Page 75 of The Duke of Seduction
She’d wanted to hear those words, and yet she couldn’t quite believe he’d said them. Perhaps because he sounded as if he were being stretched upon a rack. “Forgive me, but your offer doesn’t sound particularly compelling.”
He slipped down the door until he was on his knees before her. His gaze was naked with need and a host of emotions about which she could only speculate. The humor she’d tried to hold close to her breast as protection fled in the face of his…desperation.
“Lavinia, marry me. I’m prone to dark moods, and as I said, I haven’t behaved as a gentleman ought. But I can’t imagine the future—my future—without you.”
His words heated and delighted her, but she wouldn’t make it easy for him, not even with the torment he was clearly enduring. “Will you be faithful to our marriage?”
“I haven’t thought of or looked at another woman since I kissed your neck.” He sounded rather surprised. But also proud and pleased. “I want only you. I can’t imagine wantinganyonebut you.”
She shivered with need.
“Yes.” She cupped his face. “Yes, I’ll marry you. Now stand up and kiss me.”
“I’ll do more than that.” He tore off his gloves and rose, then swept her into his arms, his mouth crashing down on hers with feverish intensity. His hands dug into her back as he clutched her close. It was the most delicious feeling in the world to be held by this man.
Who would be her husband.
She wound her hands around his neck and tangled her fingers in the hair at his nape. His tongue dipped into her mouth, and she met the invasion, exploring and tasting him as desire built in her core.
He arched her back, clasping her against him as she bent her knees just slightly. His hand moved lower, over her backside, holding her as he pressed into her.
She moaned into his mouth, wanting to feel what she’d felt at the sand pit the other day. He’d utterly ruined her for anyone else. If she’d wed poor Sir Martin, she’d only be comparing him to Beck.
He stood her up and pulled back, looking down at her clothing. Wordlessly, he tugged her gloves off and tossed them away, then began unfastening her pelisse.
She shivered, thinking it was fortuitous that she’d dressed so simply. Captivated by the spell he’d woven around them, she took her arms from his neck and let him divest her of her outer garment. He laid it gently over the back of a chair, which, while thoughtful, created a tension in her belly. She wanted him to move faster. She wanted him to touch her. She wanted to be sure this was real.
He came back to her and turned her around to unlace her day gown. It was quick work, and she felt the fabric loosen and air touch her flesh just above her corset and chemise. She pulled the garment forward and let it pool at her feet. He bent to pick it up as she stepped free of the muslin. He took it to the chair, where he carefully set it atop the pelisse.
She shrugged out of her petticoat and kicked it aside. When he made to pick it up, she said, “Don’t bother with the rest. You are far too meticulous. Are you sure you’re a rake?”
He arched a dark blond brow at her, and the edge of his mouth quirked up in a seductive smile that turned her insides to jelly. “Most definitely. Shall I show you?”
She swallowed but couldn’t speak, only managing a nod.
He moved around her and unlaced her short corset. His lips moved against her neck, hitting that very spot he’d first kissed all those nights ago in the Evenrudes’ library. The corset, which she hadn’t managed to cinch very tightly, came loose and fell to her waist.
His mouth continued along her neck, moving up to her ear and then down again to nibble on the lobe. He licked along her jaw and back to her neck, dragging his lips to her nape. He clasped her above the corset and gripped her tightly as he kissed her back and shoulders.
Then his hands skimmed up her rib cage to the underside of her breasts. He cupped her through the chemise and she gasped, tipping her head to the side so he had full access to her neck and collarbone and shoulder. She’d never been more exposed to anyone, and it felt divine.
His fingertips tugged gently at her nipples as he swept her back against him, where she felt the firm press of his rigid cock against her backside. She wanted to turn, to kiss him, but she didn’t want his touch to stop. Her breasts felt so heavy and full, and his caresses only increased the sensation.
He pulled at the edge of her neckline, loosening it and tugging the cotton down until her breasts were free. Then his hands were on her bare flesh. He was warm and hard, and she couldn’t contain her moan. What he was doing somehow triggered a wave of desire in her core, making her want himthere. She’d no idea her body worked that way and now wondered what else she didn’t know. So many things. And he’d teach her all of them.
She tried to turn in his arms, but he moved one hand down to her abdomen and held her flat against him.
“Don’t turn. Not yet.” The hand on her breast tugged at her nipple, pulling her flesh until she cried out. Sensation shot through her, weakening her legs. “I’ve got you,” he whispered against her ear. His tongue traced along her flesh as he worked her breast and slid his hand lower.
She felt air on her legs and realized he was pulling up her chemise. She held her breath until the fabric was up around her waist with the corset. Anticipating what would come next, she parted her legs.
His fingers stroked gently along her folds. “Turn your head and kiss me, Lavinia.”
She did as he bade, and his mouth captured hers. His tongue speared into her mouth as his finger slipped into her flesh. She whimpered, barely able to stand, but he held her fast against him, his hands arousing her body.
He rocked against her, and she felt the hardness of his shaft against her backside once more. She was at once lost in the throes of ecstasy and desperate for more.
Suddenly, he swept her up and carried her to the chaise, where he laid her down. He shrugged out of his coat and tore his cravat from his neck before he leaned down and, without preamble, took her breast into his mouth. He shoved her garments down, and she wriggled her hips as he pulled them free.
