Page 68 of My Darling Rogue
“Celia, I am waiting for an answer.”
Her head jerked in a nod. “Yes. I understand.”
“Good girl. Now, up you go.”
The firm, praising quality of his words had the surprising effect of melting Celia’s worry away. How odd that she experienced a wave of calm. She felt it in her bones as she slid from his lap and stood, aided by Gabriel’s hands guiding her.
“Remove your traveling garments.”
The command gave her pause, but an arch of his eyebrow reminded her she’d just agreed to do as he instructed.
Although disrobing would be easier if she had a maid, she managed well enough. In a matter of minutes, she’d removed the gown and now stood dressed only in a light corset, an ivory-hued chemise with matching stockings, and her undergarments. She also retained the shoes because when she bent to remove them, Gabriel made a noise in his throat and shook his head.
His eyes raked over her form, turning darker by the minute, the pupils eating up the irises until they were shimmering pools of deep brown.
“Celia,” his voice cracked a little. “You are truly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I can scarcely believe you are mine.”
Celia ducked her head, blushing from the compliment. Her hands came up to cover her breasts, which seemed so very exposed, but he stopped her once again.
“Do not hide from me, Celia.” His breath was harsher now, and a darkened intensity permeated the room, matching his demeanor.
Her hands dropped to her sides, waiting for his next instruction and hating herself for wanting to do whatever would please him.
“Do you see the dressing table there? I want you leaning over it, facing the mirror with your backside to me.”
Celia paused. It was a position which would display her body in the most brazen way.
“But before you do…” Gabriel’s voice was a silky caress of all things wicked and sinful. “You will remove everything with the exception of your stockings.”
He wanted her completely naked? Celia’s heart stuttered. She wasn’t sure she could do that. Everything inside her rebelled at the thought of being so exposed. She must have appeared somewhat dazed because Gabriel cupped her chin in the cage of his large, warm hand.
“Remember what I’ve told you about breathing, pet,” Gabriel said, his eyes blazing as he stared down at her. “This will help you work through all the emotions you are feeling right now. I promise you.”
“I’m not angry anymore,” she whispered desperately.
He only smiled as though he knew she was attempting to avoid whatever he had planned.
“Remove your clothes, Celia.”
There seemed to be nothing else she could do but submit. Closing her eyes, Celia spun around.
“You must undo the laces.” She was surely blushing bright pink from head to toe with embarrassment.
“Of course, sugarplum.”
She stood quivering, waiting for the feel of his fingers tugging at the corset’s ribbons. But he seemed content to let her wait for it was several seconds before she heard him rise from the chair and approach her.
“Do you remember I once told you I would happily take the job of dressing and undressing you, Celia?” His voice was a husky murmur as he reached for the ribbons. A few sharp tugs and the boned corset sagged forward, slack enough that Gabriel could draw it over her head, and then it was tossed aside. The warmth of his body seared her backside as he came closer. “My desire for that has not lessened. Indeed, seeing you like this only increases my need for every part of you.”
His fingers trailed the outline of her bare shoulder blade with the delicate violence of a firebrand. Celia shivered when she heard the raw desire in his tone.
Then cool air brushed her skin as he stepped away.
“Continue,” he ordered softly.
She could not turn and face him as she stepped out of her underdrawers and pulled the chemise over her head. But she felt the heat of his gaze looking his fill of her naked back and bare buttocks. The blush staining her skin deepened.
“So lovely,” Gabriel murmured in appreciation. Then in a sharper tone, he said, “Over the dressing table, Celia. Reach your arms out to the sides and grasp the edges.”
