Page 32 of The Marquess's Scandalous Game
Easton appeared wistful. “I hope that I can find someone like her.”
“Well, she has a sister who will have her first season next year,” Leopold announced before they both laughed.
Easton raised a brow. “Playing matchmaker, are you?”
“I only jest. Her sister would only be seventeen next season and would be suited well with someone closer to her age.” Leopold leaned forward. “On a more serious note, do you mean to say none of the ladies this season caught your attention?”
“Hmm. Well, there was Lady Irene Middleton, a beauty with fiery red hair. If there were a list, she would certainly be included. Also, Lady Lena Oakley. So, to be fair, there are a few prospects.”
Leopold’s smile broadened into approval. “Good. Now we can turn our attention to business and politics.”
Easton stood up to pour another drink. “We will need another drink for this one.”
Easton insisted that Leopold spend the night. They chatted, laughed, and drank until the early morning hours. He was happy they shared the moment, just like old times. Leopold retired with a smile, and he dreamt of Emma.
Throughout the next few sennights, Leopold diligently set about repairing his fractured relationships with great success. He had invited friends and relations to visit him at Adlington, and when he returned, he would suggest Emma hold a few social events. He vowed never to let grief make him pull within himself like this ever again. The kindness shown to him had touched his heart. When he returned to Adlington to focus on matters of the estate, he was happier than he had been in a very long time.
His welcome from Emma made him think he did not want to leave her again. He missed her terribly, and they spent the firsttwo days in bed. He had been away for some time, so several matters required his attention, and he had to pry himself away to address them. He was surprised at how quickly they had settled into domestic simplicity, and Emma had taken on the full responsibility of running the household. Life was going well, and he could not have asked for more.
A fortnight after he returned to Adlington, his tranquility was shattered when he received a summons to tend to one of his estates in Staffordshire. It was not a matter he could delegate; it was an urgent missive.
Damn it! Why was it all going to hell on his honeymoon?
He searched for Emma and found her reading in the drawing room. He sat beside her on the sofa and gently took the book from her hand. He rested it beside him, took hold of her hands, and kissed them.
He was solemn. “I am afraid I have some news you will not welcome.”
“What is it, Leo?” Emma arched a brow and did not mask her surprise.
“I must travel to Staffordshire. I received an urgent missive today and need to see to it. I would like you to accompany me.” He reached over and claimed her lips in a soft kiss.
Emma sighed softly and broke the kiss. She did not move much as their noses almost touched. “I wish that I could. My siblings are still here, and I do not want to leave them unchaperoned. The sudden nature of your trip means that my father would unlikely be available at such short notice.”
“I pledge that we will not be separated for a moment longer than necessary. I will immediately send word to your father. I will travel ahead and make arrangements for you to join me as soon as he arrives to collect the children.” Leopold announced and brushed his lips lightly against hers.
Emma raised her head and their gazes locked. “That is agreeable. I will miss you terribly. Have you finished your work for the day? I have plans.”
“Indeed, I have.” He regarded her with furrowed brows. What could her plans be?
“Good. In that case, we can go to my bedchamber and perhaps dine there this evening.” She flashed him a knowing smile.
Emma took the news much better than he expected. Things could not have turned out better if he planned it. Leopold gave her a wink and a grin as he stood up and held his arm for her. They quickly climbed the stairs and fell upon each other as soon as the door was closed. He brushed his lips against hers, plump and red, as she opened her mouth to him so he could claim everything she had to offer. The tender kiss was replaced by one that was more crushing, and a moan that shook his chest escaped him.
Emma’s hands were in his hair, and he pulled her towards him with one hand at the small of her back and the other on her derrière. He molded her against him, and she melted into his kiss. She fit him so perfectly. His mouth ravished hers fiercely as he invaded her mouth with wet heat. Emma matched the thrusts of his tongue with abandon. They bit, sucked, and tasted each other with enthusiasm. His heart was pounding and his breathing ragged. One kiss melted into the next until they were both breathless.
Leo raised his head and began to remove Emma’s clothes. Once she was bare, Emma removed his clothing, impatient, a soft tremor in her hands. Her hands splayed over his chest and squeezed his nipples. She was not gentle, and a shock of animal hunger tugged deep in his belly. He made a soft groan as he reached out and took her nipples, giving her what she gave him. He could see pleasure and desire flash across her face in thefirelight. He would wait no more. Tonight was not a night for slow lovemaking. Tonight was for fierce, demanding hunger.
Leopold scooped Emma in his arms, walked with her to the bed, and deposited her at the edge of it. He dropped to his knees and spread her thighs. Leopold inhaled the musky scent of her wetness; his warm breath caused Emma to gasp and move her hips closer to his tongue. He held her hips as she strained towards him.
“Leo, please,” she pleaded in a husky breath.
He obeyed her whispered plea and slid his tongue over her moist core. Emma writhed and pulled at his hair as his tongue demanded a response. She quivered with need. His teeth nibbled over her soft skin, and she whimpered in pleasure. Leopold stood and lifted Emma against him. She placed her hands around his shoulders and her legs around his waist as he thrust his hips and sank into the cleft between her legs. Her nails dug into his shoulders as passion pounded the blood through his heart, chest, and head. Convulsive waves gripped her, and he felt the pleasure ripple through her. He was fighting the sensation, struggling to hold on just a little longer as he filled her with deep thrusts. He moved hard and fast until his pulsing cock raced to a climax. They collapsed onto the bed in a tangle of limbs and lay quietly panting in the aftermath.
She raised her head to gaze into his gray eyes, but just then, his half-lidded eyes slid closed as he breathed her name.
“You are not falling asleep, are you, Leo?” She poked him playfully.
“No, my sweet Emma. I am merely catching my breath before you demolish me again,” he replied contentedly.
