Page 69 of The Duchess' Replacement

His light kiss on her check brought her focus to the man in front of her.

“You can’t hurt yourself, darling, do you understand?”

Her eyes searched his face. He was being sincere and genuine. She shook her head.

“I need to hear you say it, Sarah. Say you will take better care of yourself in the future.”

Sarah cleared her throat. It was hard to get the words out over the lump that had formed in her throat.

“I promise to take better care of myself in the future.”

Charles shook his head. “Good. Now. Let’s take this dress off and let’s see where else you’re hurt.”

Charles stood and walked around to come up behind her on the bed. Kneeling on the bed he began to undo the buttons down her back. The cool summer air tickled her skin.

Her body was overrun with new and exciting emotions. Her mind tripped over itself trying to focus on just one sensation.

His fingers brushed against her back as he made his way down the row of buttons. When the last button was undone he pushed her top off her shoulders, allowing it to pool around her waist.

Charles leaned in closer to work on the buttons at her waist for her skirt. The heat from his body kissed her skin causing goosebumps to race down her body.

He leaned closer still. “Lay down on the bed, my love.” He whispered in her ear.

Sarah complied and laid down on the soft mattress. Instead of being relaxed, Sarah could feel her body stiffen under his gaze.

Seeing him naked from the waist up was fine for her. However, the idea of being naked in front of him was terrifying.

His eyes warmed as he took her body in. “Relax, darling. I’m going to take care of you.”

His words did little to release her tension. Charles pulled the gathered material around her waist and took it off. “Lift your hips, love.”

Sarah followed his instructions while he slipped her skirts off. She was afraid to look at him so she focused on the ceiling above her.

He lifted each of her legs to roll down her stockings and take off her muddy slippers.

Charles tsked. “These poor slippers are ruined.”

A trail of kisses followed the path of his hands up her calves. Sarah’s eyes fluttered shut and the embarrassment of being naked in front of him was no longer a concern of hers.

“You are too precious and beautiful to be harmed, Sarah.” His breath was warm against her thighs.

Sarah shifted underneath him. When his mouth landed on her center in between her thighs she jolted up to a sitting position.

“Charles!” she shouted.

Charles held her thighs in place, not allowing her to further scoot away from him.

“What are you doing down there?” Sarah tried to pry her legs from his hold.

“I’m making you feel better, my love.” His eyes were mischievous and wicked. “Now be a good girl and lie back.” His tone left no room for argument.

Sarah hesitated. Charles lifted an eye brow that had her lying back.

Charles’s warm tongue swirled around her center and Sarah’s back arched. Her eyes flew shut as colors bursted behind her eyelids.

Electricity rocketed through her body taking her consciousness to another level. She moved against his tongue and that now familiar ancient voice came back to her.

More! More! More!

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