Sutton shifted, allowing one side of hisshirt to dip down.
Alexandra’s fingers traveled to the edgeof the shirt. She pulled the cloth down the length of his back and triednot to gasp in wonder as the dragon slowly revealed itself. The enormityand beauty of the tattoo stunned her. Before she could stop herself sheuttered, “Good Lord, Sutton.”
The dragon tattoo, exquisite andintricate, rivaled anything in Alexandra’s experience, the exceptional skill ofthe artist, evident in every brush stroke. The dragon’s almond-shaped redeyes, framed by dark sweeping lashes, looked down towards Sutton’swaist. The head of the beast tilted regally over Sutton’s leftshoulder. The body wound down the spine of her husband’s back, each scaledrawn in detail, and outlined in ink that shimmered like gold. Thedragon’s smaller forearms stretched out, one arm reached for the right side ofSutton’s back, the other clutched his left shoulder blade, giving theappearance that the dragon had crawled up Sutton to nest in his neck. The hindlegs disappeared under the animal’s body, only one clawed foot stuck out. Theelongated tail wove around the right side of his torso, getting smaller andthinner as it wrapped around his right side and approached his navel.Sutton stretched and the muscles in his back undulated, making it seem as ifthe dragon came to life. The tattoo was a masterpiece.
“It’s so real looking. I half expectit to pounce upon me.”
“The dragon is not who you need to worryabout,” Sutton said lightly.
When he didn’t move, or turn his head,Alexandra took that as a sign she could explore. Just touching Sutton,just letting her fingertips rest against his flesh, filled her with tautexpectation. Tracing the dragon and feeling Sutton’s muscles bunchbeneath her touch pulled her into a sensual trance.
“It's beautiful, Sutton. Truly awork of art.” She paused in her exploration. The pain he’d endured whilethis was etched on his skin must have been excruciating. She rememberedthe comments she’d overheard so long ago at Lady Dobson’s. Sutton mustfeel like an oddity to have a tattoo, and especially one of this magnitude, drawnon his body. A rush of tenderness filled her. The Dowager had beencorrect. Alexandra was madly, deeply and forever in love with SuttonReynolds.
Her fingers flowed around his midsectionas she walked around to face him. Her hands ran up to his face, palms openagainst his cheeks. She loved this beautiful, complicated man with allher heart.
He pressed an open mouthed kiss on herpalm. The tip of his tongue darted out against herskin. “Turn around.” His voice was husky. “I feelthat since you have examined my back, the least I can do is return the favor.”
Obedient and awkward, she turned, afraidhe would find her wanting in some way. “I suppose I shouldn’t askif you need direction. I’m quite sure you’re an expert.” Shecringed, immediately regretting the note of jealously she heard in hervoice. Admitting her love for him, if only to herself, made herfeel vulnerable. The intensity frightened her.
“Shush, Badger. I have wanted nowoman as I’ve wanted you.”
Warm fingers ran down Alexandra’sspine. The dress fell apart as his fingers did their work. Cool airsliced down her back. Slowly. Each time a new portion of her back becameexposed, Sutton’s mouth warmed it. Her legs shook. Her breasts feltheavy, almost painful.
Her wedding dress, a lovely confection ofpale blue silk, fell to her hips. The silk clung to her hips, then, cascadeddown her legs to form a puddle at her feet.
“Turn around.”
Alexandra stepped out of the pool of bluesilk and turned to Sutton. Her nipples puckered as she faced him.She knew he could see her breasts through the sheer fabric of herchemise. She covered her breasts with her hands, suddenly embarrassed tobe nearly naked before him.
“Don’t.”
“Would it be possible, my lord-“
“Sutton.”
Alexandra gave him a look under herlashes. Determination was stamped over his handsome face, as if he were aknight about to siege a castle. She supposed that was one way of lookingat things.
“Sutton, would it be possible to perhapsturn down the lamps? I-“
“No. That is a distinctimpossibility.”
She forced her hands to her sides andtried not to tremble under his regard.
He reached forward and pulled the ribbonthat held the top of her chemise together. He pulled the ribbon slowly,purposefully, until the chemise parted. His dark hair fell acrosshis face, his head bent to the task. The chemise loosened, the endsbarely clinging to her shoulders. Sutton reached forward abruptly andwrenched the fabric down with both hands.
Her nipples hardened into points as thecooler air of the room caressed her exposed flesh. She turned her head,unwilling to look at Sutton.
“God, you’re beautiful Alex.” Hisbreath drew in sharply. The dragon’s tail moved as his breathingdeepened.
Her hands clenched at her sides.She wasn’t sure what was expected of her. The nipples of her breastshardened into painful points. Her eyelids fluttered. She wanted hismouth on her breasts.
Sutton growled low in his throat.The chemise ripped off her body, fluttering into a wispy heap on thefloor.
“Pray be careful, my lord. I onlyhave –“
“I’ll buyyou another. Dozens if that’s what you wish.”
Alexandra was certain her drawers werenext. She was not disappointed. One long finger grabbed the tapesof her underclothes. A harsh tug and the sound of fabric tearing met herears. Naked now, except for her garters and hose, she stood beforehim. Feeling wicked and wanton, she met his stare.
