Page 50 of A Virgin for the Forbidden Duke

Agnes steeled herself for the difficult conversation ahead, the decision to prioritize duty weighing heavily on her heart. With each step, she repeated the silent vow she had made—a pledge to sever the connection that had blossomed in the secret corners of her heart.

You can do this, Agnes Pilton. Think of your parents. You don’t want to let them down, do you?

When she finally reached the designated spot, Agnes wore a mask of composure, hiding her inner struggle from Matthew.

As she approached him, he turned, a bright smile illuminating his face.

Oh, heavens!

His happiness to see her was palpable, and he pulled her into a warm embrace, holding her for what seemed like an eternity. In that embrace, Agnes felt the pull of conflicting emotions. The warmth of Matthew’s hug contradicted the cold reality of her decision. She reveled in the familiarity of his touch, the scent of his cologne soothing her momentarily, providing a fleeting escape from the storm within.

“I’ve missed you so much, Agnes,” Matthew groaned in her ear, his breath tickling her skin as he held her even tighter. The sincerity in his voice echoed the sentiments she had buried deep within.

She had missed this. She had missed him, his touch, his scent. She couldn’t resist hugging him back.

Agnes wrapped her arms around Matthew, letting herself be vulnerable tonight.

“I missed you, too. More than you think,” Agnes whispered, her words a quiet admission of the ache she had felt during their time apart.

As Matthew pulled away, an amused glint in his eyes, he scanned her face with a mixture of curiosity and concern. “Are you all right, Agnes?”

She nodded, forcing a smile that masked the turmoil beneath. The weight of her decision hung over her like a shadow, but tonight, in this stolen moment, she sought refuge in the connection they shared.

Matthew, sensing her need for distraction, began recounting the encounter he had with her mother earlier in the day.

“It was rather strange, Agnes. When I arrived, they denied me entrance. I demanded to be let in, and that’s when your mother appeared. She claimed it was a misunderstanding, saying they were turning away suitors because you weren’t feeling well today.”

A furrow formed on Matthew’s brow as he continued, “I inquired about your well-being, and she assured me you would be fine. It left me perplexed, to be honest. Is everything all right, Agnes?”

Agnes interjected, “Matthew, let’s not talk about that tonight. I’ve missed you so much.”

Leaning up, she pressed her lips to his, the kiss an unspoken promise of the emotions she couldn’t articulate.

In his strong embrace, she nestled, the kiss a manifestation of desire both his own and hers. The awareness of the impending finality of this day lingered, yet Agnes chose to momentarily disregard it. Her heart’s yearning for this man surpassed any concern about tomorrow.

She longed to divulge her fears and apprehensions to him, but the dread of unsettling him held her back. What she wished to convey was her profound love, her willingness to commit unreservedly.

Breaking their kiss, they locked eyes. He drew her close once more, sealing their connection with a fervent kiss. His hands, tenderly massaging her shoulders, traversed her form. Her arms, entwined around his neck, drew him nearer.

Their mouths entwined, their tongues seeking each other. Yielding to him, she granted him the taste of her essence—a confection of sweetness and saltiness. His hands, explorative, found every contour. One hand cupped her bosom, the other descended her side, caressing her derriere.

Breaking away, Matthew, with a penetrating gaze, led her to the verdant carpet, where he seated himself and drew her onto his lap. Positioned astride him, she felt the tantalizing tickle of grass against her thighs. Matthew’s ardor was evident beneath her.

Leaning forward, she cradled his head in her hands, engaging in a fervent kiss. She sensed his response, his hands ascending her frame. Fingers entwined in his hair, she deepened the kiss.

His hands, ascending her sides, cupped her bosom again. His thumbs, attentive, caressed her nipples, evoking a soft moan. Arching back, Agnes succumbed to the moment as Matthew reclined them both. Her legs entwined around his form, drawing him nearer.

Their mouths collided once more, their tongues engaged in a duel. Breaking away, he shifted his attention to her neck, prompting a throaty moan from her. As he explored her collarbone, his hands traversed her body.

Descending to her bosom, his mouth found her nipples, coaxing soft whimpers from her. The novel sensations overwhelmed her, her hands entwining in his hair. Moving downward, he kissed every inch of her exposed skin.

Upon reaching her belly button, his tongue ventured within, eliciting a gasp. His tongue, a sensuous dance on her skin, kindled uncharted sensations. She writhed, craving more. Lower he moved, licking her inner thighs, her legs willingly parting for him.

Yet, ere he could proceed, Agnes, with determination, pulled him upward.

“Kiss me, Matthew,” she spoke with all the emotions she had in her, wanting Matthew to be as close to her as possible.

“As you wish, darling.” Matthew leaned in again and kissed her.

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