Read Online Lily and the Duke by Helen Hardt - Free Book Online Page A

Daniel smoothed his fingers over her breast and pinched her nipple lightly.
    She swallowed. “I guess I couldn’t have one without the other.”
    She angled her face toward him and he caught her lips in a delicate kiss. Carefully she turned around so she was facing him, her legs straddling his.
    “If you’re going to sit on me like that, I may have to take you again.”
    She ignored his comment and gazed into his eyes. “You know, you have the most amazing eyes I have ever seen. They’re almost the color of emeralds, but not quite. There’s a touch of blue in them, but not enough to call them teal or turquoise. I can’t really describe the color, which is quite maddening, actually. There’s almost an undertone of…violet, if that makes any sense. Violet, yes, and a midnight blue. It’s like someone took an emerald, added just a touch of amethyst to it, and then melded it with a sapphire, but only on the bottom.” Lily ran her thumbs lightly across his eyelashes. “So beautiful.” She pulled him toward her and touched her lips lightly to his temple. “If I had some oil paints, the first color I would try to mix is the color of your eyes.”
    Daniel stared at her. He started to speak, but she continued, lacing her fingers through his hair.
    “And your hair. It’s so rich and thick. The color is like the afternoon sun shining through those high wispy clouds. I see highlights of burnt gold, and amber, and chestnut brown, and just a touch of silver.”
    “The silver is grey, Lily.”
    She reveled in the silk of his hair entwined in her fingers. “It feels like soft suede. I love how it falls in waves and touches your shoulders.” She smiled and paused for a moment. Then, “I want to wash it for you.”
    “What?”
    “Did I stutter? I said I want to wash your hair.”
    Daniel shook his head, smiling. “You are, without a doubt, the first woman who has ever asked that of me.”
    “I never claimed to be like any of your other women.” Lily batted her eyes. “Now, may I wash your hair or not?”
    “I could never deny you anything, love,” Daniel said.
    “Wonderful.” Lily reached over and grabbed the pitcher from the wash stand next to the tub. “Now close your eyes.”
    Daniel obeyed as Lily poured warm water over his head until it was saturated. She grabbed a dry towel and dabbed his eyes. “You can open now.” She took some soft soap in her hands and rubbed it into a lather between her palms. “Now, now, this won’t hurt a bit.” She smoothed the soap onto his head. Gently she massaged him, his wet locks sliding between her fingers. Her breasts rubbed against the wet hair on his chest, forcing her nipples into erect nubs.
    Daniel closed his eyes and groaned. “You have sensational hands, Lily.”
    “So I’ve been told.” She smiled.
    He jerked against her. “You have?”
    “By my art instructor, you cad!” She threaded her fingers through his hair one last time. “There, I think it’s clean now. I love the feel of your hair, Daniel.” She reached for the pitcher again. “Close your eyes. It’s time to rinse.” She drenched his head with warm water until the last trace of soap was removed. Gently she toweled his eyes. “All done. I bet your hair hasn’t been that clean in ages.”
    Daniel stared at her, his eyes rife with mischief. She looked down. The ends of her long hair were slick with moisture and clung to the swell of her breasts.
    “Your turn,” he said, grabbing the pitcher and filling it with the warm bath water.
    “Daniel, no!” Lily shouted, trying to scramble away from him. “My hair is long and thick. It will never dry in time!”
    “Too late!” He poured the water over her head. He wiped her eyes and rubbed into her hair. “Your hair is so long.” He added more soap, pulling it through to the ends of her tresses. “You’ve taught me something today, Lily. I never knew hair washing could be such an erotic experience.”
    “No doubt you find something erotic