Page 23 of Love Me Forever

His arm wrapped around her back and beneath her breast, taking her full weight. “What is it?”

“The pain in my lower back worsens when I place pressure on it.”

She sounded upset and he understood. She had hoped to relax in the bath and now she could not. Not without his help. “You can rest against my arm.”

She produced a weak smile. “You will grow tired of holding me.”

“Never,” he said without thinking.

“You are too kind to me. I should wash and get out right away so that I do not burden?—”

His firm voice cut her off. “You are not a burden. You will enjoy your bath.”

“How can I when you must kneel here and hold me? It is not fair.” Her voice was just as firm.

“You will do as I say and enjoy the bath.” He thought his direct remark would end the matter; after all he had warned her about obeying him.

“I will not enjoy the bath if you must remain in such an awkward stance to tend me.”

“I do not mind.”

“I do.”

“There is no other way,” he said adamantly.

“Aye, there is,” she insisted. “You can join me, and I can rest against you.”

CHAPTER8

Brianna’s remark stunned him silent. Her remark that followed stunned him even more by making sense.

“It is necessary.”

He did not wish to admit that she was correct, that her suggestion made perfect sense. And that he was going to get what he wished. He was going to join Brianna in the tub.

“I can manage to sit for a moment on my own if you can undress with haste.”

He wanted to laugh, nay maybe cry at her words, for he could disrobe within seconds knowing he would ease his naked body behind hers. Instead,

he remained calm outwardly while inwardly his emotions turned chaotic.

His warrior skills had taught him the art of remaining calm under extreme pressure, and he called on those skills now, or else he feared he would lose this battle with himself.

“Let me add more hot water first. Then I will ease your weight for a moment and then undress.”

“Aye, I can manage that.”

‘Tell me when you feel comfortable enough for me to release you.”

She nodded, took several deep breaths, and grabbed hold of the sides of the tub. “Now.”

Her voice sounded unsure, but it was better that he did not question her, for courage sometimes disappeared when questioned. He released her slowly then quickly set to work, adding the heated water to the tub. His arm was around her again before the pain could trouble her.

“The heat feels so good. You must come join me and enjoy it.”

He thought it would have been wise to douse himself in the snow before joining her in the tub, but that was not possible. He had to remember how she trusted him to keep her safe, but damned if he knew how long he could keep her safe from him.

She took several deep breaths again. “Ready.”