Gracie’s pulse raced,desire and nerves tangling together. She glanced down, feeling the vulnerability of her chemise, and then back up at him, his eyes meeting hers. She was alive with heat, anticipation, and something that was rapidly becoming need.
Jaxon leanedback in his chair, smirk tugging at his lips, still holding her dress.
“Next hand, lass?”he asked, voice teasing, though his gaze never left her.
Gracie hesitated,heart hammering in her chest, but a small smile tugged at her lips. “Aye… next hand,” she said, voice soft, almost breathless.
She beganto untie the laces down her corset. Her fingers trembled, heart hammering against her ribs. She took a deep breath and loosened them slowly, feeling the constriction release little by little. Her chest heaved with each breath, and her breasts rose and fell, warm and full beneath the thin chemise. She could feel Jaxon’s eyes on her, burning into her skin, and the heat of his gaze made her pulse quicken.
Carefully,she tugged the last lace free, letting the corset fall away from her body. She shivered as the cool air brushed her bare skin, aware of every inch of her vulnerability. Her hands lingered on the chemise, gripping it slightly as if it were both shield and temptation. Though she knew that the rosy tips of her breasts were hard and pressing against the fabric.
Jaxon’s eyes darkened,and she felt the faintest shiver of desire run down her spine, cheeks blazing with warmth.
She setthe corset gently on the table, her fingers lingering for a moment. Her voice was soft, but steady, carrying just enough resolve to mask her fluttering nerves.
“This… this is me wager,”she whispered, her gaze flicking up to meet his, breathless and bold all at once.
Gracie feltthe thrill of daring, the mixture of embarrassment and excitement swirling inside her. She had made her move, and now all that remained was to see how Jaxon would respond. The air between them was thick with tension, her pulse echoing in her ears as she waited for his reply.
19
Gracie watched the final cards fall on the table, her breath caught tight in her chest as she saw at once she had lost. The room seemed suddenly too warm, the candlelight too bright, and she felt every inch of Jaxon’s gaze upon her as if it were a tangible thing. Her fingers trembled as she rose, cheeks aflame, knowing there was naught left to shield her but her courage. She told herself she would not flinch, even as her heart hammered like a drum.
She slippedthe chemise from her shoulders with deliberate care, the linen whispering as it fell. Cool air kissed her skin, and she folded her arms briefly over her breasts before forcing herself to let them drop. She stood bare before him, flushed and mortified, yet strangely proud that she had not turned away. Her eyes lifted to his, daring him to look and daring herself to be seen.
Jaxon went utterly still,his chair scraping softly as he stood. A low sound left him, rough and unguarded, and he said her name as if it were a prayer pulled from his chest.
“Gracie. Ye’re beautiful,”he murmured, the words thick with something fierce and reverent all at once.
Gracie feltthe weight of them settle deep within her, steadying her shaking limbs.
He crossedthe space between them in two strides, stopping just short as though giving her the chance to retreat. She did not move, though her breath came fast and shallow, her skin alive with awareness. His hand lifted, hovering near her waist, asking without words. When she nodded, barely, his fingers rested there, warm and certain.
The touch senta shiver through her that had nothing to do with the chill. She felt as though every place he touched woke from a long sleep, her body answering him before her mind could catch up.
“Jaxon,”she whispered, unsure whether it was a plea or a warning. He bent his head, resting his brow against hers, breathing her in.
“Tell me to stop,and I will,” he said softly, though there was strain beneath the gentleness.
She swallowedand shook her head, the movement small but resolute. His hands slid to her back, firm and protective, as though he meant to anchor her there. The closeness stole her breath more than any boldness could have.
When he kissed her,it was slow and unhurried, a claiming tempered by care. Gracie melted into him, her hands clutching at him as if he were the only solid thing left in the world. The kiss deepened, not in haste but in promise, and she felt her knees weaken beneath her. He murmured her name again, voice rough with feeling.
She became acutelyaware of the breadth of his chest, the strength held in his arms, and the way he kept her close without overwhelming her. Each brush of his thumb along her side sent sparks racing through her veins. Her body felt suddenly her own in a way it never had before, not something to hide or apologize for. She pressed closer, emboldened by the warmth of his approval.
“Ye ken I’ve wanted ye,”he said quietly, lips brushing her temple.
The confession madeher chest ache, sharp and sweet all at once. She answered by placing her hand over his heart, feeling the steady, powerful beat beneath her palm.
“I want ye too,”she admitted, her voice barely above a breath.
Jaxon’s handstraced her back with a tenderness that made her eyes sting. She felt cherished, not merely desired, and it undid her.
He drewher toward the bed without haste, every step a quiet agreement between them. Gracie followed willingly, her earlier embarrassment replaced by a deep, humming anticipation. Shetrusted him in that moment with a certainty that surprised her. Whatever followed would be theirs alone.
Jaxon bade her,“Stretch out upon the bed and rest easy,” his voice low and coaxing as he knelt at her feet.
Gracie hesitated onlya breath before she agreed, the long day settling heavy in her bones. He took her hand, cradling it as though it was something precious.
