Chapter 6
Anna Camila had tiptoed through the house to their bedroom in the castle and now dropped her black Versace flats on the marble floor without messing them up, but the soles of her feet were sandy.
She would apologize to the housekeepers. Anna Camila unzipped the side of her damp blue dress and headed toward the bathroom. “I’ll need a shower, Leo.”
“Then we’ll head to the stables,” he said behind her.
The door was still open. She saw how he carelessly tossed his black pants onto the floor.
Maybe one day she wouldn’t care that someone else had to clean up after her, but she doubted it. She turned on the water and called out, “I don’t know how to ride horses.”
She stripped off her dress and froze when he popped his head into the bathroom. Her entire body turned red as he eyed her in her black underwear and bra. “We can ride tomorrow, then. How about today we go to the stables and I’ll introduce you to Lady.”
She closed the door with her hip the moment he left.
One day she’d be used to him in her life, with no thought to boundaries. But that was not today. She folded the dress near the door and then locked it.
Once she was sure she was alone, she stepped into the shower, washing her hair.
The salt washed off easily and soon she felt clean.
She wrapped herself in a white robe that was warmed for her and headed into the bedroom.
Leo winked at her as he went into the shower. She asked, “Who is Lady?”
He ran his hands over her terrycloth sleeve. “Your filly. She’s gentle and a good horse for you to learn how to sit in a saddle.”
With that pronouncement, he entered the bathroom, and she studied her closet in amazement.
Until now she’d had maybe ten outfits to wear. Now she had an entire closet. Everything was name-brand, and somehow this was her new life. She pressed her lips together, choosing black capris and a black cotton shirt. “Riding is important to you.”
He called out through the open bathroom door, “It was part of my training as a boy. I find riding helps me clear my thoughts.”
Her face heated. Unlike him, she required a bit of privacy. She slipped on her new underwear under her robe. “Talking to me can also clear your thoughts.”
She heard the water that must be splashing against his body and wondered about his tan abs she’d seen on occasion. What would it be like to touch him? “Fair, but I like riding.”
She finished dressing as he strode out of the bathroom in just a white towel wrapped around his hips. “Okay, I’m ready.”
The way he eyed her up and down made her feel naked, though she was fully dressed—he was the one barely covered. He winked at her as he stood in front of the closet and said, “Or we can stay here.”
She’d lose her ability to have any self-control and it was important that they know one another. Anna played with her diamond ring. “What would we do if we stayed?”
His hand brushed the part of the towel that tied the fabric in place. “I could strip you naked and have my way with you.”
Her entire body was hot. This wasn’t good at all. He must see how her face had a horrible blush. Anna only grew hotter and looked away. “Guess you need to introduce me to Lady.”
“You’re scared?”
She glanced at him and stopped twirling her ring. “I’m not scared, just being cautious.”
“Yes, you are scared but you don’t have to be.” Leo chose a pair of black trousers and a blue polo that he tossed on the bed.
Her gaze went to the white sheets. What would it be like to have him hold her in his arms? Her body tingled as she walked over and picked out his black walking shoes along with her black flats. “In part,” she admitted, “though I’m more worried about what happens after.”
He placed his hand on her lower back and awareness shot through her. She turned as he said next to her ear, “We start trusting each other.”
If only. She massaged the back of her neck and stepped away. “How does sex equal trust? I thought getting to know each other does that.”
