Rhys undressed with unholy haste, holding Madeline’s gaze all the while. He hoped that she did not change her thinking on this matter. He unbuckled his belt and laid his sword upon the floor with care, then unlaced his jerkin and cast it aside.
Madeline’s cheeks grew pinker with every item of clothing he discarded, though she did not look away. Indeed, she surveyed him with such curiosity that he dared to hope events might proceed well. Rhys shed his tall boots, pulled his shirt and then his chemise over his head, and paused only when he stood before his wife in no more than his chausses.
She arched a brow, looking suddenly mischievous. “I would wager that you will have to shed those, as well.”
“It is time enough that I had assistance.”
She flushed scarlet, but as he anticipated, she d
