Page 60 of The Duke of Lies
He’d come into their lives with purpose and kindness and an enthusiasm for the estate and, surprisingly, for fatherhood. He’d given Verity space and deference and respect. Those were gifts she’d never been given. She wanted to believe him, to believeinhim…
“I don’t either,” she said, moving toward him. “And I won’t start now.”
His breath caught, and she watched the muscles in his jaw contract. “What do you mean?” The question was low and deep, barely audible.
“You said you’d do whatever it takes to keep the dukedom and Beau and…me. You’ve already done it by baring yourself completely.” His words of love filled her mind. She wanted that too. “I only ask that you be honest and open with me and with Beau.”
“Do you want to tell him the truth about me?”
“We must. In time. I don’t think he’ll care—he lovesyou.” Did it matter that this man was actually his uncle? Or cousin. She truly couldn’t have asked for a better father for Beau.
“Not as much as I love him.” The ferocity in his statement made her throat ache.
Tears threatened, but she blinked them away. “That’s what it feels like to be a parent.” That much she knew. What it felt like to be a wife, someone who was a partner, a friend, and a lover? She wasn’t as confident, but she was learning. She moved closer until they almost touched. “Show me what it feels like to be a wife.”
Expecting him to touch her, to kiss her, she was surprised when he sank to his knees in a posture of pure supplication. “A wife should be honored.” He took her hand and kissed the back. “Worshipped.” He turned her hand over and kissed her palm. “Adored.”
His words heated her and filled her with hope and passion. “Last night, I asked if you would leave us. If you want to claim your place, I take that to mean you are committed—to the title, to the estate, to Beau, to me.”
He stared up at her, his eyes full of emotion. “I am.”
She touched his face. “I don’t even know your name.”
“Kit,” he said softly, his lips curving into a smile that made her toes curl. “My name is Kit.”
“You look like a Kit.” She caressed his cheek and ran her thumb along the rough edge of his jaw where his beard began to sprout. “I want to forget the past and embrace the future you’ve given me and Beau. I’ve never experienced anything…pleasant. Last night was a revelation. I’d like you to do more than kiss me. Will you?”
He rose up in front of her and clasped her waist, his touch burning through the meager layers of her dressing gown and night rail. “I will do anything and everything you ask, including stop if you decide you want me to. Verity,” he whispered. “Your name means truth, and I want that between us. I promise to go slow and ensure you are satisfied at every turn. Do you trust me to do that?”
“I do.” Verity put her arms around Kit’s neck and pressed herself into him as his mouth descended on hers.
Last night, he’d taught her that kisses could be beautiful and wondrous, tantalizing and fulfilling. They’d left her wanting so much more. She knew what else could happen—and how awful it had been. But with Kit, it would be different and wonderful, just as everything had been with him.
As with last night, he went slowly, his mouth molding to hers. In fact, she found it was too slow. Something inside her was bursting to be released, and she was more than ready. She angled her head and slid her tongue deep into his mouth, praying she was doing this right.
Apparently she was, for he groaned softly as his hands tightened their grip on her, his fingers pressing with a need that matched her own. She edged backward to the chaise and sat down, taking him with her. The movement broke the kiss briefly, and they exchanged a heated look as she lay back on the chaise.
He followed, settling on top of her. His weight and warmth were delicious. This was a sensation she’d never even realized she was missing. Just to be held and kissed and touched filled her with joy.
He moved his hand along her neck, his palm grazing her flesh followed by his fingertips leaving a trail of breathless desire. His touch continued along her collarbone and lower until he laid his palm over her breast.
She broke the kiss to gasp softly. As she pushed herself up into his hand, he kissed her again, his mouth claiming hers with hot insistence. Need spread from everywhere he touched and pooled low in her belly before sliding down between her thighs. Instinctively, she spread her legs, inviting him between them.
He adjusted his weight, and she was suddenly aware of him down there. His shaft, long and hard, pressed intimately against her. A splinter of fear sliced into her, but she banished the memories of disgust and pain.
Trust him.
She did. She clutched at his hip, holding him tightly to her. With her other hand, she cupped his head and wound her fingers in his hair.
His hand slid beneath the edge of her dressing gown, moving toward her breast until he cupped the flesh. What began as a gentle caress became more firm and demanding as his mouth plundered hers and his hips began to move against her pelvis.
Yes,thiswas what she wanted. She returned his kiss and arched up into him. His hand left her breast, and she felt him working at the tie at her waist. He lifted himself slightly and pushed the gown apart. Then his hand was back on her breast, his fingers teasing her nipple, separated from him now by just a thin, annoying piece of muslin.
He took his mouth from hers and spread kisses along her jaw and neck, moving down her body until he found her other breast. He closed his lips over her and tongued the fabric. It stuck to her nipple, and he suckled her through the linen. She clasped the back of his head as she moaned.
Desire pulsed between her thighs, and she lifted her hips, seeking more pressure. He ground down against her, answering her query. His length pressed against her sex, sending a rush of pleasure through her body.
“Please. Kit.” She wasn’t sure what she was asking for, but she needed something.
