Page 116 of The Moonstone Hero
He had to have her. Touch her. Taste her.
Ella seemed pleased, for she was smiling in her sleep.
As the minutes passed, he knew he had to rise. But she was curled up against him and clinging to his arm. He tried to ease out of her grasp without waking her. She grumbled in her sleep and then turned so she was facing him.
Her eyes fluttered open. “Good morning, Caden.”
Gad, they held starlight.
He kissed her smiling lips. “Good morning, love.” All he wanted to do was remain in bed with her all day. But he knew Ella’s maid and his grandfather’s valet would be knocking at their door in a few minutes. “I am taking you straight back here after my speech, locking this door, and not letting us out of here for a full week.”
She laughed. “I am sorry to spoil your fanciful dream, but I think we will be lucky to have a single undisturbed night together this week. Forget about the days, for I doubt I will have you to myself at all then.”
He sighed. “I hate this, Ella.”
“I know. You are a very private person, but the world will not leave you alone. I will always be here waiting for you whenever you feel the need to retreat.”
“My gentle and safe harbor.” He kissed her again before tossing the sheets aside and rising with a groan.
He had just tossed on his shirt and breeches, and handed Ella her robe—an equally sensuous black silk garment that hugged her curves and made him want to toss her onto the bed, bury himself deep inside her, and seek his satisfaction like a frenzied ape—when there came a light knock at the door.
He gave Ella one last kiss and then crossed the room to open the door.
“My lord,” her maid said, sounding quite flustered as she bobbed a curtsy.
“Take good care of my wife, Polly.”
“For certain, m’lord.” She curtsied again.
He strode past her and walked into his own chamber, where his grandfather’s ever-efficient valet, Cranford, was waiting for him. A tub had already been wheeled in and filled with steaming water. His uniform was already pressed, freshened, and set out on the bed. His boots were polished to a shine and neatly placed beside his bed.
Cranford was in the midst of taking out his shaving gear. “Good morning, my lord.”
“Good morning, Cranford. Let’s get to it, shall we? Time to make me look like a hero.” Caden tossed off his shirt and breeches and settled in the tub’s warm water, which still bordered on hot, but that was perfect for his aching muscles. Although he had fully recovered from his injuries, his leg was still tender, and he sometimes had to revert to using a cane. Also, his ribs had yet to heal all the way, and he occasionally felt twinges.
He’d felt a few after last night’s exertions.
Worth it.
Within the hour, he was bathed, shaved, fed, and suitably clad. “Thank you, Cranford. Job well done.”
The valet beamed. “You are most welcome, my lord.”
As valet to his grandfather, Cranford would not be used to receiving compliments on his work. But this was not a battle Caden needed to take up with the duke just yet. He was not going to change the old man’s ways after all these years.
He stopped by Ella’s room, surprised to find her ready as well. She looked glorious in a moss-green gown and matchingpelisse of softest merino. Her hair was done up in a stylish chignon. Perched atop was an elegant cap of black velvet that resembled a baker’s cap. It looked spectacular on her. Her eyes were big and sparkling as she met him at the door. “Your grandfather suggested I go along with you to Parliament.”
“Truly? You might be left to wait in the halls while I speak privately to the government ministers before the start of my speech.”
She nodded. “I don’t mind.”
“Nor do I, then. I like having you near.” He held out his arm to her. “Ready to tackle the world, my love?”
“That is your job, my hero.” She reached up and bussed his cheek.
*
Parliament was alreadya hive of activity by the time the Seaton carriage drew up to it. Caden climbed down and assisted Ella, but they had made it no more than a step or two before they were met by Earl Grey’s secretary and ushered straight to the prime minister’s office. He had not officially taken power yet, but this was overlooked as Lord Palmerston also now joined them. Both powerful men greeted Ella, then Palmerston suggested that she be escorted to the private dining room to take tea while the men conversed.
