Her hands froze, as she looked over her shoulder to see Noah enter the room.
“Let me help you,” he said as he came striding over.
“That…I mean…you can’t,” she fumbled with her words even as her fingers tangled in the strings. The man was ruining her concentration.
“I can.” He brushed his lips across her cheek. “Remember last night? We’ve been tangled together for days. I don’t see what the difference is.”
“You don’t?” she choked out, even as he loosened her petticoats, the fabric pooling on the floor. He started on her corset. “I was not, have never been, that is to say… You’ve not seen me…” Heat infused her cheeks.
“Naked?” he chuckled. “I know. I’m quite looking forward to it.”
She pulled away. “And what Noah will I get in the morning?”
He winced at that. “You’ll get this one. I’m done holding myself away from you, Avery. I’m yours to do what you will with.” And he held his arms out. It reminded her of that first night in the inn and despite herself, she relaxed.
“And what if I wanted to see you…” her voice dropped, “naked.” Her own stomach fluttered at her own boldness. Where had that come from? But she didn’t wish to pull the words back. In fact, as they settled between them, she found she liked them a great deal. They were bold, and brash, and her choice.
His hands stayed up, but his eyes developed a devilish twinkle. “My lady,” he murmured, his voice taking on a husky quality that left her breathless, “You should not make such requests of a rogue unless you mean them.”
In answer, she lifted the hem of her chemise and pulled her pantaloons out from under, revealing her stockings and garters.
She heard a low deep rumble from deep in his chest and in a flash his jacket was off, tossed onto the bed.
Would she regret this decision tomorrow? She wasn’t certain. But she knew she wanted to touch him before anyone told her it was her duty. This night was for her.
“On the bed,” he growled out.
“What about the bath?” she asked, looking back at the steaming water.
He gave a low throaty chuckle. “Oh, you’re getting in the bath. I just want to take your stockings off, love.”
She shivered at the idea of his hands on her legs, goose pimples breaking out all over her flesh. But she complied, half running on tiptoe as she made her way to the bed.
He loosened his cravat, the bit of fabric landing on the floor, the shirt following as he sauntered over to join her. “Your left foot, love.”
She lifted it and gasped in pleasure as his fingers pressed into her flesh just above her knee. Untying her garter, he rolled the stocking down her leg, sending a shower of tingles racing through her. Then he did the same to her other leg, adding a kiss to the inside of her knee.
She reached out a hand, trailing it through his hair.
Their gazes locked and for a moment neither moved. Then he shot up and sat next to her on the bed, tugging at his boots.
When he lifted her, her chemise still on, she gave a bit of yelp but reached around his neck. He carried her over the tub and set her lightly on her feet again. “Avery,” he said, his voice so gravelly, it made her shiver again. “I’m going to take off your chemise but I’m only going to look into your eyes.”
Her breath caught. Something about those words…they made her feel…cherished. Safe. How did he do that? “All right,” she answered. “I’m ready.”
His gaze never left hers as he reached for the hem. They stayed locked together as he bunched the fabric in his hands, his grey-green eyes sparkled in the candlelight with the tiniest flecks of gold until the fabric sailed over her head. Their gazes only broke for that second her chemise blocked her eyes, and when her vision returned, his gaze was there, unwavering.
She forgot to be afraid. Didn’t care that she hadn’t a stitch of clothing. All she could see was him.
Noah stared down at her, time forgotten as Avery’s warm brown eyes locked with his. He could read them as though they were a story or a book of poems.
They spoke of heartache and need, strength, and a desire to give despite all she’d been through. He didn’t deserve her, Noah felt that deep in his bones, but he was determined to give her what she needed in this world. And right now…she needed a bath.
He cupped her cheek in one hand and with the other, her waist. Silky soft skin met his rougher palm and he nearly groaned aloud at the sheer creaminess of her flesh. “In you go,” he whispered. “Careful now.”
She stepped into the tub and sank down, drawing her knees over her chest. He’d yet to look down but he still grinned at her display of modesty. With a small chuckle, he turned away and headed for the food tray.
“Where are you going?” she asked, confusion coloring her tone.
“You, love, need more to eat,” he returned and grabbed a hunk of ham that sat on the tray of food. Then he crossed back over to her and knelt down next to the tub.
She smiled as he held the meat out to her, and then she tipped her mouth open wider. Gently, she took a bite from his hand. And when she’d finished the morsel, her tongue darted out to lick a crumb off his thumb.
Hot need coursed through him.
From the first, everything had felt deeper with Avery than any experience before it. He’d wondered why but suddenly he knew. When he’d needed emotional comfort, she’d been there. And now, he wanted to be there for her.
It made the tie between them stronger.
It would also make it hurt worse if something happened to her but even if
