Karenina

He helped her to her feet and pulled her away from the window. Wordlessly, she reached behind her and fumbled with the ends of her sash and ribbon. Seeing her struggle, he pulled her to his chest and wrapped his arms around her. Xavier leaned over her so she could see his hands as he untied her sash and ribbon, then took a step back and removed them from her waist.

She stood passively as Xavier helped her undress, sliding her beautiful gown off her shoulders before discarding the layers underneath. They fell to the floor, not caring if the fabric was crumpled and damaged. What had taken hours...