Page 50 of Marigold and the Marquess
He kissed her and caressed her, stroked his fingers gently through her hair to calm her. He spoke softly to her, his voice deep and soothing as she struggled to regain her composure. “Oh, Leo, I cannot seem to resist you. A single touch and I come undone.”
“There is nothing wrong with that, sweetheart. In fact, it is entirely the point.”
“Are you sure, Leo? You would tell me if I am doing something wrong, wouldn’t you?”
“Yes, love. I would. Do you hear me voicing a complaint?”
“No,” she admitted, snuggling against him as settled onto his back and drew her into his embrace.
Come morning, Marigold awoke still held in Leo’s arms.
She had wrapped herself around his body like a vine clinging to a tree.
Oh, heavens.
How could she ever face him and not blush after what they did last night?
“Good morning, my pet,” he said with a smug grin. His light growth of beard scratched her cheek as he leaned forward to nuzzle her neck. “How do you feel?”
“Oh, Leo.” She buried her head against his chest, trying to avoid his gaze. “I cannot look at you.”
His chuckle was tender and indulgent. “Why not, love?”
“I know what you said about you and me in bed, but I am certain I was unforgivably…expressive. Are there not rules about this sort of thing?” She had also taken up three-quarters of the bed and was still squeezed against him because she loved the scent of his skin and the warmth of his body.
He shifted his position to roll her under him while he settled over her with elbows propped to carry most of his weight.
He was big and all solid muscle.
“The only rule that counts is the one that says we must please each other. You were delightfully responsive.” He kissed her deeply. “Marigold, you were perfect. You are perfect. I would keep you in my bed for a full month if I could.” He moaned and touched his forehead to hers. “But I hear a scratching at our door. Since Sterling usually knocks before entering, I would guess it is Mallow who is begging to come in. The little fellow is not one to be ignored and now requires our attention.”
Marigold smiled. “He has given us the night to ourselves and is at the limit of his indulgence. I think we must pay homage to him. Do you mind if we play with him a little?”
Leo shook his head and rolled onto his back with a playful growl. “After last night, I don’t mind a blessed thing. I am happy to have both of you with me. Especially you. This is your home now, just as much as it is mine. Ours to share.”
“Oh, is that right? Yours and mine? Is that what you think?” She laughed softly. “Mallow believes it ishishouse and he is kindly allowingusto reside with him. Of course, he will toss us out unless we agree to feed him on schedule and walk him whenever he barks. He will allow us to sleep in this bed, which he will now claim as his, on the condition that we pet him and pamper him whenever he demands it.”
“I had no idea Mallow was such a tyrannical, little fellow.” Leo emitted another soft growl as he slowly stretched his arms over his head. He resembled a sleek, jungle cat about to rouse after a night of sleep.
Goodness, she could not stop staring at his big, naked body.
They heard more scratches and an impatient bark.
“The master calls,” Leo joked, rolling out of bed and striding to the door.
He was about to open it to let Mallow in, when Marigold’s gasp stopped him. “Wait! I need to find my robe.”
“You are dressing for a dog?” He cast her a lazy smile. “All right, I’ll find it for you. Here it is, love.” He bent to scoop it off the carpet where it must have fallen sometime in the night.
“Thank you, Leo. Aren’t you going to put on clothes?”
“Do you think Mallow will care if my privates are showing? He’ll probably compare his to mine. Besides, it is hardly daybreak. We are in no hurry to get out of bed, although I will need to get a little work done at some point today.”
“Work?”
“Yes, love. First, I intend to pay a call on a Mr. Homer Barrow who is reputed to be London’s finest Bow Street runner.”
“I know of him. Are you going to seek his help in investigating those three men?” Marigold hastily wrapped the robe around herself and scrambled out of bed. “I’ll go with you.”
