The Perfect Gift Read Online Free PDF Page B

in the finest manner. Silk-covered walls shimmered as they reflected the flames from the fire in the hearth. Thick velvet curtains covered the darkness outside. The room spelled opulence, and romance.
    And please God, sex. Even to herself Judith dare not hope for more. She let Kitty help her undress before taking her hair and twisting it into a knot. Nakedness in front of a maid held no terrors, so why, beside this quiet girl, was her body thrumming with excitement? The thought of being naked in front of Stephen sent delicious tingles of anticipation down her spine. These feelings were different but equally as arousing. She did her best to put them to one side. Her focus was on later. Was she at last to see how a naked man looked in reality and not by a sketch? Would his staff look like those etchings in real life, or were they over-exaggerated? Her breathing quickened at the thought she may soon find out, perhaps even touch the flesh.
    Be calm. There is little chance of that now. Bathe and relax, then think of what may transpire. Judith took several slow, deep, calming breaths. Once more composed, she looked at the dresser, and turned to Kitty in consternation.
    “Demm, I have no pins,” Judith exclaimed. “They are in my valise. Has it arrived yet?”
    Kitty shook her head. “No, m’lady, but I have some here. His lordship sent word you may need some. Let me.” She held out her hand. In the palm were several large jeweled clips. They were much too elaborate for a bath. However, Judith had no option, other than to thank Kitty.
    Judith bent her head forward and felt soft hands on her shoulders as her hair was lifted and pinned high.
    “There, that’s good,” Kitty said, satisfaction in her voice. Her hands stroked across the nape of Judith’s neck. Judith shivered, amazed at the increased tingles of awareness the caress evoked, and stretched. She gave in to those feelings. “That,” Judith said, satisfaction in her voice. “Is good.”
    To her amazement, Kitty neither spoke nor removed her hands. Instead she moved them lower down her back, and began to knead the globes of her arse.
    “You are tense, my lady, you need to relax.” Kitty’s voice was low, almost hypnotic. On one hand it made Judith want to close her eyes and fall deep into the cocoon of wellbeing she created. On the other hand…how could she relax when her body was so aware? When strange sensations filled her, made her breath choppy, and the hairs on her arms stand on end. Instead she leaned her head back to rest on Kitty.
    Act as you mean to go on. I must be open-minded and speak my mind.
    “What happens now?” she asked, prosaic as possible. “Do you pleasure me?”
    Am I really asking such a thing? Of a maidservant? What if she returns to the servants’ hall and gossips?
    It seemed Kitty could read her mind.
    “My lady, ‘tis up to you. I could and we would both enjoy such a scenario. And no one but us would ever know, except…” she hesitated.
    “Except?” Judith twisted her neck to look Kitty in the eyes.
    “Except Stephen,” Kitty replied. “My brother in all but blood. He knows all, and indeed it must be so. He is more, much more than I can admit to. His depths are for him alone to disclose. His heritage also. But I can say this; many a night I have heard him pacing the floor. And many a night heard him utter your name.”
    Her hands continued their soft pressure, and she pressed a soft kiss on Judith’s forehead.
    “And you are there with him? You are his?” The anguish that flooded her on Kitty’s simple words made her ask. She had to know. Kitty laughed.
    “Not in a carnal manner, my lady. He is my protector, my champion, not my lover. I love him as a sister, and he returns that love as a brother. I would do anything for him. Oh,” she added in a hurry. “Not take you, let you take me, and enjoy our pleasures. If we do so, it will be on our decree no one else’s. He would know, would watch, but not participate,