Chapter 67: Bath [M]
Noelle stands in front of the large mirror, the soft glow of the evening light casting a warm hue across his skin as he undoes the intricate buttons of his outfit. I can’t help but admire the way the fabric clings to his frame, the elegant lines of his posture so naturally perfect. He’s always graceful, even in the simplest of movements.
I drop my jacket and the rest of my upper garments onto the floor, too eager to be rid of them. The moment the clothes hit the ground, Noelle turns and fixes me with that familiar look—disapproving but affectionate.
"Really?" he says, his eyes doing all the scolding for him.
I grin sheepishly, bending down to retrieve the discarded clothes. "Alright, alright. I’ll behave."
Noelle rolls his eyes but steps toward me, his fingers already moving to undo the complicated pins and accessories that are more trouble than they’re worth. "Let me help," he says softly, his touch as deft as ever. His hands glide across my skin as he unfastens everything with ease, and all the while, I can’t tear my eyes away from him.
He’s beautiful. His long lashes, the way the soft curls of his hair fall loose around his face, the light in his eyes when he’s focused on something. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it.
"Don’t stare at me like that," he murmurs with a smile, catching me in the act.
"It’s impossible not to," I reply, my voice low. He shakes his head but turns back to the mirror to finish undressing, his movements calm and deliberate.
I can’t resist. I walk up behind him, my gaze tracing the elegant line of his back. His long hair is swept up in a complicated half-up style, leaving the nape of his neck and shoulders exposed. My fingers follow the curve of his spine, trailing softly down his skin.