Soft, sheer curtains draped elegantly around the alcove, their fabric catching a gentle breeze from a nearby open window, causing the fabric to billow in the gentle rhythm of the night air. The curtains gave a sense of privacy and intimacy, enclosing the bath into a world of its own. A place where she could indulge in sensual exploration with the man close behind her.
Standing at the edge of the marble basin containing waters shaded a deep aquamarine gave her the sense of a tranquil, hidden oasis. The round contours of the tub were smooth and flowing. On the outside, the edges of delicate, gold filigree depicted scenes of mythical creatures dancing amidst waves and clouds. These intricate designs shimmered subtly as they caught the wavering light of nearby candles.
Beckoning waters gently swayed inside the tub, its glass-like surface reflecting the twinkling ceiling above. Tiny, luminescent petals floated gracefully atop the water, releasing a soft fragrance that mingled with the scent of jasmine already in the air. The aroma was a sinful promise of escape.
Around the bath, carved stone steps led down to the water’s edge, their surfaces etched with geometric patterns that mirrored the mosaic on the floor. Lush greenery flanked the steps, potted plants with broad leaves and vibrant flowers adding a touch of nature’s beauty to the elegant setting.
Beside the bath, a small wooden table held an assortment of luxurious bath essentials. Crystal bottles filled with oils and fragrant salts glistened, their contents promising indulgence and rejuvenation. An ivory comb lay nearby, its delicate teeth carved with floral designs, ready to untangle her unruly curls.
“Allow me.”
Ari’s soft words meant nothing to Morgan, but his masculine tone struck a hidden feminine cord deep within her. She squealed with a laugh when he swept her into his arms and carried her down the marble steps into the tub.
“Ari!” Morgan laughed. No one had swept off her feet before. “I can walk, you know.” She clasped her arms around his thick neck with a huge smile.
“Yeah, but then I couldn’t do this.” The mischievous gleam in his gray eyes was her only warning. He lowered his head, his eyes at half-mast as his lips parted bare inches from hers.
She licked her lips as her own eyelids lowered
He dropped her.
She didn’t even have time to scream before the water covered her. Opening her eyes in the water, she spied his thickly muscled calves covered in light blond hair. Holding her breath, she reached over and pulled.
He went down like a rock, his back hitting the surface with a loud splash.
Giggling, she surfaced and watched him flounder before he righted himself. Dang, he was so big he almost emptied the tub.
The ornate brass faucet, styled like a majestic serpent, stood poised above the tub, pouring a gentle stream of water, like a miniature waterfall.
“Kashshaptu!“ Ari wiped his hand down his face, giving her a narrow-eyed glare. “You’ll pay for that!”
Morgan giggled again. She threw her shoulders back to show she wasn’t afraid. “Witch? Who you callin’ a witch, youidimmu?“ Yeah, evil demon. Take that.
The man might be big as a horse, but he was quick. Morgan found herself wrapped in his arms, his lips covering the side of her neck. She moaned, moving her head back to give him better access. Wrapping her arms around his beefy neck, she jumped up and wrapped her legs around his trim waist. Ah, yes. Skin. Slick, hard as nails, man-skin.
Morgan nipped the thick tendon at the side of his nape. “Are we just going to play, or are you smart enough to get down to business?” She had no trouble asking for what she wanted in the bedroom. And she wanted this man here and now. She was so primed she’d come apart the minute his thick erection entered her.
Ari pulled back to look her in the eyes. “Morgan, I… ah,” his neck and cheeks darkened.
She captured his scruffy jaws between her palms. “What is it, Ari? You can tell me.”
He dipped his chin and looked over her shoulder. “Um, I…” His head tilted up and his steely-gray eyes bore into hers. “I don’t know what to do.”
Morgan sucked in a breath. He was a virgin? No way. She pursed her lips. “Are you telling me you’ve never made love before?” She unhooked her legs from around his waist and let them slide to the ground, until the warm water lapped over her waist. “How’s that possible?” Stepping back, she gestured over his magnificent chest. “I mean, just look at you. You’re practically a walking advertisement for overt masculinity.”
Ari grinned. “I am?” He shook his head and closed his eyes. The flush under his skin now darkened his upper chest. “I don’t know if I’ve had sex before or not.” He opened his eyes and pointed to the side of his temple, mussing his darkened blond hair wet from the bath. “Amnesia, remember?”
Her smile was slow. She stepped close to him. Standing on her toes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and yanked him close. “How ’bout you let me show you what to do?” She spoke in a soft whisper against his lips.
He groaned and pulled her flush against him. “Would it be okay with you if we do this horizontally… like on a dry surface?”
Morgan hummed. “I can’t think of anything I’d like better.”
Chapter Six
Thenextthingsheknew, Morgan was flat on her back on the luxurious bed she’d spied earlier, blanketed by Ari’s slick body. Since she couldn’t remember walking from the bath to the bed, she came to a startling conclusion.
“We’re in a Dreamwalk, aren’t we?” She stared at the throbbing pulse at the base of his muscular neck. She fingered his skin as she studied his handsome face. “This isn’t real, is it?”
