Page 93 of My Darling Rogue
“Yes,” he choked out before pulling her into his arms so that she sprawled against his chest. He knew she felt his cock, hard and insistent between their bodies, but she was not intimidated by it. Instead, she rotated a little against him, and he growled in a heated warning.
“Celia, keep moving like that, and I will not be responsible for what happens next. You are driving me crazy with need.”
Celia bit her bottom lip, somberly gazing down at him. “I called you my love last night, didn’t I? In the height of my pleasure.”
“You did. And I loved hearing it from your lips.”
“It’s true, you know. You are my love. I will do anything for you, Gabriel. Anything you ask of me. To support you. To protect you.” There was a tiny quiver of distress in her confession, but Gabriel dismissed it because everything else in that moment meant more.
She loved him.
“I feel the same for you, sweet wife.” Gabriel cradled her head in his hands, peering into her chocolatey brown eyes. “I love you with all that I am.”
Celia smiled, her head dropping down until her lips met his in a fiery mingling of their souls. They made love then, sweetly, with tenderness and careful attention to each other’s needs. And before Celia fell asleep once again, exhausted from his kisses and the force of their passion, Gabriel’s arms tightened around her.
“When I say you are my heart, I mean it, Celia.” He kissed her temple, nuzzling into her hair. “It cannot beat without you.”
* * *
“I knowI’ve no need of it, Gabriel, but when might I have a bit of pin money?” Celia asked as Katie finished pulling her hair into a simple updo.
Gabriel grinned while shrugging into his coat. “Right away, little wife. How much do you require?”
Celia’s head tilted at his easy reply. Had she expected more of a fight? She must know he would gladly give her his entire fortune if she but asked for it.
“I’m not sure.” Celia’s brow crinkled as she considered the request she made. “I should have asked Ivy or Sara what is a customary amount. Or even consulted my mother for advice on the subject. I suppose whatever you think is appropriate.”
Striding toward her, Gabriel pulled her up from the vanity table’s chair and kissed her forehead. “Come to my study when you are done here.”
She still looked dismayed, but Gabriel laughed. “We shall figure it out together, Celia. Whatever I have is yours to take. You know that. There’s your dowry fund as well that belongs only to you. The barrister is still setting up the account for your use. Come downstairs when you are ready.”
Half an hour later, Celia stood in his study staring at the wad of pound notes he’d pressed into her hand.
“It’s too much,” she said, trying to hand it back.
“You don’t know that, sugarplum.” He covered her hand with his, closing his fingers so that the money could not be released. “Neither of us has been married before, so your pin money shall be whatever I think necessary.”
Celia pursed her lips. “Is this a monthly thing, then?”
Gabriel laughed, the sound rich and melodious. “Weekly. And should you run out of funds before the end of next week, you must inform me immediately so that I may give you more.”
Celia thought about that for a moment, then the next thing Gabriel knew, she’d launched herself into his arms. She hugged him so fiercely he thought she might be trying to strangle him in gratitude.
“It’s just money,petite femme.And since I’ve more of it than the Devil himself, I won’t miss the little bit I give you.”
“You are too good to me, Gabriel. Thank you.” Her breath was sweet and warm against his neck as she embraced him, then she was turning her head so that their mouths almost touched. “Are you needed anywhere else other than here this morning? Am I delaying you from important business elsewhere or keeping you from seeing important people?”
He wouldn’t bore her with the list of tasks he would undertake today. He’d just received the listing of those servants hired since he’d become marquess, and while others might find it tedious and unnecessary, Gabriel wanted to know the people working for him.
“There are matters I must attend to later today, yes.” His arms tightened around Celia’s waist. “But there is nothing in my life more important than you, sugarplum.”
Celia sighed in relief, her eyes dancing with mischievousness. “Then may I show my husband how much I appreciate his kind, generous nature?”
Gabriel grinned, desire roaring to life as it always did when he was near her. Tracing the outline of her mouth with his tongue, he gave her a heated kiss then said with a whisper, “I’m rarely kind, and I’ll take your gratitude while I’m seated at my desk. Now, on your knees, pet.”
CHAPTER39
Celia waited until Gabriel was gone before making her way to the stables.
