Page 61 of The Scarred Duke's Bride
“I’m sorry,” Eric said. “We got caught up in the storm. We had to take shelter, until it stopped." He took hold of Freya’s arm. “Now, if you will excuse me, my wife and I would like to change out of these wet clothes before we catch our death.”
Guests made way for them, still murmuring with concern and understanding. Eric led Freya through the crowds and up the door to the castle where they found Silver waiting just behind the door. He bowed. “If you will follow me…” he said before beginning to walk towards the stairs.
Without a word, Eric followed in his wake, supporting Freya by her arm; she staggered along, unsteady on her feet. He looked at her with some concern. “How are you feeling?”
She turned and smiled at him. “I’m tired and sleepy.”
He nodded. “That makes sense. Never fear, we're almost there.”
Silver opened the door to their chambers, and they stepped in and then stopped abruptly, looking around. It was early morning, and they had barely taken ten minutes to reach their chambers, yet it had been prepared already. Two giant tubs of steaming water stood side by side, the screen that usually separated the tub from the bed chamber pushed aside. The tubs had also been moved closer to the fireplace which was roaring. The room smelled of oils and scents— lavender, peppermint, lemon, and rose filled the air. The giant four poster was scattered with petals as was the surface of the tubs. A gentle scented steam rose all around them, gently urging them towards the tubs.
Both the lady’s maid and valet were present, ready to help them with their clothes. Eric and Freya exchanged glances of perfect understanding. They turned to Silver as one. “We would prefer to be alone, please,” Eric said, nodding to the servants.
The lady’s maid and valet immediately instituted a curtsy and a bow respectively and left the room. Silver hesitated. “I understand that you are tired, but you have a schedule to keep, and this is still your most fertile period.”
Eric’s grip tightened on Freya even as he saw her blush crimson. “Thank you, Silver. We are aware. Now, unless you intend to watch, we shall have to ask you to leave.”
Silver gave a dignified bow and left the room.
* * *
Freya and Eric looked at each other for a long moment.
“Would you like me to help you with your stays?" he asked.
She turned, giving him her back. “Yes please.”
His fingers brushed against her skin as he unlaced her corset. Once it was off, much to her relief, he began to massage her back slowly. “Better?" he asked.
“Much.”
She smiled, turning around to face him. “Is there anything I can help you with?" she whispered, feeling a bit breathless.
He reached for the buttons of his shirt, never taking his eyes away from hers. “Not just at the moment.”
She watched him unbutton his shirt, her eyes following the movement of his fingers. Her breath came shorter and shorter the more of his chest was revealed as though she had never seen it before. She did not understand why.
Finally, his shirt was completely open, and he threw it on the floor. He reached for the ties of his breeches, and she tried to look away, but her eyes would not let her. Standing there in her petticoat, she could feel the wetness growing between her legs, her knees going so weak that she was surprised they could hold her up.
First with one leg and then the other, he tugged his breeches off, throwing them atop his shirt, leaving him in just his pantaloons. She did not even pretend not to be staring at how his innerwear tented at the front.
When he reached for the waist of his pantaloons and began to pull, she turned towards her tub.
“Are you not taking off your petticoat?” he asked.
With a long inhalation of breath, she reached down and pulled her petticoat off, walking to the tub stark naked while he watched. It was the single bravest thing she had ever done. First one foot and then the other, she lowered herself into the steaming water with a contented sigh.
She heard footsteps padding towards her and swept her lashes down to cover her eyes, seeing his feet, naked and hairy, in front of her before they lifted, and she heard a small splash as he stepped in his tub. He gave a contented smile as well, and she turned to smile at him in understanding.
He returned her smile before his gaze traveled lower, passing over what he could see of her form before returning to her face. “You seem more awake now," he murmured.
“That’s because I am.” She grinned at him.
“Good.” He reached over with his hand, holding it open, and she put her hand in it.
“Would you like me to scrub your back for you?”
She hesitated, wondering if he meant what she thought he meant.
