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maids came in. “Lord Akutan requests that you join him for a bath.”
    Amy’s cheeks flushed bright red. “Right. Teriki mentioned communal bathing.”
    The maid’s face was stoic. “Come with me, lady.”
    There was no option. The master of the house had asked her, and there wasn’t an out for her unless it was her time of the month. Since she was on a three-year shot that did not allow her to bleed, she didn’t have an excuse.
    She got to her feet and followed the maid into the part of the house that had been marked off limits.
    The young woman brought her through the doorway and into a garden that was well organized and yet full of colour at the same time. The scents of the flowers were heady and relaxing. The low murmur of voices was their destination, and she ended up standing only a few feet from Lord Akutan while his clothing was removed layer by layer.
    “Please stand here, lady.” The maid began to strip her as calmly as her companion was disrobing his lordship.
    Each layer was carefully folded and set on a nearby rack. Amy was thankful that she was wearing less layers than Akutan was. The maid was finished with her, and she wore only the white silk shift that made up her first layer.
    With skilled movements, the maid removed the shift and scrubbed her from head to toe, pinning her hair into a loose topknot. Amethyst kept her gaze straight ahead, and the moment she was sluiced and clean, she took the maid’s hand to step forward and into the large, steaming tub of water.
    She could feel Akutan’s gaze on her, but she ignored him and found a bench under the water on which she settled herself, her breasts mostly covered but easily visible for anyone who cared to look.
    She turned and looked at Akutan as the dirt of his journey was scrubbed from him, and he was even lovelier without the silk wrapping him, though his body wore enough scars to attest to a rather exciting life.
    Lean muscle moved, and she jerked her gaze from his erect cock to his bronze eyes, they were crinkled with amusement.
    He stepped into the tub, and the water rose until her collarbone was covered. Akutan sat and stretched his arms on the edge of the tub, leaning his head back with a groan. “I need to cut down on my travelling.”
    She huddled in the water and ventured, “Why?”
    He lifted his head and looked at her. “There are things I need to attend to at home.”
    She swallowed as she realised that she was one of the things he was referring to. Amy looked around and took the cup of wine that the maid handed her. “This garden is lovely.”
    “Thank you. It took years of designing, but I am happy with the result.”
    Silence fell a moment later, and she tried to let the hot water work its magic on her muscles, but she was too nervous.
    “Lean back and relax, Amethyst. You are far too tense.” He lifted his head and looked at her through narrowed eyes.
    She leaned back and relaxed, sipping at the wine. It managed to loosen some of her tension, and she began to enjoy the bath.
    His voice came to her, low and closer than she thought he was, but she kept her eyes closed and her head back. “Do you have any questions about Rai?”
    She opened her eyes and confirmed that he was definitely within touching distance, and if she could reach him, he could certainly reach her. “What season is it now?”
    “Early autumn. The harvests are underway, and the wealth of Rai is being stored.” He smiled and tried to look innocent as he moved closer.
    “What kind of animals do you ride?” Amy set her wine cup on the edge of the tub.
    “Four legged, as tall as I am at the shoulder, they are called effu and are exceptionally intelligent as well as loyal.”
    “How intelligent?”
    “If they were not so good natured, they could be dangerous. Would you care to take up riding?” He sounded hopeful.
    She bit her lip. “I have already put a burden on your household in the matter of clothing and feeding me. Special clothing for the sake of a