36: 36 Between Silk and Skin (AVOT)

36 Between Silk and Skin (AVOT)

Daisy's cheeks warmed at the thought of him feeding her. She returned to focus on her meal and finished it quickly, only looking up once her plate was empty.

"I will have to leave for work," he said softly. 

She nodded, her gaze sweeping over his casual attire. 

"I will get dressed," he said. 

"Shall I assist you?" She asked. When her parents were still married, her mother often helped her father with his clothes and made sure he looked his best before he left. 

A twinkle of amusement lit up his eyes. "I would be honored, Daisy."

Standing up, he offered her his hand, and she took it. As he led her through the halls, his bare thumb now caressed her knuckles. Was it something he always did, she wondered? 

Rhain led her to his private chambers, opening the heavy oak door with a soft creak. Daisy stepped inside, her eyes immediately drawn to the dimly lit room. The air was cool, carrying a hint of his personal scent - a mixture of the outdoors, a hint of roses, and something uniquely him. It was a scent that had quickly become familiar and oddly alluring to her.

The first thing that struck her was the imposing size of the room, grander than what she had anticipated. The dark, mahogany paneling lining the walls gave the room a sense of stately elegance, while the soft flicker of firelight from a large, stone fireplace cast dancing shadows, adding an air of warmth and coziness.

Richly upholstered leather armchairs flanked the fireplace, creating a perfect nook for reading. Nearby stood a grand desk, carved from the same dark wood as the walls. It was organized with neatly stacked parchments, an inkwell, a quill, and a few books, signifying a place where important work was conducted.

On one side of the room, stood an enormous canopy bed, draped in black and silver brocade. The plush cushions and blankets were a testament to Rhain's liking for comfort, while the color scheme echoed his own aura of mystery.

Against the opposite wall stood a grand wardrobe, its carved doors closed. An elaborate full-length mirror stood next to it, its gilded frame glinting in the firelight.

So this was what his room looked like? It was strangely intimate to be in it. 

"You really like the darkness," she said, turning to him. 

"I find comfort in it," Rhain replied, his gaze following hers. "It's a quiet space, where I can think, contemplate. And it keeps out unnecessary distractions." He stepped further in, his shadow following behind. "Would you like to choose my clothes for today?" he asked, watching her with interest.

Daisy was taken aback for a moment, not having thought of picking the clothes out for him as well. The responsibility seemed daunting, especially considering the importance of his status and image but then she remembered that all his clothes were probably of the finest collection. 

"Alright," she finally responded, taking a deep breath. She walked over to the large wardrobe, pulling open the carved doors. The sight that met her eyes was overwhelming - rows and rows of garments in different styles, materials, and colors. She could hardly believe the sheer variety. It was as if she'd stepped into a tailor's workshop.

Her gaze swept over the collection, and she began to contemplate her choices. Too many choices and too many things she liked already. Daisy tried to think of Rhain and what would suit him best. He was a striking man, his features strong and distinct. She decided to select colors that would complement his dark hair and golden eyes.

She carefully skimmed through the array of clothes, her fingers brushing over the high-quality fabrics. Her eyes eventually landed on a particular set. A finely crafted ensemble in deep navy velvet with subtle embroidery that spoke of refined taste.

There was a certain kind of appeal to it, a gentle, understated elegance that seemed to resonate with Rhain's aura. The navy would contrast splendidly with his golden eyes, and the velvet, she reckoned, would accentuate his broad shoulders and lean form. She envisioned Rhain in it, and an unfamiliar warmth spread through her at the thought.

Along with the suit, she selected a crisp white shirt made from delicate silk, a matching gray waistcoat, and a silver silk cravat.

Pausing, she considered the pristine white shirt. Would he need to change his current shirt, or did he intend to keep the one he was wearing? An innocent query, yet it held implications she had not fully considered until that moment.

Casting an uncertain glance toward him, she caught his understanding smile. His eyes held an indulgent light. 

"Would you like a change of shirt as well?" she found herself asking, her words rushing. 

Suddenly, the room felt smaller, and the air a touch too warm. Her heart pounded in her chest, echoing in her ears. The prospect of seeing him, and witnessing the raw intimacy of him undressed, stirred a flurry of emotions within her. 

"A change might be refreshing," he admitted, his voice smooth and unflustered, as if discussing something as mundane as the weather.

His eyes met hers again, the corners of his lips tugging into a faintly teasing smile as if he were aware of the ripple his words had created within her. 

Nodding, Daisy gathered the selected garments in her arms, her heart pounding like a drum in her chest. As she approached Rhain, nerves danced at her fingertips, spreading an odd chill throughout her body. 

Rhain, however, seemed completely at ease and he casually tugged at the hem of his shirt, before pulling it up and over his head.  The motion was fluid, and unfettered, revealing the graceful strength of his movement. 

As the shirt cleared his head, Rhain was bare before her. His torso, the canvas for a tantalizing play of light and shadow, was a testament to an inherent strength that was more about endurance than brute force. His body was lean, and muscular in an understated way that whispered rather than shouted its power. The planes and angles of his chest were carefully defined, carrying an undeniable suggestion of physical prowess.

His skin was a smooth expanse of silver, unmarred and strikingly pale against the dark fabric of his trousers. It gleamed in the soft morning light streaming through the window, highlighting the contours of his chest and stomach. The muscles of his abdomen were distinctly outlined, with a well-structured grid leading to the waistband of his trousers.

Daisy found her eyes tracing the path, taking in the visual poetry of his form. A shiver of appreciation raced through her, bringing a warm blush to her cheeks.

His voice pulled her from her rapt contemplation, laced with an unexpected gentleness, and hint of playfulness, "I trust the sight before you is to your satisfaction?"

Caught off guard by his question, Daisy momentarily lost her voice. The heat in her cheeks intensified, spreading like a soft blush down her neck. Taking a shaky breath, she finally gathered the courage to look him in the eyes.

"Y-yes, you are..." she started, the word catching in her throat as she struggled to articulate her thoughts. "You are...more than pleasing."

His eyes narrowed with intrigue. Was it good or bad? Did she say the wrong thing? 

Clearing her throat, she managed to quell her nerves just enough to regain her voice. "May I?" she asked tentatively, holding the shirt up to him, silently requesting permission to assist him.

He simply nodded, stepping forward into the pool of light filtering in through the window. Her breath hitched, the light highlighting his broad shoulders and casting deep shadows that only emphasized the statuesque beauty of his body. He was the epitome of masculine allure, and Daisy felt a strange sensation of awe mixed with a timid flutter of desire.

Alright! Enough with the staring, Daisy! 

Carefully, Daisy helped him put on the fresh shirt. Her fingers brushed against his cool skin as she guided his arms through the sleeves. The intimate proximity had her heart fluttering against her ribcage. The shirt draped perfectly over his lean body, its fine silk fabric accentuating his physique. 

As she began buttoning the shirt, her fingers trembled slightly, making the task a little more difficult. She could feel the firmness of his chest under the thin layer of the shirt, and it took all her courage not to let her gaze wander.

She stepped back once she was done, her eyes taking in the sight before her. The shirt fit him impeccably, so she moved on to the waistcoat. 

Daisy held it open for him as he slid his arms into the armholes. It was a perfect fit, contouring to his well-defined chest and waist. Standing behind him, she made sure the back panel lay flat against his shirt before moving to stand in front of him to fasten the buttons. 

Once that was done, Daisy reached for the cravat. She looked up at him, her eyes questioning.

Rhain responded with a nod, tilting his head slightly to afford her easier access to his neck. Daisy moved closer, closing the space between them.

Standing in front of him, she found herself short of reaching his neck comfortably. She tiptoed, the disparity in their heights now more apparent than ever. The shift in her balance pressed her body closer to his, but she ignored the feel of his firm chest and focused on the task at hand. 

Once she was done, her chest brushed against his body as she went down to her feet again. She quickly hurried to pick up the jacket, trying to ignore the tingling sensation in her body. 

Finally, she picked the jacket to complete the ensemble. It was tailored to perfection, her hands adjusting the lapels so they sat perfectly against the waistcoat, her fingers brushing over his broad shoulders. 

Throughout the process, Rhain stood patient and still, allowing Daisy to work with minimal interference. His steady gaze watched her actions, and a small smile played on his lips. 

When she was done, she stepped back, her gaze taking in Rhain in his complete attire. The clothes she had chosen suited him well, making him look every bit the nobleman he was. Daisy felt a surge of satisfaction, her nerves giving way to a sense of accomplishment. It was a small task, yet a significant one, marking her role in his life.

"I hope it's to your liking?" She asked. 

His gaze, both warm and intense, met hers as he responded, "If it is to your liking."

Daisy blinked, surprised that approval seemed to hinge on hers, a notion that both comforted her and filled her with a new sense of responsibility.

"I think you look..." she started, her voice trailing off as she took a moment to truly appreciate him.  "I think you look...distinguished," she finally said, her voice steadying with newfound confidence. "You wear these clothes as if they were made for you."

Feeling a strange sense of contentment, Daisy stepped back to take him in fully. In this moment, as she saw him dressed in her choice of attire, she couldn't help but feel a connection to him. 

Daisy smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with a soft warmth. "You look wonderful."

Rhain stood still as Daisy withdrew, taking in his appearance with a scrutinizing gaze. Her eyes shimmered with something akin to pride, satisfaction, even joy. It puzzled him, this earnest pleasure she derived from something as mundane as dressing him.

He couldn't help but mirror her smile. A warmth curled in his chest, unfamiliar, bringing with it something suppressed. He was usually averse to such personal attentions, preferring the solitude of his own company, his own routine. But the gentle sway of Daisy's presence, her quiet delight in this simple task had him bewitched.

The sight of her, flushed with triumph, her eyes sparkling, sent a jolt through him. The trivial task of getting dressed was a chore to him, but here was Daisy, finding such happiness in it.

Rhain watched as she bit her lower lip, a gesture he realized she often did when she was deep in thought or particularly focused. It was endearing, adding to the charm that was uniquely hers.

"Distinguished…" he echoed her word. "I haven't been described as such in a long time. It seems I've been missing out on such praises."2

Daisy felt saddened hearing that, realizing how the rumors affected how people saw him. "I am sure you would receive much praise if people allowed themselves to see beyond the cloak of rumors." 

Something unusual flickered through Rhain's eyes, an emotion that made him appear more human and vulnerable before he concealed it with a cold look. The swift change was disturbing, making her wonder what else he could so easily conceal. 

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