Page 114 of Doxy for the Ton
She opened the door to her dressing room, where her maid was already pouring water into the bathtub.
“Water’s all good and hot, ma’am,” Gracie said, opening a drawer to pull out a dish of soap. “It’s—Oh!” She let out a yelp as she noticed Alexander, dropping the soap. “Y-Your Grace. I didn’t expect to see you in here.” She turned to Mimi. “Ma’am, are you sure you want to…”
“It’s all right, Gracie,” Mimi said. “You may retire now.”
“But won’t you need me to—”
“I have all I need for tonight, Gracie.”
The maid glanced at Alexander again and blushed. Then she curtseyed and exited the chamber.
Mimi gestured to the tub. “Your bath awaits, Your Grace.”
Smiling, he removed his jacket. Then he unbuttoned his shirt and peeled it off. She approached him, but he raised his hand.
“No,” he said, his voice hoarse. “Let me remove my own clothes, while you watch.”
He continued to remove his garments until he stood before her, naked, the candlelight casting shadows across the planes of his muscles. She lowered her gaze and saw the evidence of his desire jutting proudly from the thatch of wiry curls.
“Does my lady like what she sees?”
“Very much.” She took his hand and led him to the bath. He stepped into the water and sank back, submerging his body, then gave a low growl of pleasure and closed his eyes.
“Oh, that feels so good.”
“Your Grace, we’ve not even begun.”
“My body aches all over after a day’s hard toil. What shall you do to ease it?”
Mimi reached for the soap and held it to her nose, inhaling the scent of lavender and herbs. She dipped it in the water and rubbed it against her hands until bubbles formed. Then she began to lather his body, running her hands along his neck and shoulders, until the tension in his muscles began to ease.
“Mmm,” he murmured, a lazy smile on his lips. “If only I could remain here forever.”
“You’d catch cold as the water cooled, Your Grace, and your skin would shrivel.”
Mimi continued to lather his chest and moved her fingers across his body in circles, spiraling inward toward his nipples, which stood, firm and erect, glistening in the candlelight.
“Oh, Mimi, to feel your hands on my body… I—Oh!”
He let out a low cry as she flicked his nipple with her fingertip.
“Witch,” he growled, and reached for her, curling his fingers around her upper arms. “Would you abuse the power you have over me? We must restore the balance.”
“Alexander, I’m fully dressed. I cannot—”
“Oh yes you can,” he said, and pulled her into the bath. She let out a squeal as water splashed over the edge of the bathtub and he held her against his chest.
“My gown!” she cried. “It’s—”
“An inconvenience, I know,” he said. “I must do something about that.”
He reached behind her and began to untie her sash. Then he tugged at her gown, but the sodden fabric clung to her body.
“Oh, damn it!” he cursed at the sound of material tearing. “I’ll buy you another.”
Then he gripped her gown and ripped it apart.
“Alexander,” she said, “at least let me—”
