Page 44 of The Duke's Daring Bride

His movements grew bolder, each increasing in depth and speed, until Alistair was thrusting into her. Olivia caught her breath, his power overwhelming. This felt…nice. It made her feel powerful, to wrap her arms around his shoulders like this, and to feel him enjoying her body this way.

She shifted her arse under him, which allowed her knees to fall farther apart, and she experimented with wrapping her legs around his. She couldn’t go far, but she placed the flat of her feet against the backs of his calves, the wool of his trousers tickling her toes.

He momentarily stiffened at the sensation, but his need must’ve overcome his objection. Before she could ask him if he was well, he began to move again, plunging in and out of her.

Each thrust left her breathless, and she wriggled again, trying to regain the pleasure she’d felt earlier.

“Alistair,” she whimpered.

But before she could say more, find the pleasure again, he sunk into her and shuddered. She tightened her hold on his shoulders…and he bucked against her.

With a sound like a raspy roar—louder than she would’ve ever imagined him capable of—Alistair spilled his seed against her womb.

The warm sensation caused her to suck in a delighted breath, suddenly aroused to new heights.

She’d done that!

She’d brought him pleasure like that!

Olivia was smiling as she wriggled her hips beneath his, trying to hold on to that spurt of pleasure… But then he exhaled and dropped his forehead to her shoulder, even as he pulled his cock from her.

Well.

Well, that had been…really quite nice.

There was nothing of hardship in what she’d just experienced, nothing unpleasant. He’d taken the time to ensure that—thanks to pages six through twelve, she thought with a slight smirk.

Alistair had cared about her enjoyment enough to ensure this mating ritual wouldn’t be unpleasant, and she would never forget that.

With a contented sigh, she rested her head back atop the pillow…only to lift it again as he rolled off her. Not just off her, but off the bed. She heard his feet hit the floor, and then he stilled.

He was…leaving? Leaving her?

Of course, you ninny. That’s why you have separate bedchambers, remember?

Well, yes, but…but she’d expected something after their wedding night. After she’d given him her virginity, her innocence. That had been part of the bargain, hadn’t it? She would make love to him, become his wife so he didn’t have to face Society, and in return, he’d save her life’s work.

But she’d hoped for a bit of tenderness after.

Oh, she knew he couldn’t speak, couldn’t praise her…but a little hug, perhaps a kiss or a kind pat, that might have been nice.

He cared enough to ensure you enjoyed it. That you felt no pain.

Well, yes, there was that.

There was a reason they had separate chambers, after all. It was likely completely normal and expected that he would leave her immediately after completion, right? There was much she had to learn about being a Duchess!

Olivia smiled again, a little hesitantly. “Alistair? Would you like to…” She trailed off when she heard him turn and pad across the room.

Cursing the darkness, she lunged for the lamp. She turned it on in time to see him buttoning up his trousers, still fully dressed as she lay nude and damp and panting. He paused at the doorway between their chambers, one hand on the doorframe.

“Alistair?” She wanted to apologize, if she hadn’t been what he’d expected. Was he disappointed?

But he didn’t turn. Instead, he shook his head and ducked into his own chamber, the door closing with a final sort of click.

And she was left there, alone. On her wedding night.

With a sigh, Olivia flopped back against the pillows.

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