Page 94 of Sir Hugo Seeks a Wife
Athene and Hugo paused behind the graceful balustrade on the top landing.He bent his head to study her.“How are you holding up?Was the drive from York too long?Maybe we should have stopped at an inn halfway.”
She loved his care for her, but she reached a point where she was ready to claim the rest of her life.“I’m fine, Hugo.The doctor said as long as I’m cautious, I can do most things now.”
The concern in his face lingered.“Jolting around in a carriage must have been uncomfortable.I should have been more careful.I was just in such a damned hurry to get you here.I’ve pictured you in my home since I met you.”
She stretched up on her toes and kissed him.When he pulled away after a few seconds – the way he’d pulled away so often since her accident – she murmured in protest and caught the back of his head.The kiss deepened, promised more to come.
By the time they drew apart, Athene had reason for satisfaction.Hugo wanted her just as powerfully as she wanted him.He was just being considerate, which at this point was admirable but annoying.
He opened the door to reveal a hall tiled in black and white and another grand stone staircase rising to the upper floors.“Welcome to your new home, lass.”
“I already love it, Hugo.”She cupped his jaw.“But not as much as I love you.”
He kissed her again.“And I love you.”
When she stepped forward, Hugo caught her arm.“Wait.I’ve been dreaming of this moment.”
Puzzled, she glanced back then gave a gasp of surprise as he swung her up into his arms.“How gallant.”
His lips twitched.“Get used to it, my love.”
Her silly heart thrilled as he crossed the threshold into the cavernous hall.He was inclined to mock his powerful physique, but something primitive and female inside her melted at the knowledge that he was so strong and protective.
She curled her hand around his neck and tugged at the hair at his nape.“Take me upstairs, Hugo.”
“Are you tired?”He frowned in concern.“I knew that trip was too much for you.”
She responded with a huff of amusement.Perhaps he was sometimes a little overprotective.He’d treated her like she was made of Venetian glass since he’d found her with Miles at the King’s Arms.
“Hugo, I’m not tired at all.”Fumbling a little, she loosened the bow at her chin that secured her bonnet.Without checking where it landed, she dropped the expensive frippery to the ground.“Except perhaps tired of my husband avoiding his marital duties.”
Shock widened Hugo’s gaze.“Are you sure?”
Athene arched her eyebrows.“Don’t you want to?”
His groan told her all she needed to know about his frustration.“Don’t be a deuced lackwit, Athene.You know I want to.”
“Then?”
He strode to the base of the staircase.“Promise me that you’ll tell me if there’s any pain.”
“I promise.Although what hurts right now is wanting you like this and not having you.”
He met her gaze, his blue eyes shining with ardor.“I’ll be careful.”
She drew a deep breath, feeding her senses with his fresh leather and horses and open-air scent.“The first time.”
It was his turn to laugh.He began to climb the stairs, and she snaked her hand around the back of his neck.“My lady, you put me to the blush.”
She had a vague impression of paintings on the wall then a long corridor lined with a red and blue carpet.Hugo carried her into an airy bedchamber with a huge oak four-poster in the corner.A fire blazed in the hearth.He must have timed things so the staff weren’t long gone.
“Shall I put you down?”Hugo asked.
She pushed off his stylish beaver hat.“What do you want to do?”
“Hell, Athene, I want to lay you across that bed and push so deep that I become part of you.”
A thrill crackled through her, as she brushed back the wing of golden hair that flopped across his forehead.“That’s what I want, too.”
