Page 3 of Forty Deaths Till Us Part
He turned on the tap and checked that it was warm before guiding me into the large marble shower. The water cascaded down my skin and seemed to wash away my sins as Renegrabbed a vanilla-scented shampoo from the shelf. He lathered it into my hair as I relaxed into him.
There was something decidedly soothing and decadent about someone else washing your hair, and I found I liked it a lot. “I could get used to this.”
His lips were at my ear and his words were far louder than the shower of water. “I expect you too.”
My heart stuttered, and I froze as he rinsed the shampoo from my hair.
“Relax Raven. It is just a shower.”
Yeah, that was easy for him to say. I was completely reliant on him and would be dead if it weren’t for Cass and him. I took the towel from him and wrapped it around my body when he passed it to me before following him back to the bedroom.
He dried off and ended by using the towel to get the excess water from his hair. It was hell on a woman with any kind of libido to witness him naked, and I turned away and proceeded to dry myself. If I kept staring at him, I would not be getting any sleep and Rene was right. I needed it.
My body tensed when he touched my shoulder. “Get into bed, Raven.”
CHAPTER 2
Iwoke in the soft embrace of Rene’s bed; the night had set, and I could see clouds through the filtered moonlight and the cracked curtains. As I stretched beneath the cool, luxurious sheets, Rene’s hand slid over my stomach. I tried to avoid thinking about the events in the training facility and the memories of last night’s shower and his gentle touch flooded back, warming me.
The water had cascaded over my skin, in a soothing caress that washed away the pain of my actions. His eyes were on me with a mix of hunger and concern, but he kept the promise that rest was paramount and had simply taken me to bed.
I had marveled at his selflessness, how he hadn’t risen from the bed, and remained like a sensual sentry at my side, despite not needing the rest himself. His fingers had traced soothing patterns on my back. As if he were writing a script in an ancient language only he could read. I was aware he was branding me in some way. Making a silent promise that he would guard me until I rose.
When my eyes had closed and sleep had snatched me from the waking world, I had felt cared for in a way I had never known before. The tenderness reminded me of the growing connectionbetween us. I was falling in love with him, and that was scarier than any magic or enemy.
Rene kissed my cheek. “Are you ready to face the high priestess?”
I put my hand over my eyes. “I was literally just thinking this was a wonderful way to wake up. But you just ruined it.”
Rene chuckled. “I would much rather remain in bed with you than meet with Ursula.”
I slipped my hand around his neck and pulled him closer. My lips touched him gently and as our kiss became more fevered, he growled into my mouth.
“We could play hooky,” I whispered eagerly.
“I am unfamiliar with that term,” Rene said.”
I winked. “It’s when you skip class.”
“I think we need to keep this appointment. Are you always going to entice me with sex to attempt to get your way?”
My jaw dropped before I snapped it shut. “That depends on if it would work.”
He leaned closer, so his lips touched mine. “In many cases, it would.”
I swallowed hard. “Good to know.”
Rene rolled out of bed with the gracefulness of a cheetah, and I scooched to the side as he entered the closet. It didn’t matter which of the hundred suits in there he chose. He would look like he just stepped into a photo shoot.
I slipped from the bed fully naked and entered the closet. Rene had chosen a black suit but was only wearing the pants. He was doing up his shirt as I moved to my side of the closet and began to flick the hangers to the side.
“Are you stalling, Raven?” he asked.
My fingers paused on a dark-blue pantsuit. It wasn’t something I would have worn normally, but it was beautiful, and I decided to try it. “I was just allowing you to admire the view.”
Rene leaned toward me and kissed my cheek. “Then I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” He left the closet with his suit jacket in his hands as I pulled on my undergarments.
I slipped on the tailored pants and marveled at how well they fit me before choosing a cream blouse. I slipped on the matching jacket and accessorized with a tan belt. I had to admit I felt like a million bucks when I left the closet to join Rene and his appreciative gaze alerted me he agreed with my assessment.