"Lord, Sarah, where were you brought up? In a house of Paphians?" he gritted out.
"You mean you like it?" she asked with an embarrassed laugh.
"Like it? I can't control myself for much longer."
"Do you have to? I mean-"
She never got to complete the sentence, for he wrapped his hand around her own and slid it twice over the satiny softness of his sliding skin. She curled her fingers around him willingly, knowing she had the power, was in control. She felt a surge of elation at being able to give him so much pleasure as he gasped out his joy and thanks.
A small tidal wave rose in the tub, leaving Alexander thrashing and gasping, almost slipping under the water as he tried to escape from her hand. And failed, to both their delights. She held him steadily, her other hand anchoring his upper thigh, and moved forward until he could turn his face into her shoulder to sob out his passion.
"I'm sorry," he managed to pant out when his climax had at last subsided.
She leaned down to kiss him. "I'm guessing what just happened there. I'm glad for you. There's nothing to apologize for. So long as I didn't hurt you."
"Hurt me? No. You've revived me. I can't tell you how grateful I am. It was a gross liberty, taking your hand like that, but I hope you can forgive the selfishness. Understand--"
"There's nothing to forgive," she said breathily. "I was glad I could please you so well."
He sat up straight, relief evident on his handsome face. She was almost certain his golden eyes were glowing. "You did indeed. But now I think it is going to be my turn. I'll dry off and dress, and you get in the tub."
"Are you sure? You seemed to be enjoying the bath so much."
"Not just the bath, but your lovely touches," he confessed.
"I'm glad I did it right."
"Oh, darling, if only you knew how right it was."
"Beginner's luck, my dear," she said with a shy laugh.
"It was just perfect. And there are other ways to enjoy each other. I'd like to explore a few more of them with you, if I may?" he said eagerly, his grin like that of a happy little boy.
Almost all of his doubts and fears had vanished in an instant, and he was more than ready to explore more of his body's capabilities.
She kissed him warmly on the lips and said truthfully, "I don't mind at all."
Chapter Seventeen
Sarah stood up and stripped off her clothes, while Alexander finished washing and rinsing his hair. She took his hand to help him up from the tub, and dried his back and shoulders.
"I can take it from here, thanks," he said, giving her a kiss which curled her toes, but resisting the temptation simply to drag her into his arms and bear her down onto the floor. It was all too new, too precious to be rushed. And his desire was still too unpredictable, he admitted, wondering how long it might be before he could make love to her in every way.
And he had never had a virgin that he could recall. She deserved every care and consideration. She had been so loving and generous, he was determined to reciprocate. Having found such an unexpected treasure, he was damned if he would simply grab at it greedily. Not after all she had done for him. The way she completed him in every way.
Sarah added a bit more hot water, and stepped into the tub, curiously unshy about her body. She knew he couldn't see, but that was not to say he couldn't reach out, pull her into his arms. But no, she was sure she could trust him. He was enormous in every sense of the word, but had always been gentle and patient with her. She had nothing to fear from this man, and everything to look forward to.
It all felt so perfect, like it was meant to be. She left her inner voice of reason along with her garment as she slipped into the tub. She was a new woman now. Powerful, assured, in control. And alluring. With that certain something she had seen in her friends which enticed their husbands, seduced them even. She thought of Vanessa and Clifford, Charlotte and Thomas. How sultry they looked together, how intimate. She understood now the nature of the secrets they shared. As all happily married couples in love should, with no fear or doubt.
She was married to Alexander heart and soul. The license the world needed was as nothing in the face of her longing as she stared in awe at Alexander's rippling physique.
She began to soap herself all over with brisk, efficient scrubs. Soon he sat on the edge of the tub and asked her for the bar.
She placed the small disk in his hands. He rubbed it between them before reaching out to locate her back.
"Oh, I can see what you mean about this feeling wonderful," she sighed happily, pressing backwards into his hands.