Kaj released her, then took a seat on one of the many chairs that lined the space. He quickly removed his boots and socks, then pulled his T-shirt over his head. His jeans were discarded next, and then he was standing there in a pair of silky black boxer briefs that hugged his muscular thighs nicely.
Acadia felt her face warm, as though this was the first time she’d seen a male in this state of undress.
When he moved to stand behind her, she sucked in a breath as his warm fingers found the ties that held her dress together at her back. He didn’t rush to undress her, his fingers sweeping over her skin ever so lightly as he freed her from the confines of the silk.
Before the velvet gown could fall to the floor, she held it to her breasts, a hint of nerves giving her pause.
When she turned back, she was shocked to see Kaj strolling away from her. But there was nothing to fear, because he was simply retrieving one of the plush white towels that were kept poolside. He returned, holding it open as though providing her with a barrier to shield her nakedness.
Because she didn’t have a modest bone in her body, Acadia easily slipped out of the dress, then laid it over the back of one chair before taking the towel from his grasp. She was captivated by the hunger she could see sparkling in his light green eyes, though it was obvious he was attempting not to ogle.
With the towel loosely wrapped around her, Acadia made her way to the stairs leading down into the warm water.
As she stepped down into it, she tossed the towel to the edge, keeping it from getting wet. She was sinking into the depths when the jets came to life, causing the water to bubble up around her, offering a hint of privacy though she knew he could still see her if he wanted to.
Acadia was surprised when Kaj kept his boxer briefs on, walking down the steps to join her. When he was thigh deep, he sank down until only his shoulders were above water. It was then he held out his hand to her, tugging her toward him as he maneuvered into one of the many contoured seats lining the outer edges of the oversized tub.
Allowing him to situate her on his lap, Acadia relaxed against him, her back to his chest, the warm water easing the strain of the night.
“What did you want to talk about?” she prompted when they’d both gotten comfortable.
“I didn’t.” His arms slid around her, holding her against him. “I simply wanted to spend time with you. Just sit with me, Acadia. Let me hold you for a while.”
How could she possibly deny him that when it was what she wanted more than anything else?
Here, alone with him, his strong arms banded around her, Acadia felt complete and safer than she’d ever felt before.
It was then she realized this was the first time they’d done this since he returned to the mansion. Sat quietly, comfortably. No expectations.
Just the two of them.
At peace.
After assisting Elizabeth back to her bedroomand getting her situated in the new bed Amethyst had designed specifically for her needs, ensuring she could get in and out of it on her own, Bijou made her way toward the game room.
Reidar, Blaz, Raksa, and Miklós were getting set up to play pool, so she plopped herself down on the leather sofa to watch.
“What brings you out so late?” Blaz asked as he moved around the pool table so he could take his position to break.
“Just trying to wind down,” she told him.
“Not sure this’ll help. I’m gearing up to kick some angel ass. Might get noisy when I make them cry.”
Yep, that was what prompted the ruckus that followed. The angels took offense to the vampire’s comment, coming back with their own taunts. For the next half hour, the four of them went head to head, two at a time, the next in line playing the winner. And true to his word, Blaz did kick some angel butt, eliminating his opponents one after the other, time and time again.
She’d gotten so caught up in their good-natured ribbing, Bijou hadn’t even noticed that Oliver was standing in the doorway leading to the hall, watching as he leaned casually against the door. While he focused on the others, she stared at him. For some reason, that darkness she’d noticed within him was more prominent, as though it was growing stronger. What was it, she wondered. She’d never noticed anything like it before.
Not that she usually got readings on people like this. Almost like an aura, only internal, as though it surrounded something hiding within him.
Oliver’s eyes snapped to her face, and Bijou started to look away but found herself trapped by his gaze, as though he was holding her there. Neither of them moved, eyes locked. Her breath was lodged in her throat. There were so many things she wanted to say to him. Starting with an apology for the rift she’d put between them. Her own selfishness had wrecked the good thing they’d had going, and she had lost the one real friend she’d had in a long time. Truth was, Bijou missed Oliver, missed the times they’d spent together.
While she wouldn’t necessarily say she was attracted to him, it was as though she was drawn to him, pulled in by something deeper.
As far as humans went, he was on the handsome end of the spectrum even if he wasn’t necessarily her type. Physically, at least. But she wasn’t so shallow as to only look on the outside. No, with Oliver, it was about what was inside. He was funny, smart, and easy to be around. Even if he was standoffish to others, he’d never been that way with her.
“You want to play?” Blaz offered Oliver.
“No. I’m good.” With that, Oliver stood tall, then turned and left.
