Page 40 of Touch of Death
“These first.”
The woman reaches for a set of undergarments next to the dress, presenting them to me. I stare at the tiny gold pieces of fabric, my cheeks burning with heat as I realize they’ll most likely be seen through the sheer silk of the dress.
“I don’t think I can wear this.”
“Nonsense, Eros chose this himself,” she says. “Don’t worry, I will assist you. It is a rather complicated piece.”
I decide to give it a chance before deciding anything and quickly slip on the strange undergarments as she reaches for my towel. She helps me wrap the long gold threads around my body, securing them in place before slipping the dress over my head.
Instantly, I know I never would have figured out how to wear it without her help. As she finishes arranging it over my body, she pins it in place. Stepping back, her eyes sparkle as she gives me an approving nod.
I’m almost nervous to glance toward one of the large mirrors, but I do as curiosity wins out. The dress plunges nearly to my navel, the soft curve of my breasts just barely exposed as long slits ride high up over my hips, exposing the length of my legs with even the smallest of movements.
Surprisingly, though I can see glimpses of the gold undergarments beneath, the white fabric is wrapped in such a way that it is more alluring than it is revealing.
At least, compared to what I thought it would be, as this is still by far the most exposed that I have ever been while somehow being considered fully dressed.
“Don’t you think it’s a little much?” I ask.
“No, you look beautiful,” she says, stepping toward me and turning me away from the mirror. She reaches up to undo several of the braids, allowing some of my hair to cascade down my back in soft waves before giving me one last nod. “And now, you look perfect.”
Before I can turn to see the finished look, there’s a knock at the door, and my attendant moves to open it, revealing her companion on the other side.
“Eros has summoned them for dinner,” she says.
I’m ushered from the bathroom and into the center of the room to find a small man waiting just outside the bedroom door.
“I am here to escort you and your companion to dinner,” he says with a small nod toward me.
“Where is Death—”
My heart skips a beat in my chest as I hear the soft clearing of a throat behind me. Turning, I find Death standing before me.
He looks as handsome as ever in an all-black outfit and a brand-new skull mask. I’m both amazed and confused by how perfectly it fits him, both seeming to cover him in his entirety and yet, accentuate every powerful line of his body.
I can’t help the way my eyes move to take all of him in, blushing as I see that the fabric leaves the shape of him more exposed to me than I had previously realized. My body has already sparked to life as I quickly drag my eyes back to his, only to find his own still searching me.
It seems neither of us is able to summon the words to voice our amazement. At least, that’s what I secretly hope is causing his silence.
Pulling myself together, I search my mind desperately for something to say before I find myself lost in him again.
“You look,” I pause, allowing my eyes to take him once again before giving him a small smile, “absolutely terrifying.”
My words elicit a spark within his gaze, his shadows dancing up around him. In response, his eyes drop to rake over my body once more. I feel heat burning through me as he takes his time, letting his eyes trail over my curves. As the seconds pass, I find myself unable to stop tugging at the dress, fearing that he will consider it too revealing. Too inappropriate for someone like me.
“Do you not like it?” I ask, anxiety getting the better of me.
“No,” Death answers, his voice so low it sends a chill racing down my spine. “You look ravishing, as always, little one. It is only that, seeing you dressed like that and in a place like this, I fear my patience, as well as my self-control, will be tested. I have no doubt all eyes will be on you tonight.”
“I can ask to change—” I start, looking down at myself worriedly.
“Absolutely not,” he growls, stepping closer to tilt my chin toward him. “As long as you are happy in it, I would have them look … and I will make them bleed for you, if necessary.”
My heart races in my chest at this, my mouth having gone dry at his words. Perhaps I was wrong; perhaps there is still a spark between us just waiting to be set ablaze.
Death runs his gloved thumb over my chin before stepping back to offer me his arm. I take it without hesitation, thankful for the distraction, as we turn toward the man waiting in the doorway.
We follow him in silence, moving through the marbled halls that seem to almost whisper in anticipation of the night ahead. However, the further we walk, the more anxious I become over the thought of joining Eros and his court for dinner.
