Page 95 of The Scarred Duke's Bride
Freya enjoyed the taste of him, the cinnamon from his morning bun mingling with the taste of ginger on her tongue. She expected to feel some nausea, but all she felt was a deep need for him. He had not touched her in a romantic way since his confession, and she was eager to consummate their union,knowingthat it was one of love.
She pulled back to look into his eyes. “I’ve missed you,” she whispered softly.
He nodded. “I’ve missed you too. I cannot wait to get you alone behind a closed door.”
Her arms tightened around his neck, and she whispered his name softly. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close and tight against him.
“Surely you lied Eric. If this inn was two hours away, shouldn’t we have been there by now?”
He laughed. “Patience my love. I promise I will give you everything you need.”
ChapterThirty-Five
Eric was hard-pressed to hide his arousal when they arrived at the inn. He was grateful for his large coat which hid the evidence from curious eyes. He helped Freya from the carriage and walked her into the inn where the innkeeper himself was waiting to greet them. He had sent word ahead they would be arriving and would require a room immediately for his delicate wife.
The innkeeper led them at once up the stairs and down a long corridor to the room at the end. “I made sure to lay down a feather mattress,” he said earnestly. “You should sleep comfortably tonight.”
Eric reached into his pocket and removed the pouch, handing it to the innkeeper. “Thank you. We shall require hot water and some tea to be brought up. Please see to my mother, my brother, and my sister-in-law. I expect their accommodations will be just as comfortable.”
“Indeed, Sir. I have put your mother and your sister-in-law in one room and your brother in the adjoining room.”
“Very good man. The maids may have a room to themselves as well.”
“Yes, we have accommodations for them in the attic.”
Eric nodded in dismissal. “Well, thank you for your service.”
The innkeeper bowed. “Your Graces,” he murmured before leaving.
Eric turned to Freya with a sigh of relief. “I thought he would never leave.”
Freya giggled. “How could he when you kept talking to him?”
“I did not! He simply insisted on telling me every little detail. In any case,” he took a step towards her, wrapping his arms around her waist and squeezing her rear, “where were we?”
She sighed, putting her arms around his neck, she grinned coquettishly. “Well, you did say something about giving me a massage once we were here.”
He hummed, giving her a mock frown. “Did I?" he asked, rubbing her hand up and down her back as he pretended to think about it. “I don’t recall.”
She pulled away from him and went to lie down on the bed, supporting her head on her palm. “I do assure you, you did.”
He gave a sigh. “Very well then. Allow me to divest you of your gown so that I may better knead your muscles.”
She grinned. “I am at your disposal. Do with me what you will.”
Eric rolled her over and began to unbutton her gown. He pulled it off her shoulders before pushing it down to her legs and off her body, leaving her with just a petticoat.
He discarded the clothes and then climbed onto the bed like a tiger stalking its prey. He straddled her thighs, looking down at her as if she were a buffet, and he was starving but didn’t know where to start.
He put his hands around her neck, slowly kneading the stiffness from her muscles. She closed her eyes, moaning in pleasure. “That feels wonderful.”
“I’m glad.” He rubbed her neck vigorously. “Your muscles are very stiff around here.”
“Yes,” she said with a sigh. “I do not enjoy sitting in a carriage for hours.”
He ran his hand down her thigh to her ankle and picked it up. “Yes, I see how swollen your feet are. Never fear, by the time I am done, you will feel much more relaxed.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
