Page 88 of Tempted By an Unconventional Lady
“To have and to hold from this day forward,” he continued, gazing into her eyes as if she were the only one in the world. Charlotte pressed her lips together, her chest rising and falling as she allowed the breath back in. “For better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.”
“Miss Fairchild?” Reverend Whitmore said, with a nod. Charlotte nodded, not looking at him. She couldn’t stop looking at Alexander.
“I, Charlotte Fairchild, take thee, Alexander Wentworth…”
The vows she spoke were the most important words she had ever spoken, and she put her all into every part of it.
Eventually, Reverend Whitmore declared, “I now pronounce you man and wife,” and their guests erupted into cheers and applause.
Charlotte laughed heartily, looking up at her husband and then turning to see those they loved most in the entire world, gathered together and on their feet, celebrating their health and happiness.
Alexander took her hand and together, they walked from the church under a flurry of thrown petals. They stepped into the waiting carriage as newlyweds, and made their way to Ashbourne House. Though the estate was being renovated, thanks to Alexander’s good investments, the maids and footmen had worked hard to make the place beautiful and worthy of the celebration.
It was an indulgence insisted upon by her uncle, and though he had been content to host the event at his own home, Alexander had wanted to finally make use of the lavish building he had inherited.
“I suppose you are my wife now,” Alexander said as the wheels of the carriage began to turn.
“I suppose I am.”
“Do you prefer Mrs. Wentworth or Duchess of Ashbourne?” he teased.
“How about, Mrs. Wentworth, the Duchess of Ashbourne?” she retorted.
“Hmm, yes.” He nodded. “It has a certain ring to it, doesn’t it?”
“It sounds perfect to me.” She paused, gazing up at her new husband. “Alexander?”
“Yes?”
“Kiss me.”
And he did, without hesitation and without concern. He bent his head, his lips touching hers softly. Charlotte ran her hand around the back of his neck, pushing her fingers into his hair.
“You are hungry,” he said with a chuckle as he pulled away from her.
“Starved, in fact,” she said. She looked up at him with her sweetest, most innocent expression, knowing full well he would see through it instantly. “Alexander, I don’t think I can wait until this evening to consummate our marriage. It is too long, and you are far too appealing.”
Without taking his eyes off his bride, Alexander raised his walking stick and tapped on the roof of the carriage. “Stop here for a while and take a little walk in the woods,” he shouted to themen at the front. “I have a little business to attend to with my wife.”
They waited until the carriage rocked with the movement of the departing footmen, keeping their eyes locked on one another.
“Now,” Alexander said once he was certain they were alone. “Let me see if, as your husband, I can do something about that insatiable hunger of yours.”
“If anyone can satisfy it,” Charlotte said with a feigned sigh, “it would be you.”
He crawled over to her, his eyes still locked on hers, climbing up her body. “That’s why we’re so good together, my love. Do you know, I’ve heard that it’s so much better once you’re wed?”
He was close to her face now, his breath rushing over her cheeks.
“Is that so?” she asked. “Then perhaps you ought to prove it to me.”
He paused for another tense moment, building the anticipation in her until she could barely take it, then he leaned in and kissed her. It was strong, passionate, so full of love. Butmore than that, it gave her a taste of what she wanted, and she pushed herself forward, kissing him harder.
They made love there in the carriage, their first time as husband and wife. It was quick and rough and passionate, but Charlotte’s release was the biggest and best she had ever experienced. They had hitched her gown around her waist, and Alexander had probed her hungrily with his fingers before driving his manhood into her.
And as he’d rocked above her, the movement of the carriage aiding their love making, he nuzzled into her neck, the roughness of his whiskers scratching her flesh and causing her to shudder in delight.
Their releases had come together, their joy in unison. Alexander pushed himself deeper and harder than he ever had before, then held himself there as he planted his seed within her. Charlotte clutched his back, digging her fingers in as the sensation flushed through her, almost too much to bear.
