Page 50 of Blood and Roses

"But better looking, one should hope."

"Mm, still a bit creepy though. What time is it?"

"Who cares? Is there somewhere you need to be?"

"I suppose not." Rosa stroked the side of his face. "I really want a shower, though, so that means I'm going to have to get up eventually."

"There is a very large shower through that door over there," he pointed. "And clean towels."

"Good." Rosa stretched and sat up. He watched her walk naked across the floor, pausing to give him a suggestive look over one shoulder. "Are you coming or not? I need someone to help me get the knots out of my hair. Seeing how you are the one that put them there, it's really your responsibility."

"I love how you think you can boss me about. It's so sweet and endearing."

Rosa shrugged. "Fine. Have it your way. I'll get hot and wet on my own." She disappeared, the taps turning on. Balthasar stretched before he got out of bed and went into the bathroom. The glass panes were already foggy as he opened the door and trapped her under the hot water.

"I was wondering when you were going to turn up," she said, leaning back up against him.

"I was taught that it's rude to keep a lady waiting," he replied as he took some of his shampoo and started to massage it into her hair and scalp.

"That feels amazing. I think I'm going to have to get you to come to every shower from now on," Rosa moaned happily.

"You only want me for my hair washing skills? I feel so used."

She put her hands up to rinse the soap, lifting her breasts in a way that made him want to paint them. He washed her shoulders before moving around to them. He thought she would crack another joke, but instead, she pushed back into him invitingly. He let his hands move lower over her warm, wet skin to touch her.

"You'd best be able to follow through with all this teasing. I'm not to be trifled with in the morning, especially before coffee."

Balthasar spun her around with a spray of water, kissing her as he pressed her up against the tiled wall. He lifted her up,before lowering her down onto him. Rosa gasped as he moved inside of her, hot water cascading down over them.

"God, I love that you are strong enough to do this," Rosa groaned before he robbed her of the ability to speak altogether.

Rosa watchedBalthasar walk through the attic with a dining tray, wearing only a pair of pressed trousers. She couldn't remember seeing anything so arousing.

"Breakfast," he said, placing it down on the small table in front of the chaise she was sitting on.

"I thought I already had it." She grinned as he sat down next to her. He leaned over and rolled up the sleeves of the shirt she had stolen from him, so she didn't drag it through the jam every time she reached for her tea.

"You had one breakfast, but you are still human and need proper food."

"I could go on a sex and Gatorade diet," she suggested. "It would sure beat the hell out of Paleo."

Balthasar pushed down the plunger of his coffee, watching her out of the corner of his eye.

Damn, you need to look away, Rosa. He just had to carry you from the shower because you could barely walk.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked.

"The state of politics in Great Britain," she lied outrageously, sipping her tea.

"Really? That is...odd."

"Why? What were you thinking about?"

"Just the usual Vane family drama. Like how I am going to keep a house full of Gwaed Gam away from the staff, or all the ways I would like to kill the Seelie when they arrive. Then thereis the problem of the time I'm going to have to spend behaving myself when you are around because if I show you the slightest favor, they will be all over you, and not in a pleasant way. Let's not forget that I'm not meant to be laying a finger on you, and yet I am suddenly composing speeches to Eli in my head as to why I really must touch you, everywhere and with enthusiasm, at all times," Balthasar responded as he passed her a croissant.

"Whoa, Vane drama indeed." Rosa put an arm lazily over his shoulder. "Don't worry about ignoring me. Just know that while you are doing all of that, I will be thinking about all the things I'm going to do to you once they all leave again."

"Thank you for that image. You've just made my predicament infinitely harder."

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