Page 55 of His Scarred Duchess
He leaned in, his forehead resting against hers. “Tell me to stop,” he murmured. “Tell me you don’t want this, and I’ll stop right away.”
For a moment, Adeline was silent, and Edmund’s heart pounded in his chest. Then, slowly, her hand came up to cup his cheek.
“Don’t stop,” she breathed.
It was all the invitation Edmund needed.
With a low groan, he captured her lips with his own, pouring all the pent-up passion and longing of the past weeks into the kiss.Adeline responded with equal fervor, her arms winding around his neck as she pressed herself closer to him.
Edmund’s hands roamed over her body, marveling at the softness of her skin, the warmth of her curves. He trailed kisses along her jaw, down the column of her throat, relishing the soft sighs and gasps he coaxed out of her.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmured against her skin. “So beautiful, Adeline. I’ve wanted to make you mine for so long.”
Adeline’s fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him back up for another searing kiss. “Show me,” she whispered against his lips. “Show me how much you’ve wanted me, then.”
Edmund pulled back slightly, searching her face. “Are you sure?” he asked, his voice hoarse with desire. “Once we start, I don’t think I’ll be able to stop.”
Adeline’s eyes, dark with passion, met his unflinchingly. “I don’t want you to stop,” she said. “I want you, Edmund. All of you.”
With a growl, Edmund swept her into his arms, carrying her towards his chambers.
Edmund’s lips trailed down her jaw, leaving a path of fiery kisses. His breath was hot against her skin as he reachedthe delicate curve of her neck, where he nipped gently at the sensitive hollow.
Adeline gasped, her fingers clutching his shoulders, her body arching toward him, desperate for more. His hands roamed over her, their touch both firm and teasing, sending waves of anticipation coursing through her.
Every inch of her body hummed with need, aching for the closeness only he could offer.
She barely had time to catch her breath before his mouth was on hers again. He kissed her hungrily. She threaded her fingers through his hair, bringing him closer to her. She moaned as he lowered her to the bed, and she wrapped her legs around his waist.
Edmund nibbled on the hollow at the base of her throat. Adeline let out a small whimper, aching for him to get closer.
He pulled away from her, and she let out a cry of frustration, which was quickly silenced when he tugged her dress down over her breasts. He ran his thumbs over her nipples. Adeline reflexively went to cover her bareness, but he gently pushed her hands away.
“Don’t,” he said, his voice husky. “I want to see all of you.”
He lifted her off the bed and gently turned her around. With nimble fingers, he unlaced the stays of her dress, pullingthem down and away from her body. He tugged down her undergarments, and when she was completely naked, he turned her back around to face him.
Adeline had never felt so vulnerable, but something in his eyes told her she was safe with him. His gaze held desire and adoration, and it reassured her in ways she couldn’t explain.
His hands were gentle yet possessive as they roamed over her exposed skin. Adeline shivered under his caress, her body responding to his every touch. She had never felt such intensity before, a connection that transcended mere physical attraction.
As he explored her, his words were filled with praise for her body. His voice, husky with desire, whispered promises of pleasure. Adeline’s heart raced, overwhelmed by the raw hunger she saw in his eyes.
Edmund’s lips brushed against her ear, his voice a low, intoxicating whisper. “You have no idea what you do to me, Adeline. Every inch of you… I crave it, I need it.”
She bit her lip as a shiver coursed through her, her pulse quickening. “Then take me,” she whispered, her voice filled with vulnerability and desire. “Show me I’m yours.”
Edmund’s lips curled into a slow, wicked smile. “I already have, my Duchess,” he whispered, his fingers trailing down her spine. “But I intend to leave no doubt.”
He then moved down and licked her nipple. Adeline whimpered.
Edmund ran his hands up her thighs, causing a shiver of desire to course through. “Are you mine, Adeline?”
“Yes, Edmund,” she whispered, her eyes never leaving his.
He took one of her legs and threw it over his shoulder, and then he bent down to flick his tongue between her thighs, lightly touching her taut bud.
A cry of carnal pleasure tore from Adeline’s throat. She bucked against him, but he held her fast. He licked her again, his tongue swirling around her bud.
