Page 45 of Sir Hugo Seeks a Wife
“I’d say take it off, except it’s perishingly cold in here.”Metal braziers filled with hot coals warmed their feet but had little effect on the overall freezing temperature.Winter came early this year.
Eyes heavy with sensual interest studied him, as she rested her hands on his chest.“I’m not feeling cold at all.”
“Then you can warm me up,” he whispered and kissed her.
By the time they stopped kissing, she was draped across his lap and he was as breathless as if he’d run up the crags that gave his estate its name.He curved her against his body and rested his face against her disheveled head.“Putney can’t be far.”
She stroked his back.“I hope not.”One of those husky laughs that always went straight to his balls followed.“I’d forgotten what it’s like to drown in desire.I might never come up for air.”
“Let’s drown together.”
“Oh, yes.”
More kissing.He raised his head and stared down at her in wonder.She looked rosy and on edge and bright as a star.“You’re so lovely.”
Athene cupped his cheek.“You’re rather picturesque yourself.”
“Piffle.”
She giggled.“Not piffle at all.Those beautiful blue eyes always make me weak at the knees.”
“Get along with you, lass.”Hugo loved it when she was playful.He gathered that her life had been deadly earnest for far too long.
She seemed younger when she teased him, and he caught an intriguing glimpse of the impetuous girl who had followed her heart instead of her head and paid a terrible price for that choice.
Athene was soft and luscious and pressed up against his erect dick.He endured agony and delight, as she wriggled around until she sat beside him.He stifled a groan and prayed for control.
Hugo made himself focus on practicalities.Otherwise all that bumping and rubbing would end up with her flat on her back under him.And to blazes with inopportune ostlers at the inn.“How long have we got?Does Sylvie expect you back tomorrow?”
“No.I’ve told her I’ll stay in touch.She’s overjoyed that I’m embarking on a life of sin.”
“I like Sylvie.”
“She’s been a good friend to me.”
“What about the verses?”
“I’ve got some generic ones prepared ahead.She’ll use those for the next few days.”
“With Petronella off the marriage mart, who’s the latest belle?”
“Elizabeth Tierney is a perennial favorite.”
He’d danced with the lady, a comely blonde.The story was that she’d refused countless eligible gentlemen.“‘Elizabeth must pose a dilemma when it comes to rhymes.”
“You just avoid putting her name at the end of the line.”
He arched his eyebrows.“You’re giving away trade secrets.”
She smiled, as she pulled her hood over her ruffled hair.“Don’t tell anyone.”
“Promise.”
The carriage slowed down and Hugo guessed that they’d reached the Three Crowns.He put on his hat then smiled, as Athene reached across to adjust its angle.“There.Now you look the dashing gentleman you are.”
“I could get used to all these compliments.”He raised the blinds and looked out.The carriage was bowling into a busy yard.While the rain had stopped, flaring torches reflected on the wet cobblestones.
With a low laugh, she pulled her hood forward, shadowing her face.“I hope you’re right about nobody recognizing us.”
