Page 58 of Suddenly a (The St. Clairs 5)

“Is something wrong?”

Her eyes were as round as saucers. “No. Only... well, you aren’t wearing any clothes.”

He’d forgotten. “Does that bother you?”

She shook her head. “Not one bit. You are an incredible specimen.”

“Hmm. Sounds as if you’ll need to study this specimen closely.”

Hudson returned to the bed and took her hand. “Come and let me see this amazing night rail.”

He helped her from the bed. She stood close and he put a little distance between them so he could admire her.

“Yes, it’s quite enticing.” He slid his hands up and down her arms. “You’re most alluring in it.”

He saw the blush stain her cheeks. “Don’t be embarrassed. This is a part of marriage. I will compliment you frequently.”

He untied the ribbons on each shoulder and folded the gown to her waist. Her breasts were nicely rounded. He cupped them, gliding his thumbs across her nipples, seeing them pebble in need. He kissed her as he continued to fondle them, brushing his lips softly against hers. Her hands moved to his waist and she steadied herself.

He took the night rail and pushed it down the generous curves of her hips, letting it cascade to the floor. Hudson stepped back and admired her. Mia was tall for a woman and slender, with curves in all the right places.

“Let’s return to our bed.”

She stepped from the gown and he led her to the bed, having her sit first.

“Prepare to be worshipped,” he warned. “Kissed in every place possible.”

Hudson took his time. He spent long minutes kissing her mouth, running his fingers through the strands of her hair, fine and silky and so very, very long. He kissed her eyelids and her cheeks. Along her jaw. Up and down the slender column of her neck, nibbling as he went. His hands moved along her satin skin as he did so. She didn’t touch him for a while and then finally did, her fingers stroking his biceps and rubbing up and down his back. She murmured sweet noises that let him know she appreciated what he did.

He leaned her back, placing a pillow under her head, because he wanted better access. He leaned over her and took one breast into his mouth, sucking and tonguing it as he caressed the other one. Her noises grew in volume, sometimes whimpers, sometimes moans. He paid equal attention to her other breast, feasting upon it. Her fingers moved to his hair and ran through it, holding him close.

Hudson moved back to her throat, nipping at it lightly, and then dragged his tongue downward, between her breasts and lower, circling her belly button. Mia began giggling and he lifted his head.

“You think this is funny?” he teased.

“No. Never,” she said, laughing.

He wanted this first time together to be special. It was impossible to keep from hurting her but he could make her as ready as possible. He ran his tongue lower.

“Hudson,” she said, alarm in her voice. “What are you doing?”

“Experimenting,” he replied. “Seeing what you like.”

Her head rose. “I’m not sure I’m going to like this.”

He sensed her legs pressing together.

“Oh, I think you will.”

Her legs still dangled off the bed so he decided to start from her toes up. He kissed her big toe and then slipped his mouth around it. A startled cry came—but she didn’t stop him. He moved up her foot, kissing his way along her trim ankles and the curve of her calf as his hands massaged her legs. He kissed her knees and even behind them, causing another giggle to erupt. He would have to remember the places she was ticklish. His fingers clasped her thighs, parting them slightly, and she tensed.

Raising his head, he said, “Do you trust me?”

“I wouldn’t have married you if I didn’t.”

“Remember how good you felt in the carriage that night?”

Her face softened. “Yes.”

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