Faye stood before Sterling, and the warm glow of the crackling fireplace, its flickering light, danced across the curves of her body.
He watched her bashfully lower her head, her shoulders slumping as she covered the front of her chest with her arms. She was still too shy for him to look at her nakedness.
She was clad in nothing but a delicate pair of cotton knickers. Her exposed skin revealed a tapestry of bruises and marks inflicted by Arvon's tail. His hand tenderly glided over her bare flesh.
The sight of her damaged skin infuriated the Duke, who scrutinized every detail, feeling a mix of anger and concern.
Faye could sense that Sterling was uncomfortable with the state of her body. She muttered, eager for him to stop brooding.
"I'm cold. Your Grace, I'd like to cover myself."
