Page 75 of Courting Claudia

“Claudia, I need you. Take one thing off at a time. Start with your dress. Excellent choice, selecting one that buttons down the front.”

“You learn to dress yourself when you don’t have a lady’s maid.”

“The dress. Please, do this for me.”

She eyed him for a moment, then did as he asked. The garment fell at her feet in a heap, and she stood wearing her petticoat and corset. His pulse quickened. Her breasts rose and fell rapidly above her corset. He longed to release her from all her constraints, the tangible ones as well as the emotional.

“Your petticoat. That can’t be comfortable.”

“Not so much,” she said with a hint of a smile, “but certainly better than the corset.”

“Then remove it.”

It took her a while to unlace it, but when she finally got it undone, she visibly relaxed. No doubt the damned thing was cutting off some of her air.

“You’re so beautiful. Keep going, my love, let yourself go.”

She chewed at her lip, then turned to face the opposite direction. She pulled off her chemise, then turned back around with her arms crossed on her chest, blocking his view. The pressure from her arms smashed her breasts against her.

“Move your arms.”

A blush crept up her neck and stained her cheeks. She closed her eyes and dropped her hands to her side. Her breasts were magnificent, large and round with a pale dusting of pink at the centers. Her nipples rose proudly. Red marks streaked down her abdomen where the corset bones had pressed into her too tightly.

His heart thrummed wildly against the cage of his chest. A surge of lust hit him forcefully, followed by an equally powerful surge of protectiveness. She was his, and he’d be damned if anyone, especially her father, hurt her again.

“I wish you could see yourself the way I see you,” he said.

She opened her eyes, but did not look at him.

“You’ve only your drawers left. Take them off and join me. Feel the water slippery against your skin. There’s nothing like it in the world.”

With almost a visible surge of determination, she peeled the drawers from her body. The triangle of golden hair glistened in the sunlight. Her stomach was not flat, and this was obviously the source of her anxiety. Her waist was not excessively narrow, and her hips were rounder than was fashionable, but to him, she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

His breath caught in his throat. He’d never want another woman as long as she was with him. She was like a golden goddess released from an Italian Renaissance painting.

“Claudia, look at me.”

She didn’t move.

“Please.”

Her eyes met his, and he saw the shimmer of tears edging her eyes. “You’re perfect. Now come here.”

She came into the pond and stood before him.

He wiped a tear from her cheek. “Thank you. I know that was difficult. But honest, I think you’re perfect.” He pulled her to him and hugged her, feeling the warmth of her skin pressed against his.

“How does the water feel?”

She gave him a weak smile. “Strange. A little cold.”

He scooped water, then poured it against her chest. She inhaled sharply, and her breasts tightened. He cupped them, reveling in the weight of them.

“You have the most magnificent breasts I’ve ever seen.”

“They’re too large.”

He smiled at her. “Not for me.”