The curve of her pale, ever soft breasts, revealed by the low collar of her dress enticed him beyond words. She had disposed of her corset and skirt layers and lay on the sofa, asleep after spending hours engrossed in a book. Vanessa had confided in him during breakfast, between bites of yesterday's dessert, that for a long time she hadn't read something so—enthralling.
Ethan enjoyed watching her be at ease, without a worry in the world. Her eyes shone brightly and something about the way she moved—the lightness of her step, the glow of her skin, the color on her cheeks—something or everything made him all the more desire her… Ethan's hands ached to feel her touch and constantly their eyes would meet. She played with him, the little minx, small smiles and deep blue eyes bold and seductive…
He knew very well that Vanessa desired him also.
…
She soaked in the hot and soapy water of the tub—it had taken her forever to fill. Candles were lit all around her in the wash room—the incense filling the air with an intoxicating jasmine scent. Her curls were piled up on her head, but rebellious as they were, some fell onto her shoulders and her face—she leaned back, eyes closed, and allowing only good thoughts to enter her mind. Before she knew it she was humming the duet from La Traviata—brindisi… She concentrated on the joyous melody and the words… The words spoke to her heart.
Libiamo, libiamo ne'lieti calici
che la belleza infiora.
E la fuggevol ora s'inebrii
a voluttà...
Vanessa remembered once saying that sad people liked poetry and happy people liked songs—right now she was happy and it was a thrilling and almost alien thing… It filled her with hope.
…
He glanced at her from the crack of the door—she was breathtaking—singing with her eyes closed, smiling and laughing. She was a child in there—without a single burden. Immaculate.
He adored her like a faithful adored a saint.
…
As the water began to cool down and before she would look like a white prune, Vanessa climbed out of the tub and wrapped herself in a towel—she wouldn't bother herself with a robe. She invaded the privacy of his bedroom, water glistening against her skin and her curls like a dark and messy halo around her face.
Ethan shot up from his chair, where he'd been lost in his thoughts, staring into the hearth and stopped in front of her. Their eyes locked so intensely he trembled—how could someone be so beautiful?
Vanessa smiled in that slightly mocking way and wrapped her bare arms around his torso, kissing him softly and as the seconds passed passionately on the lips. He pulled her closer, her towel falling to the floor and his hands travelled down her body and his lips feasted on her delicate skin… She hummed in pleasure and pleasure they felt all through the night.