Page 66 of Lord of Loyalty

“I know.” He didn’t look at all contrite as he started undoing the points of his doublet one-handed.

“Oh, for goodness’ sake—that will take you all night.”

He didn’t bother to hide a feral grin as she took over the task, rapidly undoing the bows that tied his leather laces. All the while, she felt his eyes on her and the caress of his breath on her cheek. His gaze was a tangible thing—it was as if he touched her wherever he looked. Her body resonated in response.

Soon all the laces—except those which fastened his upper hose—were undone. She helped him shrug out of his doublet, resisting the urge to run her hands appreciatively over his broad shoulders.

“The shirt, too, if you will—the knot at the neck is too tight to manage one-handed.”

She ought to leave now. He could sleep in his shirt, could he not? All the same, she went to him, bade him lift his chin, and undid the knot in the linen cord.

“Thank you. It’s hot tonight, so I’ll take this off.” He pulled the tail of the shirt free from his hose and tried to bring it one-handed over his head.

“Help!” His voice was muffled as he got stuck halfway. Isobel had to smother a laugh as she rushed to assist him. But when the shirt came away, the laugh became a gasp, and she stared, mesmerized, at his torso.

Who would have expected to see the perfection of Italian sculpture made flesh? But now the proof was before her, the finely honed muscles rippling with strength beneath the marble-smooth skin. Will’s chest was covered with a down of fine blond hair, darkening over his breastbone and beneath his throat, and swirling in little eddies around his nipples. Silvery scars marred his skin, tokens of battles long past. It took all Isobel’s self-control not to stroke her fingers over the marks, and press her lips to them.

She felt Will watching her, assessing her response to his naked flesh, and flushed.

He didn’t seem to mind. Instead, he reached for the lace that secured the front of her gown and started undoing it.

His voice was soft but determined. “Now it’s your turn.”