Page 144 of Tamed By Her Touch

“You’re bossy, you know that?”

Kaelus shrugged.

“Yes. So?”

She shook her head.

“You know, most people at least pretend they aren’t.”

“I see no reason to lie.”

That earned him the tiniest huff of laughter, and some of the tightness in Kaelus’s chest eased.

He set her carefully on the padded bench beside the pool and adjusted the controls until warm water began flowing from several openings around its edge. The pool filled quickly, wisps of fragrant steam rising from the surface, and Kaelus selected a mild cleansing solution from the assortment their hosts had provided.

He tested it between his fingers first, smelling it carefully before allowing himself to use it on her. It had a light floral fragrance and no obvious medicinal or irritating compounds. He nodded to himself—that was acceptable.

Clair watched him with sleepy amusement.

“You’re analyzing the soap, aren’t you?”

Kaelus raised an eyebrow.

“Of course.”

“It’s just soap,” she said.

“It’s going on your skin,” Kaelus said, frowning. “I must be sure it won’t hurt you.”

Clair smiled.

“You’re still taking care of me, but you don’t have to. Maera and Varell aren’t here, you know.”

“I know.” Kaelus frowned. “I don’t care. You are mine to protect and care for—at least as long as we are on Titus Four.”

“Yes, as long as we’re here.” She suddenly looked sad again.

The expression cut Kaelus like a knife. He wished desperately that he could keep making her laugh. Anything was better than her tears. But he couldn’t think of anything amusing to say—he only wanted to care for her.

When the bath was ready, he turned toward her and hesitated. The silver cloth had loosened around her shoulders, revealing the upper curves of her breasts. Ordinarily the sight would have made his cock harden instantly. It stirred now, of course—he was not dead—but he pushed the reaction aside. He had already indulged himself far too much tonight. This was not about his desire. It was about Clair.

“I can wash myself,” she said, apparently reading something in his expression.

“I know.”

“Then why do you have that look?” Clair asked.

He frowned.

“What look?”

“The Kaelus-is-about-to-take-charge-of-everything look,” she said.

“I have no such look,” Kaelus denied.

Clair smiled.

“You absolutely do.”