WANTED

Chapter Twenty

  Nickolas stripped off his soiled shirt and threw it in the wash tub. He kept his attention on Elizabeth as he poured hot water in the basin and grated soap. She didn't move, she didn't speak, she wouldn't even look at him. How on earth had things turned so quickly? With the exception of Marry Ellen and a bit of vomit today had been perfect.

Nickolas soaked a cloth in hot water and gently wiped her face.
Snapping to attention, Elizabeth sat ramrod straight. Her eyes frantically searched his face. He continued his task, gently cleaning around her mouth and chin.
Interesting, Nickolas thought. Moving back to the basin, he agitated the soap before sudsing his rag. Did she only just realize we're both half naked? Or did she expect me to punish her? Maybe both. Whatever caused her reaction, it was better than the limp doll he'd been holding before.  Nickolas stepped up to Elizabeth again and began washing her neck.
She shivered violently when he touched her neck. He knew the cloth was plenty warm, and it didn't seem to be fear or pain. It couldn't possibly be pleasure, could it? Nickolas took his time washing her neck and the exposed part of her chest,enjoying the little quivers that rippled through her, then he slid the straps of her underclothes off her shoulders. He was careful not to expose her breasts fully and equally careful not to touch. Only the soapy cloth caressed her pale skin.

  Replacing her straps, he pulled her tangled braid over her shoulder and untied the ribbon that was barely holding it together.
He was deeply aware of her eyes on him as he unbraided her hair. Her beautiful green eyes, filled with curiosity and something akin to hunger, were enough to drive a man mad. Needing a bit of space, Nickolas took his time rinsing and resudsing the cloth before cleaning the loose strands of hair that hung around her face.
  He found her new comb set and began brushing out the ends of her hair. Elizabeth's intense gaze was starting to make him feel like he was walking around town in nothing but his boots. He pushed her mess of curls back over her shoulder and reached around in a rather awkward sort of hug to brush the back.
He was plesently surprised and thoroughly confused when she leaned forward and rested her head on his bare chest. Nickolas finished and set the brush aside. Reluctant to break contact, he pulled her closer and began carresing her back. Her underclothes felt lumpy and uneven, Nickolas curiously toyed with the fabric working it between his thumb and forefinger. Strange, the fabric felt smooth in his hands. He flattened his hand over her back and felt bumps again. Is it her skin? Finding a particularly prominent bump, he traced it with his fingertip. He felt the raised mark under her chamomile, long and slightly curved. It stretched across most of her upper back.
  Nickolas realized too late that Elizabeth had gone completely stiff in his arms. Her breathing was quick and shallow, and he knew he needed to change direction fast. Nickolas pulled her in close and buried his face in her neck. "Lisbeth," he started to speak, unsure of what he could possibly say to make this better. A small shudder rippled through her, and he felt some of the tension ease. He remembered how sensitive her neck had been and made a decision he was sure to regret.