Page 23 of The Marquess's Scandalous Game
Scandalous. That would be how he would describe her.
Leo stopped abruptly and his gaze dropped from her eyes to her neck and then her breasts. Emma felt a familiar heat in the pit of her stomach.
“You will learn how to please me as I please you, my dear Emma.” Leo’s voice caressed her.
“And will I enjoy it as much as I did last night?” She was mortified at her own boldness.
Leo groaned. “Woman, you are torturing me with need.”
Emma’s eyes widened. “Torturing?”
“Yes, torturing. You do not know how close I came to taking you last night.”
Emma’s mouth formed a perfect ‘O.’ She felt warm to her core and as his words washed over her, she thought of how much his deep voice thrilled her.
“I wanted to taste more than your sweetness, Emma, but alas I struggled to control myself. I am preserving you for our wedding night. I am afraid there will be no more late-night rendezvous,” he said pointedly.
Drat.
Emma was hoping she would be able to sneak off to find Leo for some good kissing this night. She had always owned acurious nature, and she was now very curious about the delights of pleasure. Never mind. The wedding would be in a few days, and she would just have to wait for her fulfillment. She focused her thoughts elsewhere.
Leo cleared his throat. “The children speak very highly of you, and their love for you is plain to see. At breakfast it was ‘Emma this’ and ‘Emma that.’ I most certainly do not want them to think that I am stealing you away from them. Not with everything else that they have been through.”
Emma was touched by his concern. “You are very perceptive, Leo. I had thought about it, but I was not sure what to say to them. I suppose it is a big adventure until it really sinks in for them that I will not be returning home.”
Leo reached out and touched her hand reassuringly. “I extended them an invitation to visit you often.”
“Oh, Leo.” The warm and fuzzy feeling was better than the sunshine on Emma’s bare skin. She turned her head and their gazes locked. There was no need for her to say more. He knew how much it meant to her.
“They will enjoy it here. I have such fond memories of my childhood riding through the woodlands and swimming in the pond.” For a moment Leo had a far-off look in his eyes, then a flash of pain crossed his features. Before Emma could respond, Leo quickly changed the subject. “I am sorry that we will not be able to proceed directly on our honeymoon, but I must attend to this unfortunate business matter. It would not be wise for me to delay it for so long.”
Leo had explained the circumstances upon their arrival yesterday. He had promised to make it up to her. They would have an extended trip to France, Italy, and Greece. Emma was looking forward to seeing Rome and Venice. Their family and close friends would join them.
“I understand completely. My family will be here to keep me company while you are away.” The children would remain, but father would be returning to Buckden Hall after the wedding.
Leopold halted his steps and faced Emma. Their gazes locked. “I have heard the children speak of you, and I have seen you with them. I am delighted that you agreed to be my wife, Emma. You will be a good mother to our children. I have no doubt.”
Emma wanted to hug him, yet she knew she could not. Her father could not overhear their conversation, but he could certainly see them. She gave him a wide smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes, and Leo started grinning. He was happy for her to be the mother of his children. Clearly, he would not have asked for her hand otherwise. She had not thought that far ahead because her life as a healer would have been that of a spinster.
They turned around and started walking back to the picnic area. She had known he wanted children, for a family was the principal reason he wanted to wed. All the aristocrats she knew worried about having heirs, and even sovereigns ensure there was one or more to carry on their lineage.
Their relationship would not be like that of her parents. It would not be filled with love. It was more of a marriage of convenience. He needed his heir and her family needed security. Thus far the arrangement had been working well, and she had something to look forward to. Her wedding day and a passionate night. They may be at odds, but there was nothing that said she could not enjoy some aspects of her new life.
CHAPTER 11
Their wedding day had finally arrived. Leopold awoke with tension flowing through him and much anticipation. His mind flashed back to the night when he kissed Emma for the first time. He instinctively knew that she wanted him to capture her lips. Her trembling, soft and willing lips. Gratification welled up inside him when he felt how his kiss affected her. She could not deny how much she wanted him. His cock grew hard as he thought of the smell and taste of her slick folds. She had been so responsive: hot and wet. She practically melted in his arms. He had wanted to bury his cock in her delicate softness, and it took all his energy to restrain himself. He was happy to bring her to her release, but it was pure torment for him, and he was restless all night.
Afterward, when he cradled her, he resolved not to take her until their wedding night.Bloody hell!He had no idea how difficult it would be to control himself for a few days. She was tempting and just a look was enough to stroke a gently growing fire that he did not want to engulf him. Not yet. Leopold chuckled when he remembered that Emma wanted to learn how to please him. Her daring had startled him, but when heconsidered it, he much preferred her to be honest about how she felt and what she wanted.
When he asked her to use his given name, she called him Leo. No one else had ever used his name in such an intimate fashion, and it was akin to a caress. When she first said it, her voice sent shivers down his spine. He smiled at the thought that she had a special name for him.
When they had gone on the picnic, memories of his childhood had flashed across his mind and, although they were still quite painful, he felt that somehow the pain had dulled. Her siblings reminded him of how much he wanted a family and family togetherness. His family traditions provided a vital sense of identity and belonging, which he would seek to recreate in his family with Emma. Relationships and kinship had been lacking in his life, and he craved them. His spirits lifted considerably when he spent time with Emma and the children. He welcomed the happy feeling of affection and closeness to other people as his loneliness ebbed. It was Emma that had brought about this change. She was now a part of his life, and he was contemplating more of the future. He was filled with a sense of optimism that he had not felt for too long and he welcomed it. After that day he found himself casting her furtive glances and giving her a discreet touch whenever he could. The fleeting touches provided him with comfort.
It was still quite early; Leopold knew that he would not sleep anymore. He rang for his servants who prepared his bath and assisted him with dressing. He had taken care to dress himself for this was a momentous day in his life. He found he was not hungry and resolved to eat once the ceremony was over. They had opted for a small private affair. The wedding was to be held at Adlington’s chapel, and their guests had all arrived yesterday and were placed in the west wing. Leopold headed directly to the church where the events of the day unfolded in a blur. It was asthough he had taken a deep breath and only exhaled after the ceremony when they left the chapel arm-in-arm.
They returned to Adlington Hall for their wedding breakfast and, as the guests congratulated them, he felt a sense of peace. His appetite returned and he was starving so he had a generous helping of fare. He could not remember another time when food tasted so good. The guests chattered and laughed gaily, and there was melody in everything, words more so than laughter. He was content. The rest of the day passed in a frenzy of activity. When he saw that Emma had enough, he made their excuses and led her to his bedchamber.
He was relieved when the door closed behind them. It was only Leopold and Emma, the way he wanted it all day. The room had been lit with candles, and they cast a long shadow of them against the wall. Leopold moved toward Emma and stopped within arm’s reach.
