“Nobody on this ship is likely to know us or care what we do. Did you use my title on the ship’s manifesto?”
“No, only your name and last name. But that may be enough for someone to identify you.”
She shrugged. “If someone identifies me, and if that someone finds out we are sharing a cabin, we will just explain that you are my doctor, and I need your services at all hours.” She smirked before adding. “That’s not even a lie. We just won’t say what type of services.”
His face split in an unexpected grin, the shift in his mood as swift as the sun breaking through gray clouds. “You are a naughty girl, aren’t you? I can’t conceive anyone would look at you and not see the sensual, vibrant woman you are.”
“Trust me, they will believe it. People look at me and see only half a person, incapable of experiencing, or inspiring, passion. They seldom look beyond the surface. And as much as I hate my infirmity, I’m not above using it to my advantage.”
“Need my services at all hours, do you?” he teased, his tone turning from playful to intimate.
“I absolutely do.” She smiled at him with what she hoped was a sultry invitation.
“I’m at my lady’s service. Always.”
With that, he carried her to the bed, followed her down to lie on top of her, claiming her mouth in a possessive kiss. He removed her clothes slowly, unwrapping her like a precious gift, savoring every part of her body he uncovered.
They both settled into the rhythm of the ship’s departure. The hum of the engines and the call of the crew covered their moans and groans of pleasure. The rocking of the sea added to the motion of their bodies entwining, grabbing, straining. Desire rose, swelled, then crashed through them. Demanding their complete surrender.
CHAPTER 15
ThewonderfulsightofKai’s naked buttocks greeted Esther as she opened her eyes. His muscular, well-formed buttocks. A wash of heat swept through her at the memory of how they had flexed and contracted as he thrust into her. It was her favorite spot to place her hands when they made love. The powerful muscles of his back were a staunch competitor for the honor, and she loved to map the flared contours that narrowed down to slim hips. But once he started moving inside her, the buttocks called to her. It was as if, with their flexing, she could anticipate the exhilarating slide of his flesh into her.
The pearly light of down caressed the outline of his body as he stood in the small tin tub, washing his body with quick, efficient movements. The soapy washcloth left a glistening trail of foam over his back, his arms. His body was so beautiful. All sleek muscles and feline grace. She wished he would turn around so she could see the front. Imagined the bubbles sliding down this chest, over his abdomen, and down below, to his rod. She wouldlove to help him wash. The soapy water would provide slickness for her hands to slide over his body, providing just enough friction to drive them both to distraction.
She enjoyed these intimate moments of domesticity. In the week since they departed, she had discovered that sharing accommodations differed greatly from just sleeping with someone. It gave her the opportunity to observe all these little habits of daily life that you don’t get to see when your partner has somewhere else he can go to get ready. In almost two decades of marriage, she had never seen her husband perform these daily rituals.
Kai rose very early. The man moved with the stealth of a shadow, and most days, she wasn’t aware of him leaving the bed. But she often saw him on his return, entering the room with the same stealth, sweaty, and carrying a bucket of hot water. He had explained that he liked to exercise in the mornings, practice hiskung fu.To avoid disturbing her sleep, he went to the parlor, where the room steward set up a cot for him every night for appearance’s sake, even though he had not used it once.
She had almost called good morning when he came in this morning, but then he set the bucket down and started stripping. It didn’t take long for him to be naked, for he wore only a loose belted tunic and wide pants.
As soon as his chest was exposed, she had lost the desire to speak or even think. It was so much better to indulge her sight.
So she lay, not daring to move, controlling her breathing so as to not disturb the fascinating activities of her lover getting ready for the day. Her lover…the word felt right. Sensual, wicked. She rather liked the idea of having a lover. Of being loved. Wanted. Desired. Lusted after. It was something she had not felt in such a long time. Perhaps ever. At least not with this intensity.
His arms moved as he scrubbed his front. She watched, fascinated, as the muscles of his legs bunched when he crouchedto grab a little tin cup. He used it to sluice water over his body, rinsing away the soap that slid down his body with reluctance, as if wanting to cling to him.
She was sorry when he wrapped a towel around his waist after a brisk rubdown. Small droplets of water clung to his back, like dew on leaves. Still undressed, he went to the washstand where his shaving supplies were laid out and performed the manly ritual of taking a razor to his face.
His shaving concluded, Kai moved beyond her sight, to the other side of the room where the wardrobe stood. Now he would dress, ensuring he was properly attired for when her maid arrived to help her dress. He was always so circumspect she was sure even the steward who came in every morning to tend to the room believed that he slept on the cot.
She sighed and started to turn, only to feel the mattress dip and his naked body slide next to her, embracing her from behind.
“Got a nice eyeful?” he whispered. The fresh and spicy scent of his shaving soap washed over her as he nibbled her ear.
She mewled like a kitten, melting into him. The sensations cascading through her body were too wonderful to articulate.
“You knew I was looking?”
“Mm-hmm. Felt your gaze like a caress, touching me everywhere.”
Just as he was touching her right now, sneaking his hands under her chemise, gliding them up her torso to cup her breasts.
“Why didn’t you say something?” she breathed.
“What, and ruin your fun?” She heard the smile on his tone.
“Then why didn’t you turn around and gave me a proper look?” Oh, she was feeling quite naughty this morning.
