Page 59 of The Earl

“Then I will allow you to bathe, my lord.”

If she thought he was too gentlemanly to agree, Cait thought incorrectly. He tossed his clothing and boots to the side and entered the steaming hot water. It felt good, though not as good as Cait would feel on top of him.

“Come here, Cait.”

She shook her head. “Nay.”

“Come here.”

She did not move.

“I will ask you once more. And if you do not take off your shift and come to this tub, I will gather you myself. And your shift will be as wet as I intend to make you.”

He meant every word. They could discuss her anger later. They could speak of marriage and his insistence on seeing to her safety. Of the state of the rebellion and his role in it and the fears he dare not express.

But right now, he needed her. Terric be damned.

“I am scared, Cait. I am alone and scared,” he said, perhaps too honestly.

She took a step toward him.