Page 54

She thought about it and then shook her head. ‘I want you to order a hot bath for my husband. And I will tend him.’

Her maid smiled. ‘An excellent idea, Your Grace. I will make the arrangements.’

Charlotte glanced at the sheer silk. ‘After my husband’s bath is ready, please come to me and help me undress.’

Her maid murmured her agreement, and Charlotte dismissed her. Only after Moreen had gone did she pull out the forbidden book on lovemaking and sit at her escritoire with a pen and paper. She started at the beginning, taking notes and making lists of what she ought to do.

Yet this time, when she read the memoirs of the courtesan, the words kindled the memory of her husband’s touch. Before long, she was caught up in the forbidden story, and within the hour she realised the servants were filling the tub that had been brought into her husband’s bedchamber.

Amid the noise, Charlotte was careful to open the adjoining door just a few inches—only enough to see the tub without the door being fully open. And then the duke entered his bedchamber, sending his valet away.

She was about to move closer when a knock sounded at her own door. Charlotte went to open it, and Moreen stood there.

If they spoke, the duke would know that she meant to watch him. And so she raised a finger to her lips and turned so her maid could help her undress swiftly. She lifted her arms, and Moreen helped remove her gown before she began unlacing her stays. In the meantime, Charlotte stepped out of her shift, hardly breathing as her maid brought over the sheer gown and tied it at the front.

Moreen left the bedchamber quietly, and Charlotte moved back to the adjoining door. The duke had already stepped into the water, and she saw him leaning back, his strong arms resting on the edge of the tub. His hair was wet, as if he’d just dunked it into the water. Alaric reached for the soap, but a moment later, he dropped it, and it skidded across the wooden floor. He started to get up, but Charlotte opened the door, letting him see her in the sheer gown.

‘I’ll get the soap for you,’ she murmured.

His gaze turned hungry the moment he saw her there. But then he sat back in the water. ‘The nightdress suits you.’

‘I didn’t know how to put it on,’ she confessed. ‘I’ve never…never worn anything like this before.’

‘Come closer so I can get a better look.’

Charlotte reached down and picked up the soap before she walked towards him. She was conscious of the way the sheer gown emphasized her breasts, and in the cool air of his room, her nipples pebbled.

‘Were you watching me in my bath?’ he asked, his voice rough.

She kept the soap in her hand, feeling her heartbeat pounding. ‘I was, yes. Was that…wrong of me?’

‘No.’ Then he held out his hand, waiting for her to give him the soap.

But then another idea came to her instead. She kept the soap and dipped it into the water, lathering her hands.

‘What are you doing, Charlotte?’ The timbre of his voice seemed to slide beneath her skin, making her ache for his touch.

She didn’t answer but brought her hands to his shoulders. She soaped his wet skin and then began massaging him the way she had done once before.

Alaric’s grey eyes grew heated, and the steam from the water warmed her own skin. He gave a heavy sigh, closing his eyes as he leaned forward to give her more access. She continued washing his back, and as she moved her hands over his body, it made her crave his touch.

She wanted her husband. But it was more than wanting to join their bodies together—she wanted him to love her the way he’d loved Lenora. And tonight she hoped to satisfy him in a way that would make him forget anyone else but her.

Charlotte soaped her hands again and moved them to his broad chest, keeping her eyes fixed upon his as she explored every muscle and ridge. When her hands dipped beneath the water, she leaned down and kissed his mouth. Although it wasn’t the first time—she’d thrown herself at him on Christmas morning—it felt new somehow.

This time, he didn’t pull away. She kissed his mouth softly, and his wet hands came up to cup her breasts, dampening the silk and turning it transparent.

A moan escaped her, for her breasts were incredibly sensitive. When she opened her mouth, his tongue slid against hers. The sensation was shocking, but when he began to caress the tight buds, his kiss seemed to magnify the sensation. She grew wet, not only upon her breasts, but also between her thighs.

The book had said something about touching him intimately. She remembered touching him once before and was suddenly desperate to explore him again. Had he liked it? Would he like it again? Or was it too improper? She continued kissing him and dipped her hand beneath the water. Her fingers bumped against his hard length, and she faltered.

‘Sorry,’ she whispered.

But he captured her hand in his and brought it beneath the water. He guided it to his thick erection. ‘Was this what you wanted?’

Her mouth went dry, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. ‘Is that…all right?’

‘God, yes.’