Hector halted briefly to let her body become accustomed to his invasion, and he willed himself to regain some fragment of self-control. Juliet’s warm wetness glistened on his fingers as she pushed against his hand again and again.

Hector moaned as he spanked her again and drove his fingers deep inside of her until he could feel the tip of her maidenhood.

Juliet called out as her body jerked relentlessly with waves of intense arousal.

“Are you all right?” Hector’s tone was a curious blend of concern and dominance.

“Yes,” Juliet managed to croak as her voice trembled, “I am.”

“Good,” he crooned with pleasure.

He leaned towards her again, his lips trailing steamy kisses down the back of her neck as he delivered another strike with calculated precision. His fingers found her pearl and began to rub it in slow spirals that made Juliet gush and shudder uncontrollably.

Their muffled moans and groans stoked the fire of their mutual hunger for one another. His movements were controlled, each action deliberate, ensuring she felt every sensation he intended her to experience.

“Hector, please,” Juliet’s voice was a mix of protest and unfettered desire as her body eagerly sought his touch.

“Do you think you can disobey me so easily?” Hector’s voice was a low growl as his fingers continued to employ torturous strokes, plunges and flicks upon her moist recesses. “You must remember your place.”

Juliet could only shake her head and moan. Hector could see how close she was to her final release. He grinned wickedly, withdrew his fingers and spun her around.

“Speak!” he commanded, but Juliet was so deeply engrossed in her rapture that she could not hear him.

He returned to her bruised, red lips and kissed her roughly and deeply, his tongue hungrily exploring the delicious recesses ofher mouth. His eager shaft twitched with a wanton need to be buried inside of her wetness.

A sudden knock at the door shattered the intensity of the moment.

Juliet’s eyes widened, and Hector’s hand paused in its return to the heat between her legs.

“Your Grace?” a voice called from outside. “I regret to intrude, but we request the Duchess’ assistance with a matter.”

Hector’s eyes meet Juliet’s, both still caught up in the intensity of their act

Juliet’s cheeks were brightly flushed, and her breaths were ragged and quick. She looked up at Hector with naked longing.

Hector sighed. “It seems you have more pressing matters to address.” He stood up, adjusted his bearing to a more composed state, and he helped her find her undergarments and smooth down her skirts.

Juliet bit her lip, her eyes still luminous with lust.

Hector’s lips curved into a triumphant smirk. He cupped her chin in one hand and had her face him as he spoke.

“Remember this the next time you defy me, sweet wife.”

Juliet shivered deliciously.

As he released her, he was certain that he had begun what would become a debauched game between them.

CHAPTER 18

“To Marcus’ grounds,” Hector commanded as he settled into the leather seats of his carriage.

“It is a beautiful morning, Your Grace,” said the coachman.

Hector nodded in agreement as he stared out the window.

The sharp, chilly air of the morning nipped at his senses, but the warmth of the coach’s interior provided the necessary heat. The familiar creak of the wheels began as the coachman urged the horses forward.

He noted the passing scenery without any interest.