“Don’t worry about the whys, Alexandra. That’s my job.”
“Yes, my Branford.” I heard him chuckle as I blushed again.
“I do like it when you say that.”
“You do?”
“Yes, very much so.”
“Why? I’m not addressing you correctly.”
“But you are laying claim to me. As I have said, I am yours as well. You didn’t seem to believe me at the time, but at least I get to hear you say it in this way.”
I sank my teeth into my lower lip, and Branford ran his hand from my waist, over my hip, and then back up my side. His fingers danced over the back of my hand, then up the sleeve covering my arm.
“I want to know you, Alexandra,” he said. “I want to understand what you need from me even if you won’t ask me for anything. I still want to provide you with everything you need and anything you want. If there is ever anything you desire, you may ask for it here.”
“If you wish,” I answered.
“I do,” he replied. “I have one last question for you, Alexandra, and since we are sitting here like this, I want you to be completely honest. You won’t be punished because of your answer.”
I nodded quickly.
“Do you still wish me to bed you tomorrow night as we have discussed?”
“I…I think so,” I replied. I didn’t know why he would be asking such a question now unless he was still considering whether or not I could be effective as his wife.
“Yes or no, Alexandra,” he said quietly. His finger touched the end of my chin. “Can you not even tell me this?”
“I want to stay your wife,” I responded. I wasn’t sure if it was the right answer or not, but at least it was true. “If I am to be your wife, I want to…to be…that way with you.”
“Is that a yes, then?”
“Yes,” I said and felt my face flame. Branford cupped my chin with his hand and turned me to face him before placing his lips against mine.
“Then we should get ready for bed,” he replied. His lips turned up into a smile, and his eyebrows arched over his eyes. “I have much to teach you this evening if you are to be ready tomorrow.”
“Would you like to bathe before bed?” I asked.
“Yes, I would—if you are willing to help me.”
“Of course, my…Branford.”
And that is how we began redefining our relationship.
Chapter 5—Cooperatively Learn
I pulled the kettle from the fire and added the heated water to the basin. Branford grabbed the edge of his shirt and pulled it over his head as I soaked the cloth for him. As he removed his shirt, I allowed myself to look from the corner of my eye at the muscles outlined on his chest and arms and marveled at the sheer strength displayed there. I glanced at his eyes, and saw him smirking at my stare. I looked away quickly, feeling ashamed.
“Look at me all you want,” Branford said. “I can only hope that was a look of appreciation in your eyes.”
Avoiding his gaze, I went back to testing the water’s temperature and making sure I had everything I needed. Branford laughed quietly, and I felt him move to stand close behind me as he rested his fingers lightly on my waist.
“What is it you
like?” he asked quietly. It was a direct question, so I knew I had to answer him. I thought for a moment before responding, trying to hide my embarrassment.
“The lines,” I said. “I like the way your muscles make lines over your chest and stomach.”