Her face warmed when he slid into the pool.
He was immersed up to his shoulders, and what was visible warranted a lot of appreciation. Drops of water trickled down his neck. His auburn hair had acquired a red-golden hue since he spent so much time in the sunlight, and the colour suited him. Even the freckles dotting his nose were perfect.
“See? Perfectly safe.” He folded his arms over the ridge of the pool. “There’s a crack through which the water comes in. I can feel the light current with my foot, but the opening is too narrow for a person—” He shouted before sinking and disappearing from view.
“Anthony!” She rushed to the pool and dived into the water without thinking. “Anthony!”
Perhaps the crack had sucked him in, and his leg was stuck. He would drown!
She was about to dip when he emerged in front of her, sending sprays of water everywhere.
“And here I am,” he said, laughing. “Did you fall for it?”
She didn’t crack a smile as she tasted the saltiness of the water on her lips. “I was scared to death.” Her voice broke. “I thought you were stuck underwater.”
“It was a joke.” He brushed his wet hair from his face.
“It wasn’t funny!” She swatted his shoulder and started crying for no reason other than the scare.
“I’m sorry.” He hugged her, and she rested her cheek on his chest. “I didn’t think you would take it seriously.”
“I did. My heart stopped for a moment.”
He caressed her head and back in slow circles until she stopped crying.
She sniffled. “I know I’m silly, but I was truly scared.”
“No need to apologise.” He kissed her temple.
She sagged against him, even though she didn’t shiver anymore. Being hugged and cuddled was too nice, and the water cooled down her hot skin through her gown.
The weather was too hot to wear her usual layers of petticoats, so her skirt didn’t weigh as much as it should. Still, she ought to remove it and let it dry in the sun before returning to the house. She fumbled with the ties until her skirt and petticoat were free.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“I want a proper bath.”
Removing the wet skirt required some gymnastics, but she managed. She propped her wet clothes on the ridge of the pool. Much better. He stepped back and faced the rocks while she removed her shirt, likely because she’d reacted badly the other night.
She paused to ponder if she should remove even her chemise and drawers. The fabric was all soaked through anyway. When she peeled off the wet undergarments, a sense of freedom made her feel lighter. And the water was deliciously cool. She let out a sigh of relief, dipping her head.
He craned his neck to glance over his shoulder. “Do you want me to leave?”
“No. Don’t leave. Please. You were right. I’ve had enough of hiding.”
He remained where he was, facing the rocks. His back was broader than she’d thought, and the water enhanced the shape of his body.
Maybe it was the beautiful garden and the lack of clothes, or the sudden sense of freedom she was experiencing, but she didn’t care about many things at the moment. Not about being a duchess, nor about her sense of guilt and the truth she had still to tell.
She slipped her hand into his, feeling his strong fingers, and gently tugged it until he turned around. She had to tilt her head back to stare up at him, at his beauty.
She wanted to say many things, too many, so she didn’t say anything.
His gaze slipped down for a moment before returning to her face. She ran her hand up his arm to his shoulder, neck, and cheek. Her strong, sweet husband. She caressed his broad chest and abdomen, and he let her explore.
When he put his hands on her waist, she gasped at the strong sensation of his hands on her naked skin. He lifted her to kiss her, his eyes darkening with hunger. She wrapped her legs around his waist and moved her hips against him. The feeling of him was ten times stronger than when she’d been with Patrick. She’d enjoyed herself with Patrick, but the safety Anthony radiated made everything stronger, more visceral.
“Am I going to hurt you?” His voice sounded strained as if he were in pain. “Is it safe?”
