Page 44 of The Duke of Pain

“No one had ever done this for me before, besides a few servants. This sort of familiarity is entirely new to me and welcome.” Gideon sighed contentedly.

His words filled her with joy because she felt the same.

Such intimacy.

Not only the lovemaking but spending time together.

“I’ve never brought a woman to my residence before,” he continued. “I’ve never brought anyone to my private place.”

“Then I am honored. I mean that.”

Olivia stood and collected the pitcher from the counter. Filling it with warm water from the taps, she then rinsed his hair, running her fingers through it while slowly washing the soap away.

Once Olivia set the empty pitcher on the floor, she headed toward the counter and busied herself. Glancing back at Gideon, she found his intense gaze was firm on her. Liv smiled and set the tray aside.

She removed his shirt and stood before him, naked. Olivia stepped into the tub and straddled him, her knees resting on either side of his hips.

“I thank providence for ordering the extra-large bathtub,” Gideon murmured seductively.

Olivia laughed as she reached for the shaving brush and soap cup. After swishing the brush in the water, she lathered his face.

A dollop of soap dripped onto his upper lip. Liv reached out with her finger and swirled it away. Her finger lingered, roving over his lips.

A husky moan escaped from him.

Olivia passed him the straight razor and held a round mirror before him.

“You do not want to shave me?” Gideon asked.

“I do not know how to. You would trust me with a razor?” Olivia teased.

He captured her gaze. “I trust you with my very soul.”

Her lower lip trembled with emotion. “Oh, Gideon.”

Silence filled the bathroom. The scraping of the razor over his heavy whiskers and the occasional splash of water were the only sounds.

Once finished shaving, Gideon laid the razor on the tray and sponged off the excess soap. He reached for the mirror and laid it next to the shaver.

“Do you know how astoundingly handsome you are?” Olivia said as she stroked his freshly shaved cheek. “I especially like your nose.” Her finger traced the length of it. “Long and sharp, but it fits your features perfectly. Very aristocratic.”

“Do you know how intoxicating you are, Liv? Do you know how much I want you—again?”

Olivia glanced downward. His prominent erection was not hard to miss. “I have an inkling,” she laughed.

“Sit here, ride me.”

“Truly?”

“Yes, here is where the trust comes into things. I swear that I have been careful in all my previous dealings. I will not come inside you. I just want you to take your pleasure, and when I am close, I will tell you so you can rise off of me. Do you agree? If not, you can fetch a condom from the bedroom.”

Olivia traced his lips with the tip of her finger. “I believe I would prefer it if you wore the French letter, or condom, whatever it is called. It is not so much a lack of trust in you—”

“It’s all right, Liv. Go and fetch one.”

Nodding, she rose up and climbed out of the tub. After locating the envelope on Gideon’s bedside table, she returned.

Gideon clasped his cock. “Put it on. I’ll help.”