Page 84 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Tessa practically skippedup the stairs, wondering how she had been so brave and bold but knowing in her heart it was what she wanted. They would be wed in less than a week. What would a few days matter if they started their adventures in love ahead of the ceremony?

Abra greeted Tessa when she entered her bedchamber. While the maid undressed Tessa, she told Abra a little about the musicale, trying not to betray her excitement. Abra helped her slip into her night rail and Tessa called for her dressing gown.

“You aren’t going straight to bed, my lady?” the servant asked, confused.

“I am not tired and think I will read for a few minutes,” she fibbed. “Perhaps that will help me to grow sleepy. And don’t think I have forgotten about our reading lessons,” she added. “Lord Middlefield and I will remain in town for a month after our wedding before making our way to Stoneridge, his country seat. If you are still willing to come with me, we will begin your literacy lessons there.”

“I will never leave you, my lady,” Abra swore. “I don’t expect you’ll ever be rid of me. Trying to rob you turned out to be the best day of my life.”

Abra threw her arms about Tessa spontaneously and then quickly pulled away.

“Sorry, my lady. I know I’m not to do that sort of thing.”

Tessa petted the servant’s hair. “You may do so anytime you wish, Abra. That day changed both our lives,” she said, thinking how it was when she met Spencer. “I am always ready to celebrate it.”

Abra grinned. “Goodnight, my lady.”

The maid took her leave and Tessa paced about the bedchamber, seeing that the bed had already been turned back. She stopped and stared at it a moment, thinking of what would take place in it soon. A shiver ran through her, eagerness filling her, knowing how ready she was for Spencer to teach her about lovemaking.

She continued moving about restlessly for a few more minutes before opening her door and slipping into the corridor. Making her way to the stairs, her bare feet made not a sound as she scampered down them two flights and then went down the hallway to the back stairs. Hopefully, no servants would be moving up and down them now that the house had settled for the night. She had to avoid the main staircase because it emptied into the foyer and a footman would be on duty all night at the door in case an emergency arose.

Creeping through the kitchens and down another corridor, she came to her uncle’s study and entered it. Tessa went to the large casement window and pulled open the drapes before unlatching the window and swinging it open.

Spencer was already there.

He hoisted a booted foot over the windowsill and climbed inside, closing the widow behind him. Taking two steps toward her, he enfolded her in his arms, his warmth reassuring. Her cheek rested against his chest and she heard the steady beat of his heart increasing. They stood together for a long moment before he tilted up her chin, lowering his mouth to hers for a sweet kiss.

“Are you ready to go upstairs?” he whispered.

“Yes,” she told him and took his hand, lacing her fingers through his.

Guiding him from her uncle’s study, she pulled him along, clinging to the shadows until they reached the servants’ staircase. Then Spencer surprised her, sweeping her off her feet and carrying her up the flights of stairs.

She directed him to her bedchamber and they entered it, with him closing the door behind them. Still holding Tessa in his arms, he crossed the large room and set her on her feet next to the bed. His large hands framed her face as he gazed at her lovingly.

“Are you certain this is what you want?” he asked. “It is a bit unorthodox. I am perfectly willing to wait a week.”

“I’m not willing to,” she told him. “I love you. We plan to be together forever.” Tessa paused. “I am ready for our forever to begin now.”

The heat burning in his green eyes told her how much he wanted her. His lips claimed hers as his arms came about her, bringing her against the hard wall of muscle that was his chest. The kiss became more demanding. More urgent. Every part of her came alive as Spencer hungrily devoured her. She opened to him and his tongue swept inside, mating with hers. She inhaled the spice of his cologne as her palms stroked his face, a slight stubble now on his cheeks at this late hour.

His lips whispered across her cheek and to her ear, nibbling the lobe. He whispered things to her that caused her skin to prickle, telling her where he would touch her. Heat pooled between her legs and a throbbing there began dominating her thoughts.

Slowly, even as he continued to kiss her, Spencer found the knotted tie and undid it, pushing open her dressing gown. His hands went to her back, moving up and down sensually. Tessa found herself pressing against him, wanting to get even closer. His hands slid around to her front and began kneading her breasts. They seemed to swell as he did so.

He moved to her shoulders and eased her dressing gown from them, pulling it down her arms. It fell away, pooling at her feet as that throbbing dominated her thoughts. Then his fingers slid under the thin straps of her night rail, slipping them from her shoulders. Somehow, he worked the top of the night rail down to her waist, baring her breasts to him. His mouth went to one, his teeth grazing the nipple, causing a rush of hot desire to flood her. His tongue flicked back and forth and then circled the bud, which tightened. He took it into his mouth, suckling her, the pressure so pleasurable that she felt the dampness between her legs now.

Spencer finally moved to her other breast and worshipped it the same way, with teeth and tongue and hands. By now, Tessa panted with want and need. He knelt, his tongue traveling down her belly until it reached her night rail. He pushed the garment over her hips, allowing his tongue to continue downward. Need rippled through her as she pushed her fingers into his hair.

He stopped just shy of her nether curls and rose again.

“I need to feel your satin skin against mine,” he said, his voice raw and rough.

Lifting her in his arms again, he placed her on the bed and stepped back. Quickly, he divested himself of the loose coat he wore and yanked his shirt over his head. She marveled at his physique—a broad, muscled chest dusted with a light matting of dark hair that disappeared into his pants. He turned and sat on the bed, struggling to remove his Hessians but determined to do so. One they were gone, he stood again and removed his trousers, stepping from them. His legs were long and also muscled, his calves so beautiful that she almost cried.

Spencer climbed onto the bed and scooped her into his arms, his mouth coming down hard on hers, taking control. He kissed her with an urgency that she instinctively understood, though she had no idea how things would culminate. Her mother had never explained marital relations to her. Tessa was curious—and ready—for what lay ahead.

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