Page 83 of A Deal with the Duke of Ice

Rosaline flushed, twinges of arousal spreading in her belly. “Can we do that?”

“Why not? It’s our wedding.”

Rosaline sucked in a sharp breath, wondering if her eyes looked as full and dark with lust as Benedict’s did right now.

“Yes.”

They pushed their way through the crowds, fending off congratulations and snatching a large bottle of wine as they did so.

The two snuck up the stairs, giggling like schoolchildren, and Rosaline was aware of a stronger and more powerful longing ache than she’d experienced before.

That first ache had only gotten worse, and Benedict seemed to inspire higher and higher spires of excitement and pleasure.

Their room was the last one in the furthest wing, not Benedict’s usual room. He’d had one room decked out finely, designed for two people to live and sleep in.

They slipped inside, closing and locking the door behind them. Benedict reached out for Rosaline, but she ducked away from him, giggling.

“Patience, dear husband. I want to take a look at my new room.”

Benedict chuckled, stripping off his coat and cravat, throwing them carelessly into a corner.

“Be my guest. Or rather, no longer my guest. You live here, now,duchess.”

“Ugh. I don’t think I like that.”

“Well, you’re nowHer Grace, Rosaline McCarthy, Duchess of Keswick. How does that sound?”

“Isuppose I’ll get used to it.”

Rosaline made a leisurely circuit of the bedroom. She was aware that Benedict’s hot, hungry eyes were fixed on her every step of the way, and it thrilled her.

The room was decked out beautifully in silks and satin. The huge bed looked as though it would feel like falling into a cloud, and there was a roaring fire stoked, keeping the room delightfully warm.

“It is rather warm in here.” Rosaline commented.

“Perhaps we ought to shed a few layers.”

Rosaline sucked in a breath, conscious of her own desire surging inside her.

Well, neither of them had to hide now.

“You’ll have to help me out of this.”

Benedict was at her side in a flash. “My pleasure.” He murmured, his deep voice sending delightful shivers through her.

Rosaline turned her back, allowed him to gently undo the ties at the back of her dress. He carefully unlaced the dress until the bodice slackened, then Benedict tutted to himself, tugging at it.

“How on earth do you get this thing off? Why are ladies’ dresses so complicated?”

Rosaline giggled. “Watch.”

She sank down to her knees, dropping through the swathes of thick material, and crawled out from underneath the skirts in her under things.

“Ta-da!” she crowed, laughing at Benedict’s incredulous expression.

He smiled, moving closer, and Rosaline’s heart sped up again. He stepped closer until they were pressed together, chest to chest, and Rosaline could feel the warmth of him through her thin chemise.

“Aren’t you still warm in this?” he murmured.

---