As one hand continued its gentle ministrations, his other hand slipped down and began massaging the sensitive nub between her legs. His lips lowered to the curve of her neck and nipped delicately at the skin.
Her breathing accelerated and her hips undulated in time with the motion of his hands. Just as she neared the peak of her release, his fingers pinched a nipple, and she catapulted over the cliff.
She lay limply against his chest as he gently finished washing her. Then he stood behind her, the water cascading from his body in rivulets. He helped her from the tub and wrapped her in a large towel. Sweeping her up in his arms, he carried her back over to the bed and deposited her on the sheets.
She couldn’t have moved if she wanted as he dried her limbs. He moved behind her and began toweling her hair. When he’d finished she turned around to face him. “I wanted to ask...”
“Yes?”
“That is I wondered why you didn’t...why you spent your seed on the sheets.” Heat suffused her cheeks as she finally managed to get out her question.
He looked at her oddly for a moment. “I don’t foresee you becoming pregnant as a part of our agreement, nor do I have any wish to sire bastards.”
All the blood drained from her face in one swift intake of breath. Fool! And she’d always considered herself such a practical minded girl. She hadn’t given any thought to the possibility of her getting pregnant.None.
Humiliation and shame rushed over her with speed to rival a runaway carriage. He must think her the biggest of dolts.
“Don’t feel badly,” he said in a quiet voice. “I’ve made certain neither of us will be in a situation we don’t desire.”
“You must think me so foolish,” she said in a shaky voice. “I of course know how women become with child, but I never thought about our...our activities making me so. And of course, you are right. That would never do.”
She paused and looked down at her hands. “Are you certain you can prevent such a thing?”
He pulled her chin back up and smiled at her. “I won’t allow it to happen, Jenna. You can trust me.”
She leaned forward into his chest wrapping her arms around him and laying her cheek against his skin. “I...”
“What is it?” he asked against her hair.
“I don’t want to leave,” she admitted.
“I don’t want you to leave either, but you must. It is nearly time and you’ve yet to dress. Not that I am complaining, mind you,” he said in a teasing tone. “But you must hurry, I’m afraid.”
Reluctantly she pulled away from his embrace and sat up straight on the bed. A sudden realization hit her, and she looked at him in alarm. “I don’t have any clothing!” She looked down at the tattered remnants of her gown lying on the floor.
“Not to worry, sweetheart. I’ll get something straight away.” He turned and exited the room.
A ridiculous smile attacked her face. Sweetheart. From him it sounded truly spectacular. Though she couldn’t be certain, it didn’t seem likely that he went about calling all his women sweetheart.
Her smile disappeared. Lady Lockhart. She’d gotten too caught up to ask Gray about her, and now that she’d remembered, the question wouldn’t die. She had to know.
Gray returned a few moments later with a gown that looked like it had been popular in years past. Only slightly faded, the material was of good quality and looked like it would fit her. She took it from him and hurriedly pulled it on.
Without all the inner trappings, it looked, well...scandalous. Her nipples were visible beneath the white material, and if she had the nerve to look down, she was sure she would see the outline of other unmentionable areas. Thank God, her cloak would cover it adequately.
He fastened the back for her then drew her into his arms. When she pulled away, she stared at him for a long moment trying to muster the courage to ask him about Lady Lockhart.
“Is something bothering you? You are staring holes through me.”
She glanced briefly away, biting her lip in consternation. Moving back so she could sit on the bed, she tucked her feet underneath her and settled down. “What is between you and Lady Lockhart?”
Gray sat down beside her. “She is a dear friend of mine. Do you not think any better of me than to believe I would involve myself with another woman while conducting an affair with you?”
“That isn’t fair,” Jenna countered. “I know nothing of your personal life. How am I supposed to know whether or not you are involved with someone else? For all I know you could have already been conducting an affair with her when I approached you.”
“That wouldn’t have been very fair to her, do you not agree?”
“Can you not answer me directly?” She hated the pleading in her voice, but it had suddenly become paramount that she know if she was the only one.
