“Come with me,” he whispered.
He turned off the bathroom light as they left. They went into the bedroom where the lights were off, but the glow of candles flickered across the walls and ceiling. The scent of vanilla and amber filled the air while a gentle hum of music played.
Her heartbeat slowed as he drew back the covers on the bed. He untucked her towel from her body and allowed it to fall to the floor. He carefully guided her onto the bed and pulled the covers over her. He removed his clothing then got in behind her. He draped his arm around her waist. She turned to face him. She nestled her head beneath his chin where her ear rested over his heart. It beat strong and steady.
Vic placed kisses along her forehead, her temple, and her cheeks. Tiny, unhurried kisses that were filled with meaning. Her hand rested on his chest. His fingers lightly stroked the small of her back. Slow circles that soothed her rather than teased her. The simple contact made something inside her ache.
Not desire.
Relief.
She never knew love could feel like this.
“I’m here,” he whispered against her temple. “And I’m not going anywhere.”
Her eyes slipped shut. She felt safe in the cocoon of his arms. She felt loved. Wanted. Cherished.
She was chosen.
She kissed his chest, then breathed in his scent. The world outside faded, and she let herself drift into darkness.
She fell asleep feeling loved and in the arms of the man who loved her back.
Vic stood behind Tachina as she applied a light coat of lipstick at the vanity. She was already flawless and didn’t need makeup in Vic’s opinion, but she insisted she would feel more ‘polished’. He had been watching her quietly for the last ten minutes, taking in every detail of her preparation.
Her dress was white, which was a direct contrast to her tawny skin. It hugged her curves like it had been made specifically for her. Sleek satin draped down herlegs, and the sleeveless bodice hugged her, showcasing her smooth, bare shoulders. Her hair was in an elegant updo style.
She looked powerful and radiant. She was the kind of woman men would go off and fight wars for.
He should have been focusing on the evening ahead. Introductions, presentations—but he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
She paused, then turned slightly toward him. She must have felt his eyes on her.
“You are staring,” she murmured.
“I can’t help it,” he admitted. “You’re the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen.”
She gave an unladylike snort. Her shoulders rose with a breath that seemed too tight. Or maybe it was the contraption she wore underneath her dress that was making it difficult for her to breathe. She was trying to hide her nerves, but he’d spent enough time with her to notice the small tells. The way her fingers fidgeted, shallow breaths, and her too-straight posture.
“You are going to do fine,” he said gently. “They are just not ready for you.”
“I’m scared, Vic.” She tried to smile, but her voice trembled.
“Of what?” He stepped closer to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He remained careful of her dress, not wanting to wrinkle it.
“What if they don’t take me seriously? What if they?—”
“Stop. Your work speaks for itself. You came up with this vision. You designed it. I was the lucky one who was able to hire you so we can execute it,” he said, firm on that.
“Are you sure?” She leaned back against him.
He brushed his lips on her bare shoulder that was driving him insane. A shiver passed through her. As much as he wished to take this dress off her at the moment, they didn’t have time. It would have to wait until tonight when they returned home.
“I’m positive.”
A soft laugh escaped her. That was what he wanted. The tension in her shoulders melted slightly.
“I have something for you,” he said.