Page 50 of One Scandal Too Many
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As much ashe would like to stay and enjoy this celebration, Declan wanted to be alone with his wife even more. He wanted the pleasure of stripping that gown off of her. Again. He wanted to kiss every inch of her soft skin. Then he wanted to sink to his knees and kiss her center and bring her to climax and drown in her cries of pleasure.
He hadn’t lied. Declan was a selfish man. Especially when it came to her. If he could, he would never share her with anyone again. He knew that was unreasonable and he might feel differently when they had children, and they would have children. His heart was big enough to include them along with his wife. He loved her enough to give more of himself. He just needed her all to himself for a little while. Was that too much to ask?
Declan reluctantly pulled away from her. He could kiss her all night, and then start all over again in the morning light. Butthey would still need sustenance. He would not allow her to go without. “We should eat. Ginerva and Bram went through a lot of trouble to arrange all of this for us.” The cost was going to hurt a little, but it was worth it. There would be nothing to invalidate their marriage. He had ensured that.
“I’m not hungry,” Charlotte told him.
“You should still try,” he encouraged her. “Because once we go up to our room, I’m keeping you there until morning.” He grinned down at her. “I have plans for the evening, and food is not one of them.”
“As it happens,” she said as she trailed a finger over his chest. “I believe I have similar plans.”
“Then you should be well aware of the lack of food included.” Declan would not allow her to distract him from his goal. “If they’re that similar.”
“Oh, they are,” she reassured him. “So, I will concede that we should add food to the list. But that doesn’t mean we need to eat it here.” Charlotte leaned a little closer and said, “Why don’t we see what will keep until we want it later.” She motioned toward the table. “There are several different biscuits that we can take.”
“Biscuits are not a proper meal.” He laughed.
“But they are tasty.” Charlotte grinned. “We can also grab a couple of those Scotch pies. They’re savory enough and more of a meal.” She licked her lips. “And should hold until we want to devour them.”
He wanted to devour her... that sounded wrong, even in his head. He almost laughed aloud. “All right, darling. I’ll grab some of the biscuits and pies. Why don’t you go grab a bottle of that wine over there and meet me upstairs?”
“Now that’s an excellent idea, husband dear.” She winked. “Let’s see who can get there faster.”
“And if I win, what do I get for my effort?” He lifted a brow.
“That’s simple enough to discern.” She licked her lips suggestively. “You get to unwrap me from this gown and have me at your mercy.”
He groaned and went to work gathering the items. Meanwhile, she snagged two bottles of wine and laughed as she rushed toward the stairs. The minx thought to deny him his winnings. She would soon learn that he never lost. He would be unwrapping his gift, and then he would savor every bit of her naked flesh while she begged him.
Declan had a basket filled with biscuits and pies and rushed toward Charlotte. He lifted her into his arms and carried her up the stairs. Their guests cheered as they left the room. None of them had believed they would stay by their shouts of glee. They all had known what Declan had planned, and not that he really cared, but he was sure they wouldn’t be disappointed with his intentions. Charlotte loved him. She’d told him so, and he believed her. They were married. Nothing could separate them ever, and he would make love to her the entire night.
He pushed open the door and set her down. “You cheated.”
“I made a wise and expedient decision.” He set down the basket and pulled her into his arms. “That gave me the advantage I so desired.” He kissed her neck, and she melted in his arms. “Do you disapprove?”
“As I know exactly what you have in mind,” she said breathlessly. “I would be a fool to do any such thing.” She pulled on his jacket. “You have too many clothes on.”
“I was about to say the same as you.” He turned her around and started working on the buttons. Once they were all free, he pushed her gown down and worked on her stays. Was it only the previous night that he had been doing this exact thing? What a difference a day made. Now she was his wife, and he was going to make love to her knowing that they had the rest of their lives together. They could make love each night and each morning.Hell, they could in the middle of the afternoon if they so desired. “Take off your shift, darling. I want you naked.”
She turned her head to meet his gaze. “What about you?”
“In time,” he said. “I’m going to take care of you first.”
“Such a gentleman,” she said. “Or perhaps this is your roguish side.” Charlotte stared at him with desire in her gaze. “Either way, I like it.”
Her shift fell to the floor soon after. Declan stared at her and couldn’t believe how lucky he was. Not that long ago, he had been cursing the institution of marriage and wondering how any man could willingly give himself over to it. Now he was grateful that it existed.
Charlotte stepped toward him. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed. Tonight, he would make her scream with pleasure, and once she climaxed, he would start all over again. He would hold back his own pleasure for as long as he could. This night was all about her and her needs. Especially since it hadn’t been long ago that she’d been a virgin. He wanted to ensure that she would have nothing but pleasure this night. It was one they would remember their entire lives.
“I love you,” he said as he lowered his head to her breast.
“I love you more,” she said, and he laughed.
He still didn’t believe that to be true, but he’d allow her to believe that. Declan would do anything for her. Even swallow his pride. For now, though, he had pleasure to give, and he had best start. Because come morning light they would have questions to answer, and he would not give her any reason to regret marrying him. Declan would never let her go, and he wanted to ensure she never wanted to leave. They were meant to be together. He had never been more certain of anything in his life.
Chapter Twenty-Three
