Be Mine - Thomas Sharpe X Reader (Erotica)

Holy Matrimony

Once back at the Inn, the cheery innkeeper insists on toasting our health with a round of drinks on the house. A shared look tells me that Thomas isn't really in the mood for festivities either, as all we want to do is retire for the evening, but it would be rude not to accept the kindly innkeepers gracious hospitality.

After we've had our beverage, Thomas orders some food to be sent up to the room, so we're able to make our polite escape soon after.

When the food arrives and he answers the door -- me having to go with him due to the blasted ribbon -- the maids delivering our meal on two trays, gush and coo over Thomas like besotted, schoolroom chits.
It reminds me so much of Kitty and Charlotte back at Aldermont. Their reaction to Thomas was exactly the same, and even though it is mildly annoying I can thoroughly understand why they lose their heads over him. He is uncommonly handsome and charming. And all mine.

As they leave the room, giggling over us being tethered together at the wrist, and whispering excitedly to each other, Thomas seems indifferent to their fawning over him but painfully aware of them giggling at our love-knot.

"Perhaps we ought to untie it." He ponders thoughtfully, having turned red from his cravat up. "It isn't very practical is it?"

We sit down beside each other on the edge of the bed and he struggles to arrange the two trays of food between us.

"But it's bad luck if we untie it before we...." My words trail off. There's no need to explain further.

He arches one dark brow in mild amusement. "Are you superstitious?"

"No. I....well, maybe a little."

"Where I come from, superstitions are taken most seriously. However, we're going to have a difficult time trying to eat."

As perturbed as I am, I have to admit that he's right. You can't use a knife and fork with only one hand. So I nod apprehensively in agreement, and he carefully undoes the knot.

"Don't discard it though will you? I still intend to keep the ribbon as a souvenir of our wedding day."

Wedding day.

I'm still trying to take it in. How little old me landed myself a loving, handsome baronet.
My parents would never believe it.
Perhaps Hannah would. I must write to her as soon as possible, I decide, and share my wonderful news with her. I know she'll be so happy for me.

After we've eaten our meal of smoked Scottish salmon, boiled potatoes, bread and green beans, Thomas sends for a bathtub.

When it arrives, thankfully we don't have to endure the maid giggling at us any longer, and at Thomas' insistence, I bathe first. It isn't nearly as embarrassing stripping naked in front of Thomas this time.
On the contrary, I find it oddly thrilling. I've never undressed myself  in front of someone this way before, someone with their full attention on me. When Thomas stripped me that night when I got soaked in the rain, it was different somehow because he was the one doing the undressing for me.

As unnerving as it is, this is strangely exciting having to be so bold.
He lays casually propped against the pillows, watching me in silence through hooded eyes, as I begin the lengthy task of removing my dress and unlacing my corset.

The moment is exceptionally intimate, especially when our eyes meet as I sink down into the blissfully hot, soapy water. Never before have I been more aware of my naked body, and of him. His masculine presence and the aura of his desire makes the room seem almost electrically charged. The entire atmosphere is fraught with restrained sexual tension, tempered with something erotic, as he watches me intently as I lather myself with soap.