Page 288 of A Vicious Love

Every single one.

The upstairs of House Alder had been built in that ridiculous Bellemere way where privacy was treated as aesthetic rather than security. Bedroom, bathroom, sitting area, fireplace, bath, all open under one pitched ceiling and tall glass doors leading to balconies on two sides.

No proper walls between the bathing area and the bed.

And in the middle of that open room, in a deep double spa bath sunk into warm marble, Sienna Bellemere sat surrounded by bubbles.

Bubbles that covered absolutely fucking nothing.

My hand tightened on the banister.

A low lip where candles had been placed, because Sienna had apparently decided to create atmosphere in a house already designed to weaken men. Water moved softly from hidden jets. Her hair was twisted up loosely.

She had one knee lifted beneath the water.

One arm along the side of the tub.

The bubbles shifted when she breathed.

I could see the curve of her breasts beneath them.

I looked away.

At the windows.

Beyond the open glass, the tree line sloped down behind House Alder. My men were out there. Rotating through the perimeter. Watching the fucking windows because that was their job, and Sienna had decided to bathe with half the estate open to everyone.

Unacceptable.

I pulled my phone out.

Reeves answered on the first ring. “Sir.”

“Shift the rear perimeter twenty meters back.”

“Any specific threat?”

“Yes.”

He understood the tone. “Moving them now.”

“Eyes away from the upper windows. Anyone who looks at this suite loses both.”

“I’ll make that clear.”

“Make it memorable.”

“Already done.”

I ended the call and watched movement in the trees. Two shadows withdrew. Another turned his back before stepping down the slope. Good. They were trained and loyal men.

Still men.

Still breathing within possible sight of my woman in a bath.

My mood, already thin from ring nerves and Bellemere afternoon torture, darkened beautifully.

Sienna turned her head, finally noticing me at the stairs.