Page 65 of The Seduction of Lord Sin
Peace flowed over him and through him. He’d never felt anything like it in his life and he just wanted to lie here and revel in the joy of it.
The joy of her.
They lay wrapped together, too drained to stir, and very content.
He couldn’t stop touching her. He stroked her silky skin and tried to think.
“That was—I can’t find the words,” she whispered. “Perhaps I was meant to wait. Wait for you to show me what love really feels like.”
“It was special because we love each other.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “We could have made a babe.”
He stilled. “It might not happen right away, but I promise you we will take joy and pleasure in ensuring you have as many children as you want.”
“I shall hold you to that. In fact, when can we do that again?”
He smiled to himself at her inquiry and rose to pull on his trousers. “How about I take Bella out to do what nature requires and by the time I get back, I shall look forward to introducing you to indoor riding lessons.” At the look of confusion on her face, he burst out laughing as he collected Bella and took her outside.
He could not remember being this happy in a long, long time, and he vowed he’d make Charlotte happy every day for the rest of their lives.
ChapterTwenty
They didn’t make it downstairs until midday. Sin had worn Charlotte out last night. Flora had collected Bella in the morning and left them to their love-making.
When Sin entered the drawing room, his gaze immediately found Devlin. Would he be upset? But Devlin seemed to only have eyes for Dharma.
“How is the happy couple?” Flora asked with a ‘I knew it’ look in her eyes.
“The happy couple wants help in planning a wedding.”
Charlotte interrupted Sin. “A small, intimate wedding, as it will be the second wedding for both of us.”
James laughed. “A duke having a small wedding?”
Sin relaxed, propped against the mantle. “I am off to visit the local vicar to read the banns. We will be married here in the local church in four weeks, allowing for the banns to be read. I have already sent missives to my mother and sisters to come and join us and to the London papers.”
Flora looked at Charlotte and smiled. “Well, we can’t leave before your wedding. You best send word to Tobin as well.”
Charlotte rose and walked to where Devlin stood by the window. “Would you give me away?”
“I would be honored, Lottie. I’m so pleased for you both.”
They sat drinking tea and discussing the wedding. Finally, Sin made his way to Devlin’s side. “Can I have a private word in the study?”
The two men left and made their way to the study. When Devlin entered before him, Sin followed and closed the door. He walked to pour them both a brandy.
“Charlotte has tasked me with talking to you about a solution for your family’s financial situation.”
“As I have said before, I will not accept charity.”
“I would be more worried about saving your family from hardship than your pride. Time is of the essence. Charlotte feels dreadful about not wishing to honor her promise, so she’s come up with a very viable plan. Sometimes there is a place for letting friends help you.” Sin was surprised when, for once, Devlin made no comment. Instead, he sat in the chair as if defeated.
“Charlotte has made me aware, although I saw it myself, that you have set your sights on Lady Dharma. I should warn you that the young lady is not enamored with your attentions, largely it would seem because she thinks you only want her money.”
“I wish it was that I only wanted her money.”
The misery cloaking Devlin made him realize how lucky he was to have won Charlotte’s heart. “I can see it’s not about her dowry, but it’s hard to convince Dharma of that when you came to court her step-mother.”
