Page 78 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
“No, that’s not—” He froze as he finally looked at her.
She looked radiant. She always did, but it never failed to make his cheeks warm and his heart thud. Her silky hair was pinned up, with sparkling pearl hairpins peeking through it. The soft fabric of her lilac dress clung to her body and accentuated her curves.
He needed air.
He had forgotten to breathe while looking at her.
She looked at him and saw the flush in his cheeks, along with the bulge in his breeches.
“Later,” she said, kissing his nose.
“It cannot come soon enough,” he said, his voice rough.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck. The scent of her perfume and the natural warmth of her skin only made him want her more.
“How do I look?” Edith asked. The teasing lilt in her voice made his head spin.
“You look incredible,” he purred. “I cannot wait for later.”
She chuckled, and her breasts quivered enticingly under her dress. He pulled her in and kissed her lips, his tongue seeking access. She allowed it, letting out a soft moan as he explored her mouth.
“Are you sure we cannot just send them all home?” he asked breathlessly as he pulled away.
“Sadly, no,” she said, equally breathless. “But I’ll make sure you don’t regret it later.”
“It will take a lot to make me not regret taking you to bed immediately,” he growled in her ear.
She whimpered slightly, knowing full well that he was addicted to her little noises.
“Well then, perhaps I will have to take care of you all night,” she replied, grinning.
He buried his face in her shoulder. “You put the most sinful ideas in my mind, darling,” he groaned.
“It is only fair, since you do the same to me,” she quipped, stroking his hair.
He grunted and pulled back.
“I need a moment to compose myself,” he said, running a gloved hand through his hair.
“Take all the time you need,” she said while adjusting his waistcoat.
“You aren’t helping matters.”
“I never said I was helpful,” she retorted with a playful smirk.
He gave her a rueful smile and shook his head. He felt her slide something into his breast pocket and glanced down. There it was, a red carnation, like a memory made real.
“Edith…” he murmured in awe.
“I noticed this was the flower on the plate Tilly almost broke,” she admitted. “I thought it must be important to you.”
He smiled and touched the delicate petals. “It is.”
He swallowed hard, holding back his emotions. Now was not the time to become misty-eyed. He pulled her close and kissed her forehead.
“You are a wonderful wife,” he murmured.
“I try, for you,” she said warmly.
