“Some other time,” Rhys saysbefore moving us through the door.
I don’t take a full breath until we’re down the hallway, well away from the parlor, and almost to our rooms with at least one door snicked firmly closed behind us. I move my shorter legs as quickly as possible to keep up with his fast pace.
Some of the tension finally bleeds from my shoulders when Rhys pulls a key from his pocket and unlocks our main door. Once we’re inside, he closes it behind us and locks us in. I feel like I’ve aged ten lives since this morning.
“You take a shower and wash off the day,” he says gently. “I’ll jump in after you.”
“Okay,” I answer but there’s a soft knock on the main door.
Rhys unlocks and opens it to reveal Maeve and Sammy. “And who’s this?” Rhys coos, dropping down to one knee.
“This is your new hound, your majesty,” Maeve says with a smile before handing the lead over.
“And what a great hound she is,” he says, petting her. “Let’s get you settled with Dahlia for the night.”
“I’m sorry,” I jump. “I didn’t know we had plans.”
“It’s fine, love,” he smiles. “Life will be different when it’s a baby, so why not a sweet pup.”
“Thank you.”
“I do believe I promised you a dog and a cat upon our engagement and I’ve held up my end of the deal,” he says.
“And what do I owe you?” I ask.
“Forever.”
And with that he opens the main door with my dog to make sure that she’s safe under Leo’s watch while we’re gone. And after today’s events, I can’t be mad about that. So I do what I can, and I head to the bathroom to wash off the day.
I turn the taps on and, while the water heats up, pin up my hair. Then I step into the glass and stone shower and quickly wash. Afterward, I towel off and wrap myself in a soft robe before sitting down at my vanity and brushing my hair, twisting it into a neat but simple updo.
While I’m swiping on makeup and mascara, Rhys steps into the shower. I’m just finishing up when he makes his way through the bathroom to the dressing room, wearing nothing at all. He winks at me as he passes and I realize I’ve been sitting here staring at where he was for far too many minutes before I shake off the way seeing him like that makes me feel. I put the last of the finishing touches on my hair and face before passing my husband in the doorway of the dressing room as he heads out looking perfect in a bespoke tuxedo.
He pulls me into his arms tightly and kisses me deeply, swiping his tongue into my mouth. It’s over before it begins, but it still leaves me breathless and I already need to touch up my lipstick. I shake my head to clear it as I walk into the dressing room to the soundsof his deep, amused chuckle.
Hanging in the corner of the room is a gorgeous tulle dress made to look as if there is nothing but black lace lining the strapless gown and full tulle skirt. While that’s not entirely true, the illusion is everything. I strip off my robe and pull on a black silk thong and black stockings before pulling the dress off of its hanger and stepping into it. I pull it up to cover my body before calling out for Rhys’s assistance.
“Yes, hen?” he asks from the doorway.
“Can you do me up?” I ask, gesturing to the corset lacing up the back of the gown.
“Aye,” he replies and his voice is deep and rusty. My body jerks as he pulls on the laces of the gown. “I rather like the idea of tying you up, but I think I’ll rather like the idea of untying you like a present later.”
“You’re a menace,” I reply with no heat as I step into my black Louboutins.
“Aye,” he growls.
He watches me pull on the elaborate diamond chandelier earrings and the matching wreath bracelets before grabbing my white satin wrap. A large ruffle trim adorns the cuffs and collar, and I slide my arms into the sleeves, letting one shoulder slip down—like a tease from an old black and white movie actress.
“Who’s the menace now, hen?” he asks as his lips graze my bare shoulder.
I barely have a chance to grab my black evening clutch before he grabs me by the hand and races forthe door.
“Are we late?” I ask.
“No, but if I don’t get you away from the bedroom, I’m in danger of saying fuck the opera and I’ll fuck my wife instead.”
I don’t say anything but snicker as we head for the main doors with Rhys’s protection team following us out.