Page 68 of Seven Nights with the Wicked Duke
"I see you have always been a hellion," he teased.
She splashed him and he reiterated. Soon they were splashing each other and laughing in the moonlight.
He captured her hands in his, admiring her.
"You're like a little mermaid," he told her. "So beautiful and tempting. If you were at sea, you would lure men to their deaths."
She pulled away from him, wrinkling her nose.
"That was supposed to be a compliment but it was rather poor," she complained. "Try again."
He swam after her, stopping her movement. She swam closer, looking up at him. the water hid all but her face from him but he was content to just look at her.
Her hands reached up to cup his face and he did the same to hers. He kissed her as they floated in the lake, pulling her into his chest. The air and water around them was cold but their bodies were hot and the desire swirling in his blood chased away the chill he should be feeling. He pulled her into him even more hoping to transfer some of his warmth to her.
Her legs wrapped around his waist and unable to help himself, he smiled, hiking her up on his chest. She hissed as though she had experienced something pleasurable and he ground against her again.
She whimpered, throwing her head back, looking beautiful in the moonlight.
"My very own moon goddess," he whispered against the skin of her neck.
"I thought I was a mermaid," she smiled, lowering her eyes to him.
Desire made her eyes wide and she seemed unabashed at their nakedness. He had taught her well.
He grinned.
"You're that and more," he whispered, kissing her again. "I want to taste you now."
"Here?" she asked, looking around.
"Indeed," he answered.
"You intend for us to catch our death. It is much too cold," she answered.
"Perhaps." He smiled. "I could keep you warm…"
"Please let us go inside."
He nodded and rose with her legs still around him. She tried to untangle them but he refused.
"Your Grace, we can't traipse around your estate like this," she told him. "It is beyond improper. Your staff will be thoroughly scandalized."
"They have seen worse," he teased, laughing when she gasped with wide eyes.
"You can't be serious!" she gasped.
"I am. I have had adventurous partners."
She slapped his shoulder playfully with one hand.
"That is entirely ludicrous," she said, wrinkling her nose. "And I do not appreciate you speaking of other partners with me present."
"Why?" he asked teasingly. "Does it make you jealous?"
Her jealousy was obvious and amused him greatly.
"No. It just picks at my ego," she answered with a pout. "I do not like to be compared."
