“Then I’d love to. You would probably appreciate me more if I wasn’t smelly.”
I laughed at his wry tone. “True.”
Justin all but raced to my bathroom. A shout of excitement echoed down the hall. “Marbrey, my dear one, you might have to pry me out of your bathtub.”
I could think of worse fates. “Is it up to your standards?” I teased. Justin had never been to the bathroom at the end of the hall. The small water closet had served our needs well enough the few times he had stayed over.
“Come join me,” Justin shouted back.
Entering the room, I almost choked at the gorgeous sight before me. Justin had removed his clothing and stood exposed for my visual delight. Despite spending most of his time at elaborate political and social dinners, Justin’s body rippled with muscle. I am always in awe of his masculine beauty and my freedom to touch him. “It’s not fair that one man can be both smart and stunning.”
“I work out with Thorne,” he said as if he could read my mind, or more likely interpret my lustful expression.
“Well, I certainly don’t.” Not that I was heavy. Excess fat would mean I had money for food and the schedule to remember to eat. A twinge of self-consciousness had me clutching the end of my shirt like a scared maiden. “You’re not going to get that bath if you don’t start the water.” Brushing past him, I turned the tap. Water gushed into the large cast iron beast that covered most of the shiny white tile. They had used a pulley to bring it through the large window before replacing the glass. Trading a dozen mechanical marvels was worth it every time I wallowed in my luxurious tub. Some people might like gold and jewels. I preferred the creature comforts of a cup of tea, a good book and a hot bath. When you grow up without basic human needs, it’s the little things that make you happy.
Justin’s eyes lit with an inner fire as his gaze scraped across me. “Marbrey, my love, you have nothing to be ashamed of,” Justin crooned, tugging at my clothes. “I am always happy to discover the beauty you bury beneath those unattractive clothes.”
“What’s wrong with my clothes?” They protected me from workshop accidents and kept me warm. What else did clothing require?
Justin didn’t reply, instead he grabbed the bottom of my shirt, then slipped it over my head in one smooth motion. He tossed it over his shoulder without regard and more than a little glee.
“They do little to show off your loveliness. Now the pants,” he ordered.
I hesitated, then shook my head at my foolishness. I had bared myself to him before. He already knew every bump, scar, and mole. There were no more surprises for him to uncover.
“Feeling shy now?” Justin mocked.
“Shut up.” I blushed and unfastened my pants. Justin’s greedy fingers hindered more than helped the process.
“I don’t know who has been whispering falsities in your ear, beloved, but you are still the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen.”
I snorted. ”You should have your vision checked or perhaps get a better mirror. Has yours cracked recently?” Two could play this game. I tipped a liberal amount of bath oil into the water. Lavender infused the room in clouds of floral calm.
“Nice. Now I know what to buy you when I need to get into your good graces.” He kissed my cheek, then slid into the water, sloshing it perilously high along the sides. I turned off the tap to prevent any spillage.
“Come.” He waved his hands, beckoning me closer. I had no defense against the gleam in his eyes.
“I thought the oil was just lavender, but that isn’t all, is it?” Justin took another sniff.
I joined him and lay relaxed in his arms. Fragrant warm water swirled around us.
“A friend of mine runs an apothecary and makes it for me. It’s my personalized scent. It has lavender, vanilla, and other herbs in it. I’m not entirely sure of all its properties, but I find it calming. She also makes my soaps.” I lifted a bar to Justin’s nose.
He hummed his approval. “How am I just now learning you have a more luxurious bath time than I do? You’ve been holding out on me, love,” he teased.
My heart jolted over the endearment. Justin used pet names with an ease I will never attain.
I offered a dramatic sight. “You’re right. Now you’ve discovered my secret. I’ve been coveting my delightful bath all to myself.”
“You’ll have to take me to your friend’s shop sometime. Maybe she can make me my own scent.”
“Maybe. I’m not sure she can handle all your elegance.” Olivia would pass out if a duke showed up at her small apothecary.
Justin frowned. “Don’t you want to introduce me to your friends. I already know Oss.”
“Oss introduced us. I didn’t introduce you to Oss,” I reminded him.
“Are you ashamed of our relationship?”
