Page 56 of His Scarred Duchess
Adeline couldn’t control herself—her thighs began to tremble, and stars formed behind her eyelids as he continued his ministrations. She knew she was ready to take him inside her.
When he stopped licking, she let out a small moan of protest, but when she felt the heat of his hard shaft entering her, she gasped.
Edmund plunged into her in one hard thrust. When she didn’t pull away, he continued to drive himself into her. He settled into an unrelenting rhythm, each thrust pushing her closer to the edge.
His hands gripped her waist, and she clung to him, surrendering to the pleasure coursing through her veins.
The world around her faded away, leaving only the sensation of their bodies coming together. Time seemed to stand still as their passion reached its peak.
“My beautiful wife. Come undone for me, darling,” he whispered to her.
Adeline’s breathing grew labored. Every movement became more urgent, driving them both towards the brink of ecstasy. With one final thrust, she found release, her body shuddering with pleasure. Edmund let out a roar as he spilled into her.
As they lay entwined, their breathing slowly returning to normal, a sense of contentment washed over Adeline.
This was what she had dreamed of when she was alone at night. She had longed for someone to desire her. And tonight, Edmund had filled that void.
He gave her a gentle kiss and then rolled onto his back. Adeline curled up against him and threw an arm over his chest.
With their bodies entwined, Adeline felt the barriers between them crumble. In Edmund’s arms, she caved into the sweet depths of sleep.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“Good morning, Your Grace. Shall I open the curtains?”
Adeline stirred, blinking against the dim light. For a moment, she was disoriented, the unfamiliar surroundings confusing her sleep-addled mind. Then, in a rush, the memories of the previous night came flooding back.
“Yes, thank you, Hannah,” she managed, her voice slightly hoarse.
As her lady’s maid moved to let in the morning light, Adeline became acutely aware that she was alone in the massive bed. Edmund’s bed. Heat rose to her cheeks as she realized Hannah must know exactly why she was here instead of in her chambers.
“Did you sleep well, Your Grace?” Hannah asked, her tone carefully neutral as she turned back to the bed.
“I… yes, thank you,” Adeline replied, pulling the sheets up higher despite being fully covered by her nightgown. “What time is it?”
“Just past eight, Your Grace. His Grace left for his morning ride about an hour ago, but he instructed the kitchen maids to prepare breakfast for two in the small dining room. I believe he plans to join you when he returns.”
Adeline felt a flutter in her chest at this news, her earlier disappointment at waking up alone fading. “Oh, I see. Thank you, Hannah.”
As Hannah helped her into her dressing gown, Adeline couldn’t help but wonder about Edmund’s intentions. Was this a good sign, or merely a polite gesture after their intimate encounter?
“Shall we proceed with your toilette, Your Grace?” Hannah asked, gesturing towards the vanity.
Adeline nodded, moving to sit before the mirror.
As Hannah began to brush out her hair, Adeline found herself staring at her reflection. The woman looking back at her seemed different somehow. Her eyes were brighter, her cheeks still flushed with a combination of embarrassment and lingering pleasure.
“Your hair is lovely today, Your Grace,” Hannah commented as she began to style it. “It has such a nice shine to it.”
“Thank you,” Adeline replied absently, her eyes drawn to the scars on her cheek.
Edmund’s words from the night before echoed in her mind.
These are the marks of a fighter, of a survivor. They’re to be admired, not scorned.
“Hannah,” she said suddenly, “do you think… do you think I’m very plain?”
Hannah’s hands stilled in surprise. “Plain, Your Grace? Not at all. You’re quite beautiful if you don’t mind my saying so.”
