Page 17 of Duke in Shining Armor
“Mmm,” he moaned.
Catherine felt instantly flushed, and her breath was knocked from her. She was startled by the intensity of her emotions, and she gasped, opening her mouth further. Such was the invitation that his tongue invaded her mouth as he kissed her fervently. Her breathing became quick and shallow, while she could not think as his lips left her mouth to kiss on the line of her jaw, slowly down to the side of her neck before returning to her mouth. When his lips left her mouth, she wanted them to return as she felt a yearning she had not yet experienced and could not understand.
“I wanted so badly to taste you, and it was as sweet as I thought it would be,” James said as he ran his fingers over her swollen lips. “We must return to the house before we embark on a course of action that would lead to regrets.”
At that moment the maid returned with the flask of wine.
“Lady Catherine has developed a headache so we will return to the house,” the duke said.
Catherine could not think of another time when she was rendered speechless, but this was precisely what she was. Her heart was still slowing; she did not trust herself to speak for she thought her voice would tremble. James lifted her into his arms while he strode through the garden toward the house.
Catherine rested her head on his shoulder, wondering if he could feel the beating of her heart, which was loud to her own ears.
So this was what a kiss felt like?
It was rather pleasurable, exciting, and exhilarating; she would not mind being kissed again. She was appalled by her own thoughts; notwithstanding the shock of her feelings, this was brazen even for her. As she felt James’s arms around her, she pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind. There was a semblance of comfort as he took her up the stairs, back to her bedchamber, and placed her on the bed.
“The maid will attend to you,” James said as he departed, but he did not look back.
“Thank you,” Catherine said in a voice passably similar to her own, but she did not believe he heard her.
As the maid adjusted her pillows and elevated her ankle, making her comfortable, her mind raced.
When the maid left and she was alone, Catherine thought of nothing else but his lips on her skin. She wondered if she would be able to gaze at him without blushing during supper.
I cannot believe he kissed me.
What was the meaning of this? She knew that the duke must one day marry for he would most certainly want an heir, yet he had never mentioned it. She pondered for a moment … would he court her, or would they share an illicit passion? Well, he had a bit of a reputation which made her leery . He was not a gentleman with a stellar reputation, which was a quality she desired for her husband. An illicit passion was only a fleeting thought. She could not be distracted by an affair for she knew what she was about, and she was committed to it.
Catherine must refrain from thinking of his touch for they were not suited. She resolved their relationship would be purely platonic as it would not be wise to share any further intimacy.
* * *
How couldI have been so reckless?
James mused on the rise and fall of her chest during her animated conversation. The bodice of her dress did not hide her voluptuousness, but he did not let his eyes linger there. When he raised his eyes to her mouth, he found he needed to taste. It was as though a forced welled up inside him, taking hold while they sat in the garden. It was not a want; it was more of a need. He could think of nought but devouring her mouth and tasting her skin. He knew that he kissed her like a starving man, and that was how he felt. Sadly, once he started, it had not quenched his desire; he wanted more.
He could still feel his tongue on her lips, teasing and moistening them until he fully possessed her mouth. She was soft, supple, and tasted like strawberries and cream. It was so delightful to kiss her neck and her smooth skin. He could barely contain himself. She must think him baudy and that he lived up to his reputation as a scoundrel.
James vowed to conduct himself in a civilized manner and not act upon these feelings when there were other ways he could seek pleasure. He would have felt such chagrin if she detected the bulge in his breeches, which had been swift and fiercely potent. He was bewildered to have such a reaction to a mere kiss for this had never been his experience.
This was no game and she was all but innocent. James had tasted that artlessness. He wondered if it would not be best to put some distance between them. Catherine would dine alone this night. He would visit Madame Nicolette this evening so that she could provide him with comfort.
He readied himself for the evening out and left instruction with the staff. Catherine was to be informed that he was otherwise engaged, and he was sure she could entertain herself. He made his way to Madame Nicolette, who was located in a secluded villa because of the privacy it afforded.
James had heard that a gentleman who was enamored with his mistress bought her a property and forbade her from seeing any other gentleman but him. James never became infatuated; he fancied madame, but understood he visited only to sate his lust.
The butler admitted him to the drawing room, and madame appeared shortly thereafter.
“James, my darling. It is good to see you.” Madame greeted him with a brief kiss on the lips.
“Likewise, madame,” James replied.
“Shall I pour the usual?”
James nodded as she poured two snifters of brandy. She handed him one while she sat in a chair opposite him.
“You have missed me already?” She arched an eyebrow looking quite pleased with herself.
