Page 48 of A Tempting Maid for the Beastly Duke
Rose’s fingers worked deftly, loosening his cravat. “I find these discussions quite enlightening,” she murmured, her voice low and seductive.
William’s hand slid into her hair, tilting her head back slightly. “As do I,” he whispered, his lips brushing against hers.
Their kiss deepened, filled with the promise of more to come. William’s hands roamed, caressing her with a tenderness that made her heart race. She pulled him closer, her fingers threading through his hair, losing herself in the intoxicating sensation of being so near to him.
Without breaking their kiss, William effortlessly lifted Rose once more, carrying her across the room. The study was filled with an almost tangible tension, the air thick with the promise of what was to come. He gently set her down on the large wooden table, the polished surface cool against her legs.
Rose’s hands clung to his shoulders, pulling him closer as their lips met again, more urgently this time. Her fingers traced the contours of his back, feeling the strength of his muscles beneath the fabric of his coat. William’s hands roamed freely, caressing her sides and settling at her waist, his touch sending shivers down her spine.
He pulled back slightly, his breath hot against her lips. “You’re driving me mad,” he murmured, his voice husky with desire.
Rose smiled, her eyes sparkling. “Good,” she whispered, pulling him back for another kiss.
Their mouths moved together with a fervor that spoke of long-suppressed feelings finally breaking free. William’s hands slid up her back, tangling in her hair, while Rose’s fingers fumbled with the buttons of his waistcoat, eager to feel the warmth of his skin.
The table creaked under their weight as they moved, lost in the heat of their passion. William’s lips traveled down her neck, planting a trail of kisses that left her breathless. Rose arched into him, her hands exploring the broad expanse of his chest now that his waistcoat was undone.
Her insides ached. They yearned for his touch, for him to finally make her his. There was nothing she wanted more, nothing that was left for her to become. Although she knew that they had not discussed marriage yet, she was absolutely certain of their love and she knew that she could trust him with her mind, her heart and her body. She wanted all of those things to belong to him.
Feeling her own desire, his hands trailed down her gown between the tender and exposed flesh of her inner thighs. She moaned softly as she felt his touch. A million little goosebumpsran down her back, leaving her breathless. He kissed her neck tenderly, reverently, as his hand slowly slid deeper and deeper, towards her most intimate flesh that had never been exposed to anyone.
Nearer and nearer, she could feel him almost there, her insides on fire, her mind a blank. Just as his fingers were about to graze her swollen, throbbing bud of desire, a knock on the door interrupted them. He pulled away, breathing heavily, his eyes locking onto hers with a mischievous smile.
“Should we just stay quiet?” he whispered, much to her amusement.
“We can’t,” she whispered back. “What if it is Mr. Hancock?”
“I am certain it is him,” he said more silently than before.
“Answer,” she ordered playfully, kissing the tip of his nose.
“Just a moment,” he said, stepping away from her and helping her down the table. He watched her as she adjusted her gown as well as her hair. Once he was certain that she looked presentable, he called out again. “Come in, Mr. Hancock.”
The loyal steward entered only after a few more moments had passed, almost as if he sensed that he had interrupted somethingimportant. However, it was his duty to interrupt if there was a reason for it.
“I, uhm… I apologize for the intrusion,” Mr. Hancock spoke apologetically, glancing from William to Rose, then back at William again. “But the workers would like to speak to you. They have finished the stables.”
“They have?” William exclaimed, exchanging a meaningful glance with Rose.
He was obviously very happy about that, and she knew why. The destruction of the stables was a devastating blow to William. It was his favorite place to go and think, to have a moment to himself. It was also the home of his horses, his friends who were always there for him, who had never betrayed him. And she knew that he felt as if he could not protect them when they needed him the most. He had never said that in those exact words, but she could read him well now, almost like an open book. And she could see when something was hurting him, when something was bothering him.
“Why, that is splendid news!” he added. “Do tell them I shall be there shortly.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Mr. Hancock replied, bowing before William, then closing the door behind him.
William turned to Rose, caressing her cheek and staring deeply into her eyes. “I’m sorry for the interruption. And also, for getting so carried away, Rose. I… I cannot keep my hands to myself with you. You are irresistible.” There it was, that smile she couldn’t resist, that smile she would do anything for.
She pouted mischievously. “I do not mind one bit. I think that much is obvious.”
“I am certainly glad it is so,” he nodded, still with that playful glint in his eyes. Then he sighed. “As for the interruptions… that is becoming an annoying habit.”
“You are the duke,” she reminded him of something he knew well. “You are needed everywhere, not only by me.”
“But you are the most important person to me,” he told her tenderly.
“I know,” she gushed. “And nothing makes me happier than to be that, but you need to tend to other people.”
“I know,” he said, with a smile. “How would you like to meet me in the garden, just after I’m done setting things with the workers?”
