Page 96 of Wolfkissed
She wrings her hands together. “Do you really think that Lord Eorl will be displeased that I’m so sheltered?”
Fuck it, I can’t lie to her. I’ve teased her as I’d have teased any man or woman, but she’s special. She’s innocent. And she’s mine to protect.
“Princess,” I say softly. “Of course not. If he doesn’t realize what a treasure you are when he meets you, then he’s not worthy of you. I was only poking fun. You know that.”
“Nonetheless…” She draws a long breath. “I want to learn things. Experience things. You were right. I’m not very worldly.”
“It doesn’t matter, you?—”
She slowly starts unbuttoning her tall collar, and my mouth keeps flapping without a sound.
Fuck, she’s… She’s really going to do it. I didn’t expect her to capitulate so fast. Or ever. And I wasn’t prepared for the rush of heat going through my body, the way my balls tighten and my cock throbs.
“Are you sure?” I make myself ask.
“Watch me.”
“Iamwatching,” I say hoarsely. “Good Gods, woman… I am watching. How could I ever look away?”
“You…” Suddenly, she stops with her slender hands on the collar, still keeping it closed. Her eyes widen. “No. I can’t.”
“Can’t?”
“Can’t undress in front of you.”
“I see.” Biting down the disappointment, I nod. “I’ll turn around. You can go into the tub first.”
“I can’t do it. Then you’ll see…”
“See what?”
“The… the wolves who took me as a child… they weren’t gentle. They… they bit and clawed me.”
My chest grows too tight. “Princess…”
“I’ve never talked about this to anyone. I wasn’t going to talk to you, either.” Her mouth trembles. “Gods. But I can’t show you my body because…”
“Because of the scars,” I whisper, understanding.
She flinches. Her hand flies to her mouth, to the faint scar there. “Yes.”
“You can barely see them.”
A faint shake of her head. “The others are bigger. Deeper. Uglier.”
“There is nothing ugly about you,” I breathe.
“You haven’t seen them. Few people have. Della.” She frowns. “Only Della. Since I was a child, since I returned home, only she has seen them.”
“And what did she say? I mean… Forget it.” I shouldn’t be asking this. Any of this. I take a step back. “I understand. I’ll leave the room and let you bathe in peace.”
“Wait.”
I sigh. “No. I pushed you. I apologize. I’m used to teasing people, and the only thing I can tell you is that you’re beautiful. Nothing will ever change that.”
She lifts a hand and lets out a controlled breath. You can tell she’s used this technique many times to ground herself. “Just… wait.”
I open my hands. “I’m at your command, my lady.”
