Page 10 of Her Rogue for Christmas
“Theo, darling,” she began, her tone laced with amusement.“I did not think I would have to explain to you what the purpose of mistletoe at Christmastide meant…”
He didn’t stop to think.Her words were all the invitation he needed.Theo leaned down, pressing his lips to hers, savoring the feel of her in his arms.He tightened his hold and deepened the kiss.When she opened her mouth on a soft moan, he slipped his tongue inside, tasting her.His desire surged, and he longed to carry her to his room, strip her bare, and explore every inch of her before taking her fully.
Theo tore his mouth from hers before he lost all restraint.His desires, though intense, were secondary to what she needed.He might not know the full extent of her husband’s cruelty, but he understood it had left her traumatized.He would do nothing to add to her pain.“I should not have…”
Elena smiled gently, lifting her arms to wrap around his neck as she leaned into him.“Yes, darling, you should have.That’s what I came to tell you.”She nestled her face into his neck, and he held her close.Theo groaned, overwhelmed by the pleasure of holding her—the pleasure he had convinced himself he would never feel.The warmth of her body against his nearly undid him.
“I don’t understand,” he managed, his voice unsteady.His breathing was uneven as he fought to maintain control.But she continued to touch him, clouding his thoughts.
“I want you,” she said simply.“I want a lover.”She lifted her gaze to meet his.“But I do not want a husband.”She tilted her head, choosing her next words carefully.“I want to know what it’s like to lie with a man and feel pleasure, not pain.Can you do that for me, Theo?Can you spend one night with me—only one night—and show me how it should have been?”
She was offering herself to him—not forever, but for one night.He wanted to refuse because he desired more than a single night with Elena.But would a refusal mean she’d walk away and never look back?Perhaps he should see this as an opportunity—a chance to show her that she wouldn’t want to let him go.He nodded slowly.“Yes,” he said.“Yes, I will take you to my bed.Tonight, now, and for the entire night.If I only have one night with you, I want it to be all night, to love you completely.”
“Then take me to your bed, darling.”
He took her hand, leading her from the library.He wouldn’t waste another moment, not when he could have her, finally, in his arms.
Seven
Elena followed Theo up to his bedchamber willingly.After considering everything, she had reached one conclusion: her life had been a series of choices made for her, molding her into a woman afraid to take risks.She had become so guarded that it had prevented her from truly living.Once she realized this, she knew what she must do.She might not be able to commit to a future with Theo, but she could have this one night.It would have to be enough, as she could offer him nothing more.
When they reached his bedchamber, Theo pushed the door open and invited her inside.She brushed past him, walking to the center of the room as he moved about, lighting candles that cast a soft glow.It was late enough that no one would expect them for any reason.They had this time, and she was grateful for it.In her internal struggle, she had also discovered something undeniable: she loved Theo.She had always loved him.And while that was no secret, she accepted that, while her love would remain endless, her ability to show him that love would forever be limited.She couldn’t give herself freely—not in the way he deserved.
When Theo finished lighting the candles, he returned to her side, leaning down to brush a tender kiss across her cheek.“Are you certain this is what you want?”
The very fact that he asked her made her love him all the more.She adored him for his concern and consideration.If only she could be a different woman… Elena closed her eyes and took a steadying breath.It was time to let go of what could never be.It was better to live in the moment and enjoy what she could.She looked up, meeting his gaze.“Yes,” she said.“I want to feel myself in your arms and know that I am the one you desire.I want you to erase everything that haunts me.”
“Then that is what we shall do.”He brushed a stray lock of her hair behind her ear.“I promise that after tonight, all you will remember is my touch.”He leaned close, whispering against her ear, “And when you close your eyes, you’ll ache to have me with you again.”Then he began to pull the pins from her hair until her auburn locks fell around her shoulder in waves.Theo set the pins down on a nearby table and turned back to her.
A rush of heat surged through her, and her breathing grew ragged.Though they were still fully clothed, his words had seemed to brand her with desire.She ached for him now.Would it always be this way?Would he, indeed, haunt her dreams after this night, leaving her to yearn for him by her side?She shook the thoughts away.If she dwelled on them, she might not be able to enjoy the pleasure that awaited.“Kiss me,” she demanded.
“With pleasure, darling.”Theo leaned down, pressing his lips to hers, igniting the same instant pleasure and need she’d felt in the library.He pulled away, trailing kisses along her cheek and down to her bosom.He cupped one breast, lowering his mouth to its peak.She gasped as he pushed his hand into her bodice, gently pinching her nipple between his fingers.The slight sting brought far more pleasure than she could have imagined.As he freed her breast and took her aching nipple into his mouth, she moaned.
“You like this, don’t you?”he murmured, turning his attention to her other breast, repeating his sensual touches.She writhed in his arms, desperate for more.
“Theo,” she breathed his name, her voice husky.“I need…”
“I know, darling,” he said.“But first, let’s get this gown off.Turn around so I can undo all these tiny buttons.I need to see all of you.”
Elena turned, allowing him to work on the buttons.He removed her gown with an expertise she didn’t question, though it crossed her mind briefly.She didn’t want anything to interrupt this moment.She wanted him more than she had ever wanted anything.Once her gown was gone, he deftly unfastened her corset, leaving her in only her shift and stockings.
“Now,” he said, his voice thick with desire.“Take off the shift, darling.Let me see you.”
She had never been completely naked before a man before.Yes, she’d been married, but Dryden hadn’t made love to her.He shoved up her skirts and took her without preparing her for his invasion.He didn’t care about her body.All he had wanted was a child and he didn’t need to give her pleasure to achieve that.Slowly, Elena lifted the hem of her shift and lifted it.He sucked in a breath as each part of her naked body was revealed.Then she tore it over her head and let it float to he floor.She still had her stockings and garters on, but for all intents and purposes she was completely naked before him.He stared at her like a man starving and a buffet had just been laid out before him.It was a heady feeling to be the center of such devout concentration.
Theo moved closer, his hands sliding over her belly, then lower to rest on the garters securing her stockings.“I think we’ll leave these on for now.”
“But…”
“I like them,” he said with a wicked smile.“And they won’t stop me from loving you.”
He lowered his head and kissed her again, making her forget everything else.She had never experienced such pleasure.His hand caressed her hip, then trailed down her stomach.“You’re so soft,” he murmured.“So beautiful.”
Scooping her into his arms, Theo carried her to the bed.She almost protested, fearing the end was near, but he laid her gently on the covers, spreading her thighs as he knelt before her.
“I need to taste you, darling.All of you.”He pressed his lips to her inner thigh, then moved to her most sensitive place, kissing her with slow, sensual strokes.She gasped, surrendering to the unfamiliar sensations.He continued, teasing her until she thought she might go mad, then sucked the bundle of nerves at her core.The pleasure overwhelmed her, and her body jolted as waves of ecstasy surged through her, consuming her entirely.
For the first time, Elena understood what it meant to give herself to another, and she knew, despite her fears, this was a moment she would carry with her forever.She’d never felt anything like it and it made her nearly lose consciousness from the sheer pleasure he had given her.It was almost like giving her life over to a higher purpose, but oh, what a way to go.
