Page 102 of If Not for the Duke

“Excellent. He kissed her belly as his hand grazed along her silky thigh. “I like both as well.”

She ran her fingers through his hair, and he reveled in her touch. “Do we have time for this?” she asked, slightly breathless.

“We don’t have to be at your grandfather’s for well over an hour,” he murmured, hoping she’d agree.

They were joining her family for a late breakfast, including Ella and the baby. It would be Alex’s first outing, and Lena was excited to see him and her sisters again.

“Plenty of time,” she whispered. The last word was more of a moan as he found the curls at the apex of her thighs.

He ran a finger along her already slick folds, his body demanding he pick up the pace. But Sterling refused to rush things. While continuing the caress, he eased up and kissed her sweet lips, loving the way she shifted restlessly against him.

When she took his hard staff into her hand, he shuddered with need. “Lena.”

“Yes, my love?” She smiled, her legs parting to allow him better access.

“You’re right. I like the sound of that, too,” he managed. Then he lost his train of thought completely as her fingers threatened to send him over the edge.

“Sterling?” At his partial grunt, she said, “You should hurry.” She released him to hold his hips, trying to draw him onto her.

“Or perhaps you should,” he countered. Before she could respond, he laid back and lifted her to straddle him.

“Oh.” She considered the position briefly, a hint of wonder in her eyes. “How interesting.” She moved, quickly grasping how to make the most of it.

Then she leaned close and kissed him, the tips of her breasts grazing his chest even as her hair cascaded around them. The heat of her moist center beckoned, and Sterling adjusted himself to fit into her opening.

With a gasp, she eased down onto his manhood, holding still as if adjusting to their fit. Soon, she found a slow but steady rhythm that had him doing his best not to find release before she did. Knowing the end was near, he touched her center once more, loving the way her sky-blue eyes darkened as passion took hold.

“Sterling!” Her body jerked with pleasure, sending him over the edge as a thousand stars exploded inside him.

He held her tight as they returned to earth together. “I love you, Lena. So much.”

“And I love you.” She shifted to his side and propped on her elbow to look at him. “If not for you, I would never have come to accept my gift. I always felt torn when a feeling came over me. A mix between wanting it and willing it away. I can’t begin to explain the peace you’ve given me. I feel whole now. All because of you.”

“The same holds true for me. You’ve given me a balance I never had before. Thank you, Lena.” He kissed her.

“I’m forever yours,” she whispered.

“The two of us. Forever and always.”

Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him, a smile on her lips. “Would it be so terrible if we were just a few minutes late?”

Before he could answer, she kissed him again, and he was lost.

*

Lena grinned asshe and Sterling entered the drawing room at her grandfather’s house. What else could she do when her family, with the exception of her grandfather, gave them a knowing look as if guessing the reason they were late?

“Good morning,” she managed despite the blush heating her cheeks.

“My apologies for our tardiness,” Sterling added.

Everyone returned the greeting while Lena walked directly to Ella who held baby Alex. She hugged Ella and brushed a finger along Alex’s round cheek, hoping he woke soon. “You look wonderful,” Lena said to her sister.

“Why, thank you. I feel wonderful.” Her sister glowed with happiness as she looked down at her son. Marbury sat beside her with the same besotted look upon his face.

The sight of the three of them so enamored with each other brought tears of joy to Lena’s eyes. She looked at Norah, unsurprised to see the same tears in her sister’s eyes.

As her gaze held on Norah, a chill crept over her scalp and the conversation fell away to a murmur. She drew in a quiet gasp as a premonition took hold. Norah was expecting.

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