Page 20 of A Curse So Vile

“A basin and water for the corner room on the second floor.”

The innkeeper placed his palms on the bar and leaned forward. “Ain’t nothing fer free ‘round here.”

Cole pitched him a coin, which the innkeeper snatched effortlessly, biting down on the copper.

“I’ll have a drudge bring it up in a bit.”

“Actually, if you don’t mind, I’d like to bring it up myself.”

“Suit yourself. The basin’s over there.” The innkeeper pointed towards the end of the bar. “There will be a hose ya have to snake in through the window. I’ll have my man pump the water up. It’s heated.”

Cole snatched the basin and made his way up to the second floor, knowing he was making a mistake but intent on making it, anyway.

Taking a deep breath, he held his fist up, rehearsing what he would say to Brenna.

If you don’t mind, I could use a little freshening up myself…or,I’ve been picturing you naked most of the day, and if you could be so kind as to undress for me.

He realized how silly he sounded, and he considered just setting down the basin, knocking, and leaving so she’d find it herself, but thought better of it.

I can do this. She’s just a woman, after all.

He knocked and waited, anxiety needling him in a way it never had before.

The door opened, and when she saw him, a perplexed look crossed her face. “Yes?”

“As your servant, I thought it was pertinent for me to bring you the requested basin myself.”

She grinned, revealing a mouth full of perfect white teeth. “You can set it down over there.” She moved aside, allowing him access to her room.

He placed the basin near the window, then whistled to the street below. The innkeeper’s charge threw up a rigid tube consisting of hollowed-out reeds with material woven tightly around it. It was difficult to maneuver, but once Cole had it in place, he gave the guy a wave to start pumping. Warm water began pouring into the tub.

“Wrap this around the bend,” Brenna said, handing him a towel. “It’s leaking.”

He did as she commanded, trying to find the courage to impress his desires upon her.

As her fingers toyed with the buttons of her vest but fell, as though reconsidering her actions.

With any other woman, he’d know exactly what to do. What to say. How to act.

Brenna was different, though. Like a pretty poisoned dagger. She wasn’t shy. Nor did she have the restraints of a Heartlander woman. She could do what she wanted, when she wanted with whomever she chose.

He swallowed a lump in his throat as he drank in her body, making his desire obvious. “Is there anything else I can assist you with, m’lady?”

She took one step towards him, lingered, then took again. “Is there a particular task you feel you’re suited for?”

“I live to please, m’lady,” he said, hoping her fingers would find their way back to the buttons of her vest.

“How do you think I like to be pleased?” she asked, taking another step forward.

Her warm breath against his neck made his heart quicken. All at once, his years of experience took over, and he dropped to his knees.

Her fingers threaded his hair, toying with the strands. He would have done anything in that moment for her. If she’d asked him to stop breathing, he would surely die from lack of air, but instead, she said, “Undress me.”

With shaking hands, he pulled at the ties of her boots, loosening them so he could take one off, then the other. He let her keep her wool socks on, eager to see other parts of her.

Next, he moved to her trousers, which were odd in that they had ties in unusual places. He moved to her waist, undoing the ties so he could peel them down her thighs.

The entire time, he worked slowly, as though he were opening a gift. Not wanting to rush, he left her panties on and started on her vest, eager to reveal her breasts.