The room was now filled with the heavy, sweet scent of sunflower oil.
Ines loved how she was feeling. Her body felt like it was floating. The tension from the long carriage ride, the stress of the wedding, and the fear of meeting the new aunt—all of it was melting away under Carcel's hands.
His thumbs moved in slow, hypnotic circles over the upper swell of her chest. The oil made his skin glide over hers without friction. It was warm. It was soothing. It was exactly what she needed.
Ines let out a long, contented sigh. Her eyes were closed. Her breathing was deep and even. She was drifting in that lovely space between being awake and being asleep.
"You are very good at this," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. "You missed your calling as a doctor."
Carcel didn't answer immediately. He watched her face. He watched the way her eyelashes rested against her cheek. He watched her lips part slightly as she relaxed.
