Page 40 of A Duke But No Gentleman
His cock twitched within her, obviously offering its opinion of his suggestion.It was with some regret that he eased out of her.She winced at his withdrawal, confirming his suspicions.
“What do you intend to do with me?”she asked, her dark blue eyes gleaming like polished stones in the candlelight.
Tristan shifted and tucked her body against his side.She cuddled against him and used his chest as a pillow.She still wore her linen shift.The next time he took her, she would be wearing only him.The carnal thought did nothing to cool his cock’s enthusiasm.To conceal the evidence of his arousal, he reached over and pulled a sheet over them.
“Do with you?”he echoed, realizing he had not answered her question.“If you do not mind, I would like to stay like this for a while.”
Imogene sighed.“I would like that.”
His arms tightened around her waist as he considered the consequences of what they had done.He had won the wager.Another spring, a different woman in his arms, he might have pulled out of her, dressed, and sent her home while he sought out Norgrave to gloat about his victory.
With his free hand, he pinched the space between his eyebrows.Merde.When had he become such a ruthless bastard?If he were honest, the more intriguing question was why he had no intention of treating Imogene so callously.
The victory he often craved had been found in coaxing her first release from her virginal body.In the roar of his release as his cock filled her with his seed.The bliss he was feeling just holding her.
Tristan could not share the truth with Norgrave.
The wager had given him an excuse to approach Imogene and he was reluctant to see it end.As long as his friend believed there was a chance Imogene could be seduced, he would continue to court her.He and Norgrave were at an impasse.Tristan was even more determined to protect her from the marquess’s advances, and anyone else who dared to pursue her.
A fierce feeling of possessiveness rose within him.He had never felt this way about any of his lovers, and it worried him because keeping her had never been part of his plan.
Tristan sensed the moment Imogene fell asleep, her breath tickling his chest.He silently willed himself to leave the bed.Remaining would lead to complications and hurt feelings.
Get up.
Instead he turned his face toward hers and kissed her on the head.He was not leaving her.Not this evening at any rate.He closed his eyes and shared another first with Imogene.
His worries faded away as he drifted off to sleep with his lover at his side.
***
Imogene was wide awake on the drive home.She had slept for two hours before Tristan had awakened her by caressing her back.He had brushed aside her embarrassment by confessing that she had thoroughly exhausted him and he had slept as well.She had been half expecting him to continue their lovemaking, but he had surprised her once again by carrying a basin filled with tepid water to her bedside.Ignoring her protests, he washed away the evidence of his seed and her maidenhead.The cool water soothed the soreness between her legs, while it aroused and warmed her.
Imogene could tell Tristan was quite aware of her reaction, but he told her that he had been too rough with her and she needed time to heal.She yielded to his experience in such matters.His touch was impersonal as he helped her dress into her Columbine costume, and he became once again her Harlequin.No promises were uttered, and if she felt slighted by the oversight, it was her fault not his.She had come willingly to his bed.She refused to feel any regret about it.
It was self-preservation that had her sitting on the opposite cushioned seat of the coach, but Tristan had seen through her attempt to put distance between them.He deftly tugged her into his lap and he held her while she quietly wept.Imogene could not fathom why she was crying, but the duke did not seem to mind her tears.He cradled her in his arms and whispered words of comfort and tried to calm her.
Her eyes were dry once they had reached her residence.
“You will offer Norgrave our apologies for abandoning him, will you not?”Imogene said, striving for a cheerful note.She did not wish to ruin what they had shared.
“Norgrave will survive,” was Tristan’s dry response.
“Well, good evening, Your Grace.I—oomph—”
Tristan cut off her blithe dismissal by grabbing her and kissing her until she felt faint from the lack of air.
“That is better,” he said arrogantly.“Before you leave, I have something for you.”
Her forehead furrowed in puzzlement.“You do not have to—” If he presented all of his lovers with a token of his gratitude, she might be half tempted to hurl it in his face.
“Stop scowling at me.”He grinned at her as if he deduced her thoughts.“I do not offer this casually.Only one other person can claim such a gift, and you are prettier than Norgrave.”
He opened his hand and revealed the key in his palm.
“What is this?”
“The key unlocks the front door of my mother’s house,” he explained, his carefully blanked expression not revealing the importance of his gift.“It is yours to use as you please.”
