He removed the rest of her clothing until she stood naked before him. It was cold in the room, and her nipples were taut in the frigid air. Emily removed the remaining pins in her hair until it spilled over her shoulders, down to cover her breasts.

Stephen’s eyes were raw with need, and he pushed the hair aside to look at her. “Don’t cover yourself in front of me. You’ve nothing to hide.”

He lifted her into his arms, setting her down into the hip bath. The water warmed her skin, tingling all the way to her toes. He scooped up a handful and let it spill over her throat, down her breasts and stomach.

“Do you know how beautiful you are?”

She shook her head, and his hands moved through the water to rest upon her skin. “You’re driving me to madness.” He reached for the soap, his voice turning wicked. “And now, I’m going to make you feel the same way.”

He rubbed the cake of soap, bringing his hands to the curve of her breast. He rubbed circles over her skin, the slippery motion arousing her sensitive flesh. When his palms cupped her breasts, she felt an answering warmth between her thighs. He leaned in to kiss her while his hands soaped her breasts, his fingers stroking the nipples over and over in a slow rhythm.

More warm water rinsed her skin, and he kissed her shoulder, trailing down to the side of her breast. His tongue slid under the curve, and then his mouth fastened upon her nipple.

He sucked gently, and Emily moaned at the contact. Beneath the water, his hands roamed lower. Past her stomach, to the juncture of her thighs.

“You’re beautiful, Emily,” he said roughly, moving his hand against her delicate flesh. His fingers stroked her, and he brought her other hand to her own breast. “Touch your breasts while I show you how badly I need you.”

Emily’s face turned scarlet, but she obeyed. It was strange, to touch her own body. She felt shy about it, but he coaxed her to rub the nipples, to pinch them gently. Aching heat rose through her as she caressed the tips, and he supported her hips, using his other hand to explore her womanhood.