y from Axel's blanket. She walked quickly to the

l cart loaded with a basin of steaming water, fresh towels, and various oi

er that as the wife, it was her daily duty to give the y

eat rushed up her neck, turning her cheeks a bright, bur

l nurse. Alfred stepped back and stated that these were Madam Victo

nd pulled it inside. The rubber wheels squeaked softly against the ca

hands curled into tight fists against his thighs. A viol

ut, the steam rising and clouding her vision. Her hands shook

revealing a hard, sculpted collarbone. The distinct scent of male

gainst his skin. His body instinctively rejected t

d pecs, and the rigid six-pack. Her pupils shrank in shock. This was t

sent a jolt straight to Axel's groin. His Adam's apple bobbed sharp

ting him. She meticulously avoided the angry red

im it was a tragedy that a man with such a strong body was

o took a direct hit. His chest began to rise an

chest. She thought he was struggling for air. She leaned do

sweet scent of citrus body wash drifted from her skin and fi

ne second away from opening his eyes and t

t out a sigh of relief. She moved the towel down over his har

ike it was on fire. The overwhelming shame paralyzed he

ed his nerves to the breaking point. If she pulled

hooked her trembling fingers under

Benjamen sprinted into the room

hoes pounded against the floorboards, shatteri

Axel's stomach. The hot water soaked instantly through

yanked it up, covering Axel all the way to his chin. H

demanded to know why he was stopping her from doing her jo

e. He blurted out the first ridiculous lie he could think of, shouti

medically impossible excuse. Her eyes n

ed at Axel's stomach. It growled again-loud enough for her to hear clearly. She blinked, then la

in in his temple throbbed. He decided right then an