Page 67 of The Duke of Lies
She jerked away, startling him. “What time is it?” She looked frantically toward a clock on the mantel. “I’m surprised Beau hasn’t come in yet.” She sprang from the bed. “You should clean up and put something on.”
She briefly left the chamber then came back wearing a night rail just as he’d pulled his shirt over his head.
It was a near thing, for Beau came into the chamber just as Kit pulled his breeches on. Beau stared at him, blinking as if he’d just awakened—and Kit supposed he had—then he looked at Verity, who stood next to the bed appearing as guilty as Kit felt. Or maybe that was his imagination.
“Papa?” Beau turned his attention to him once more. “What are you doing here?” He took in Kit’s attire. “Did you sleep here?”
Kit blinked, unsure of what to say. He looked toward Verity who cast a glance in his direction.
She saved him by answering. “Yes, Papa slept here.”
Beau came toward him. “Were you scared, Papa? That happens to me sometimes.”
“No. I was—” He wasn’t entirely sure what to say, but in this case decided he didn’t want to lie. Which was ironic since this was a situation in which it was likely more than acceptable to do so. “I wanted to kiss your mother.”
Beau’s look of utter disinterest nearly made Kit laugh. “Because you don’t like to do it in front of people.”
A chuckle escaped Kit’s mouth. He couldn’t help it. “Apparently.” In truth, he’d kiss Verity wherever she’d give him leave.
“I’m hungry. Can we have breakfast now?” Beau asked.
“Yes,” Verity said. “Let’s get dressed.” She looked at Kit, who gathered up the rest of his clothing. His shoes were near the bed, right next to Verity, in fact. He went to slide them onto his feet, and she turned toward him, her gaze locking with his. Her lips parted, and his body stirred once more.
Without thinking, he bent his head and kissed her. It was brief but enticing, a promise of what was to come.
Provided nothing went wrong before he became the duke.
* * *
After spendingthe day preparing to leave for London, Verity said good night to Beau as Kit began to read to him. She watched them for a moment, her heart full, before turning to go to her chamber. It had taken a great deal of work, but they would leave in the morning in two carriages—the first carrying her, Beau, and Kit, and the second carrying Beau’s tutor and her maid. She’d sent a letter to Simon and Diana informing them of their arrival. They’d be delighted to welcome them at their town house in Mayfair.
Due to the excessive activity of the day, she hadn’t seen or talked with Kit since that morning. They had so much to discuss, to learn about each other. She was eager for their life together to truly begin. She was also apprehensive, particularly about Cuddy’s death and whether Kit would be held responsible. Surely he wouldn’t be, not when he was only defending himself. Perhaps they should visit the constable.
Yes, theyshould, but she was afraid to do so until he was declared the duke in the House of Lords.
She climbed into bed to wait for Kit. He hadn’t moved into her chamber but they planned for him to do that when they returned. They had, however, planned for him to join her tonight. She didn’t want to spend another night without him.
Apparently the day’s work had been exhausting because she fell asleep and didn’t awaken until the sun was peeking beneath the curtains. Blinking, she felt a warmth against her back and smiled. She rolled over to face Kit and was surprised to see his eyes were open, their dark pupils fixed on her.
“Good morning,” he said softly, his deep voice sliding over her like warm bathwater.
She trailed her fingertips along the side of his face and along his jaw. “Why didn’t you wake me last night?”
“You were very asleep and, frankly, too beautiful to disturb.”
She caressed his shoulder. “I wish you had.”
He reached for her beneath the covers, his hand stroking her hip. “I can disturb you now, if you like.”
She lifted her lips in a seductive smile. “I like.”
Keeping his gaze locked with hers, he guided her onto her back and came over her, his mouth taking hers in a soft but searing kiss. Leaving her breathless, he moved down her body as he pushed her night rail up. He disappeared beneath the covers and kissed her hip. She started with gasp, closing her eyes as she cast her head back on the pillow.
He trailed his lips over her flesh while he brought his hand to the curls between her legs. Instinctively, she opened her legs, knowing what he meant to do—he’d told her he wanted to.
His breath tickled her folds just before his fingertips stroked her there. She shuddered as desire quickened in her belly and settled low in her pelvis.
With a soft moan, she put her hand on his head to steady herself. Anticipation pulsed through her as sensation rioted within her body. Then he kissed her there, his lips teasing and gently sucking. Pleasure bloomed, and she shoved the covers away, baring his head between her thighs. She thrust her hands into his hair. His touch was light and caressing with his mouth and fingers teasing her flesh.
