"Ah, fancy face, you've arrived."
The tone of voice was mocking and she flinched, trying her best not allow his words to wound her. Lucian had never treated her with contempt before and to be on the receiving end of his barbed tongue, regardless of the reason behind the words, hurt.
"I confess it has been a very long while since I've had my back scrubbed."
Swallowing the knot of apprehension choking her, Chloe moved to the screen the only thing separating her from Lucian.
"Are you going to stand there like a mouse all day or do you plan on coming over here before the water cools?"
"How do you know I'm not there now?" she asked as she stepped around the barrier.
"Because, fancy face, I couldn't hear you breathing. And your voice is not near my ear."
She acknowledged this with a nod before realizing he couldn't see her. Since she'd slammed her eyes tightly shut as she came around the corner she didn't know where he was and the desire to turn and bolt like a rabbit was nigh overwhelming.
The sound of water splashing caused her to open her eyes in time to see Lucian sink into the depths of the bath. The brief glimpse she had of strong looking legs and a well shaped rear end however was seared into her memory. Chloe eagerly traced the lines of his back up to his broad shoulders covered by his long dark hair. Carefully she moved to the front of the tub. Her breath caught in her throat.
Lucian was beautiful.
Water lapped against his wide and very masculine chest. She imagined running her hands up and down the sinewy strength and reveling in the satin touch of his skin against hers.
"I grow impatient, Chloe." He braced his hands on the side of the tub and made to stand.
"Don't. I'm...I'm coming." Reluctantly she rolled her long sleeves before she kneeled beside him. "You realize you're acting like a spoiled brat, correct?"
)
