enough for two. Hand-painted tiles with scenes of stately gardens adorned the walls. On the opposite wall was a large window with elaborate stained glass, a pattern similar to the garden design of the wall tiles.

A copper gas heater was attached to the conduits coming through the wall. The nearby ornate marble washbasin was also connected to exterior pipes. The intricate etchings of the commode matched the marble basin, and it had a mahogany seat. Such luxury.

She would run Gideon a warm bath. The pipes rattled and shook, startling her. A puff of gas came out of the taps, making her cough. Sticking her hand under the faucet, Olivia adjusted the faucets until an even mixture of hot and cold water came forth.

Next to the basin were several items laid out on a wooden tray. A bottle of Taylor’s Lime Aftershave, a straight razor, sandalwood shaving soap, and a brush. Also on the tray was a container of tooth powder, and next to it, a bottle of Creed’s cologne.

Olivia unscrewed the cap and inhaled.

Gideon, in every way.

She could smell cloves, bergamot, and a slight hint of citrus, lemon perhaps? Sauntering over to the bath, she added a few drops of the scent to the water.

Olivia leaned against the edge of the tub and relived the past hour. She had no idea that sex could be so all-consuming and compelling.

Her fingers absently ran through the rising water. Brought back from her pleasant thoughts of a naked Gideon above her and thrusting deep, she turned off the taps, laid the bottle of cologne on the counter, and headed to the bedroom.

Gideon’s eyes fluttered open.

“Gideon, wake up. I’ve run you a bath. Come.”

“I must be dreaming. An angel is whispering in my ear.”

She laughed lightly.

“I could sleep for hours,” he yawned, “But I’m glad you woke me.”

He yawned again, stretched, and stood. Then he glanced down, as did Olivia. He was hard as a pike. As he looked back at her, she grinned and shook her head in amusement.

Olivia held out her hand, and he took it. Then she led him toward the bathroom. He climbed into the tub and lowered himself. Since his legs were so long, he had to bend them slightly at the knee.

Olivia picked up the sponge and his soap and sat on the edge of the large tub. She lathered his body using a slow circular motion, beginning at his neck and across his shoulders.

Dipping the sponge in the tub, Olivia then squeezed it, and rivulets of warm water trailed down his muscular chest. She leaned forward to wash his back, and her breasts brushed by his cheek. A ragged moan tore from his throat.

“I picked a good time to give my valet, Jergens, the week off. You are doing an admirable job as his replacement,” he murmured seductively.

Olivia laughed. “I’m glad you are pleased, Your Grace.”

After dropping the sponge in the water, she soaped his hair and massaged his scalp. Gideon leaned his head back and sighed.