Scarlet Boa

Charles knelt beside the claw-foot tub and swirled his hand through the soapy water. Every vestige of her self-control slipped away at his bold stare. Her skin burned under his intense scrutiny. His cobalt-blue eyes, how they teased. His scent, unlike any other man's.

From her hands, he claimed the washcloth. His hungry gaze held hers as he reached under the water and between her legs. A faint groan rattled in his throat. Water dripped from his hand and arm as he brought the scented bar of tallow into view.

"You're so tired, Eve. Your body is surrendering to me. Tonight, we will alleviate the pain and allow your mind to rest."

Was he a devil or a gentle man who meant her no malice?

"Mmmm," she muttered and struggled to keep her eyes open. Try as she might, she failed. Unseen fingers coaxed them closed.

The linen cloth skimmed across her upper back. He gently caressed her sensitive skin. Jasmine essence from her soap filled the air. Glorious flowers, more pungent with each passing minute.

She shifted and opened her eyes, gasping as her breasts bobbed into view. Charles cupped each breast in his callused palms, but he took no liberties. As he cleansed the clamminess from her skin, his gaze never wavered from her bareness. Despite the lack of fire in the hearth, flames of desire licked at her flesh.

She pulled her legs closed as a hot current flared in her loins. Again underneath the water, his hand continued on its mission. As the cloth met with her calf, she opened her legs.

Don't fight. Accept his tenderness. Appreciate his concern.

His touch traveled along her inner thigh and came to rest just below her knee. "Does your leg hurt very much?"

Torn between fleeing and allowing his carnal tutelage, her rabid curiosity rendered her immobile. Which ached more—her body for his touch, or her leg from the bite?

Spellbound, she said, "The pain is unbearable at times."

Cradling her ankle, he lifted her foot from underneath the water and unseated her in the process. She clutched at the edges of the tub.

His fingers fused around her ankle, and he positioned her left leg near his face. She watched open-mouthed at his ministrations. When her leg was secured against the tub's edge, he lowered his head to the dripping appendage.

He leaned closer until his lips poised above her affliction. The soft hiss of breath from his nostrils and mouth dried her damp skin and sent waves of wantonness through her body.

Was he about to lift her from this tub and ravish her?

Soft as a butterfly's gossamer wings, his lips played against the putrid flesh wound. His mouth opened, and both rows of teeth pressed against her calf. God in Heaven. His nostrils quivered much as a wild beast's. Another growl, this one guttural, reached her ears. Then his tongue lashed the sore spot, and a dark veil drew over her eyes.