Once Upon A Duke (The Dukes' Club Book 1)

by Eva Devon

  Ryder kept walking, his mission clear. But Kate looked over her shoulder and threw the old man, and the rest of the gaping servants, a smile. “Thank you! I look forward to meeting you all.”

  And then Ryder started taking the steps towards the upper regions of the house two at a time.

  She giggled, amazed at his strength. It was impossible to get a good look at the many paintings hanging upon the walls or the ornateness of the crenellated ceiling. The one thing she did see was the wine-red and gold rug lining the staircase and the ebony balustrade.

  On the second floor he turned to the right wing of the stairs and started down the hall. Window after window poured in glorious sunlight causing the crystal on the wall sconces to shimmer like rainbow-colored mist.

  “Which one is our room?” she asked.

  He cuddled her closer to his chest. “Officially, we each have our own room.”

  “Oh. I see.” She didn’t know why she expected any different. They weren’t in love. For goodness sake, she and Percy hadn’t even shared a house. And after their first unpleasant experience, nor had she wished to share a bed. But Ryder was different. She loved the headiness of his spicy scent and the way his strong muscles wrapped her up in a blanket of security.

  “A formality I have no intention of keeping.” His smile turn wolfish. “What fun could I have in a bed by myself?”

  Her spirits lifted right back up and she forced herself to recall this was a marriage where she should simply take things as they came. She couldn’t go about acting like a silly twit expecting hearts and flowers. “My thoughts exactly.” She wiggled her brows at him. “Now, where is it?”

  “The far room at the end of the hall.” He tilted his head down towards her. “Why do you ask, considering you have such excellent transportation?”

  “Because.” Kate tickled his ribs and, to her delight, he staggered and choked on a laugh. “I might grow old at this pace. Do you think we shall reach it before my dotage?”

  “You evil wench.” He laughed. “Impatient, are you?”

  Kate nodded, a smile tilting her lips. “Most definitely.”

  Gripping her tightly, he ran down the hall, his boots thudding against the carpet.

  Laughter bubbled from her lips. “Stop. Stop!” Though she had absolutely no wish for him to cease.

  “Not until you’re in bed where you belong.” And he charged down the hall, halting just before an open white and gold door. He took one step through and kicked it shut.

  Kate bit her lower lip, anticipation humming through her veins. At the center of the room stood a huge four-poster bed covered in white silk pillows and a goose down throw. Without hesitating, he crossed the room and tossed her face down onto the soft mattress. She turned her head towards him, savoring the gorgeous bed beneath her and beckoned with her eyes.

  His chest rose and fell in deep breaths as his gaze roamed over her sprawled on the bed.

  “Are you coming, Your Grace?” she asked, stretching ever so slowly. “This bed is rather big for one.”

  Ryder’s eyes darkened with desire and he pounced. As he rolled beside her, he crawled onto his knees and pulled her skirts up in a few swift tugs. With surprising force, he had her onto her hands and knees then smoothed his hands over her bottom and thighs. “So, beautiful.” And then he bent down and placed an open-mouthed bite on her bum.

  Kate gasped at the shock. It had hurt, but only a little, and it sent the most delicious sensations racing through her. Instinctively, she tilted her hips back, offering herself to him.

  Good lord, she could take him right now. She was sure if she reached back and touched herself she would be wet and swollen with desire.

  “Not yet,” Ryder said firmly. “Now, my sweet, on your back.”

  Kate complied immediately, ready for anything he might propose. Ryder lowered himself over her and took her mouth.

  She pressed against him, lifting her back from the bed as she drew deeper and deeper kisses from him. But he pressed her back down and soon they were struggling for air as they turned and twisted on the bed.

  Rolling over and over, Ryder stopped and pinned her arms down with one hand. “I think it’s time we free you of all these clothes.”

  What she really wanted was for Ryder to part her thighs and give her his long, hard length, but he was determined to make this last, and she certainly wasn’t going to protest. “I am rather warm.”

  His forehead creased in mock concern. “It is my primary duty to make you comfortable.”

  Gazing up at him, she had to ignore the clamoring of her heart at the way his black hair fell boyishly across his forehead. “Proceed then, please.”

  With her arms stretched high above her, her breasts threatened to spill free from her corset and the prone position was surprisingly appealing. She found herself hardly able to wait for him to undress her. “Faster.”

  He laughed, though it was strained now. His deft fingers pulled at the pins that held her stomacher in place. He worked them free and yanked her bodice off and tossed it to the floor. The decadence of throwing such an expensive garment to the ground didn’t escape her and the fact he wanted her so much as not to care only increased her own need.

  Her skirts were a prison and she wanted free of them.

  “Allow me,” he said roughly as he undid the ties of her heavy skirts.

  The rich fabric slid down her body, layer after layer until she lay in nothing but her jewels, her short chemise, stockings and her corset.

  As he stared down at her virtually naked lower body, he growled, “God, I want to devour you.”

  The thought of him feasting on her sent a jolt of pleasure straight between her thighs. “I’d like to be devoured.”

  “Would you now?” he asked, as his hand went to her corset. He then flipped her onto her stomach. Her hands free now, she grasped the white, pillowy blanket.

  He cursed as he pulled at the strings, but finally he peeled off the beautiful blue brocade corset and she moaned at the feel of release. It was delicious as air kissed her skin.

  “No more prisons.” And he tugged the corset free, flinging it to join her pile of clothes. His fingers trailed back and then slid her chemise up her legs and he tugged it forward and up over her head.

  “Mmm,” she moaned. After the constriction of her undergarments, the feel of the soft sheets against her breasts was shocking in the extreme, but more than anything, she wanted his hands and mouth on her. When she tried to turn, he placed a hand to her back.

  “Patience.” He brushed her curls aside and just above the ropes of pearls he’d given her, he pressed a kiss to her neck.

  The ropes of jewels pressed in against her breasts and stomach as she stretched into him. Lord, it would be a crime if she broke them. She reached up to unfasten the clasp.

  “Leave them,” he whispered against her skin as he raked his lips along her shoulder blades. “I want to see my duchess in all her glory.”

  His duchess. Kate shivered. The words were as exciting as any touch. “Your pleasure is my pleasure.”

  Ryder looked down at her, his eyes soft and hot. Gently, he lifted one of her thighs towards her waist so her core was exposed. He leaned down and whispered against her ear as he plunged two fingers into her wet heat, “I’m glad to hear it, love.”

  Kate jerked against him and dug her fingers into the sheets. It was so cruel, the pleasure his fingers caused, because it wasn’t enough. All it did was make her long for more.

  She moaned and pushed her bum back towards his hips.

  But he was having none of it. He broke the kiss. “Little wanton, you must wait. On your back again.”

  Kate blew out a frustrated breath and turned over.

  It took her a moment to realize he was still clothed. She let out a little cry of protest and reached up to push at his coat. “Ryder.”

  He laughed softly and yanked his coat and waistcoat off.

  “More off,” she said huskily, and she reached up with he
r leg and teased his shirt with the tips of her toes. “I want to see all of you.”

  His black eyes flared and he took her foot and pressed a kiss to the arch and then, to her astonishment, he opened his mouth and lightly bit down. She cried out at the intensity of it. For goodness sake, it was only her foot but it sent the most wonderful shocks up her legs.

  Ryder released her foot and tugged at his clothes, his fingers no longer quite as skilled. Tormenting him, Kate raised herself up on her elbows and opened her thighs so every part of her was exposed to him. “Hurry, Your Grace,” she purred. “I’ve waited long enough.”

  His breeches hit the floor and Kate licked her lips at the sight of his hard, erect length. It was so large she hardly believed it could fit inside her. The head was swollen and bobbing in her direction as if it knew exactly where she was.

  Kathryn drew in a slow breath, knowing exactly what she wanted to try. He was standing just beside the bed but that still left him too tall to do what she wanted. Before he could say anything, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood before him. Ever so slowly, she placed her hands on his muscled chest, loving the feel of the strength beneath her hands. She let them trail lower.

  Glancing up at him through her lashes she asked his own question. “What do you want?”

  A muscle twitched in his jaw. “What do you want, Kathryn?”

  She raised her brows ever so slightly, half-afraid to say it aloud, but emboldened by her experiences with him. “I want you in my mouth.”

  His chest expanded as he drew in a sharp breath. And then his strong hands came up to her shoulders and very gently, he guided her down onto her knees.

  She was barely tall enough, but from this angle, all she could focus on was his hard shaft. It was a bit intimidating actually and suddenly she wondered at the wisdom of this course, but she wanted to taste him and feel him. Tentatively, she reached out and ran her nails along his thighs. He groaned and his hands tightened on her shoulders.

  A smile tilted her lips. There was something empowering about the pleasure she could give him. Ever so gently, she kissed his hipbone and to her shock, his cock twitched towards her. Bold now, Kate took his length in her hand, her fingers barely able to wrap around it. It was so hot, velvet and hard. She glanced down at the tip and the drop of dew in the little slit. Without thinking, she bent her head and licked it.

  He jerked towards her and his hands wove into her hair, pulling her face closer. Pleased she could make him feel so intensely, she drew as much of his length as she could into her mouth.

  “Oh God, Kathryn,” he hissed. “Yes.”

  It took her a moment, but she began a rhythm, her hand on the lower part of his shaft and her mouth sliding up and down. She sucked at the tip, loving the feel of its velvety strength. He shuddered, his legs shaking as he clearly fought to keep control.

  At last, he grabbed her arms and tugged her back up to him. He cupped her face in his palms then lowered his mouth over hers.

  “On your knees, sweetheart.” And he easily guided her up onto the mattress.

  Kate glanced back over her shoulder as he pulled her hips up towards him. He mounted the bed.

  She wiggled back, needing. “Please. Now.”

  “Yes. Now.” He grabbed her hips and slammed his hard length inside her.

  Kate almost came at the hard intrusion. And as he pounded against her, his strong grip keeping her in place, she glanced back at him. It was so thrilling the sight of him taking her body. His face was locked in concentration.

  Bracing herself on her elbows, Kate lowered herself to the mattress so only her hips were up in the air. Instantly, she cried out. The angle sent his cock rubbing at her most sensitive spot. Her mouth opened as she gasped at each powerful thrust.

  She let out a shocked moan, burying her face into the bed as she came over and over again, her body speeding towards unstoppable pleasure.

  He jerked against her, his breath harsh and his voice rough as he called out her name. His thrust came faster and faster till she felt his hot seed spill inside her.

  After a moment, he leaned forward, resting his broad chest against her back. To her shock, he was still hard inside her. Biting her lower lip, Kate tightened her muscles around his cock and he shook.

  “God woman, you’re amazing.”

  She smiled, her body completely liquid under him. He slid his cock out of her and she moaned in protest.

  “Still, hungry?”

  In truth, she wasn’t sure she could take anymore, but he felt so marvelous.

  When he gently turned her, she eyed his hard cock, slick with their mixed pleasure. “You’re still. . .?”

  Ryder smiled down at her, his body less tense. “I’ve been hard since I met you and I don’t think that will change any time soon.”

  Kate reached up and cupped the side of his face. Ryder kissed her palm then lowered her hand to his slick shaft. “You don’t think we’re done yet, do you?”

  “We aren’t?”

  “Oh no, darling. That was just the beginning.” As if to prove his point, Ryder laid down beside her and palmed her breasts.

  She arched into his hand, her body awake and immediately heating for him.

  “See, my love, you’re not ready to be done.”

  Kate swallowed at the words my love. They were just a term of endearment, no different than darling, but they tugged at her heart nonetheless. She couldn’t let herself think anything more of them, even if she ached to. She’d been down that road and she was not going to go down it again.

  “Kiss me,” she said, urgency deepening her voice.

  Instead of taking her mouth, he bent his dark head and took her nipple into his mouth.

  She grabbed his head, his hair sliding against her fingers. Her nipples tightened into hard, needy points. And in answer, her core throbbed.

  He had just used her thoroughly, but she knew without a doubt, she could take him again. His mouth worked wonders over her sensitive breasts. He pressed them together and flicked his tongue over one nipple then the next. Then, as if to torture the oversensitized flesh, he nibbled gently on the hard peaks and then applied slightly harder pressure until she cried out. She dug her hand into his hair, pulling him closer.

  “I think it’s time for me to kiss other places.” And true to his word, he kissed his way down to the mound between her thighs.

  Kate stared at him, trying not to let her heart take over. She could control herself. It didn’t matter that he made her feel like she was the most loved person in the entire world. She would remember he offered her the best thing he could, happiness free of complications. And she would seize every last little bit she could.

  Chapter 22

  Kate nestled closer to Ryder, amazement leaving her completely at ease. In fact, the house could fall down around her and she probably wouldn’t notice. He tucked them into the covers. Now, she was pressed against his hard body, her cheek resting against his shoulder and one arm draped over his chest.

  She traced her hand up and down his strong arm, avoiding the thought that he wasn’t wearing the pale ribbon. That he always removed it when they made love. The very idea of it seemed forbidden and she had no wish to touch darkness tonight, not when so much happiness surrounded them.

  In turn, he wrapped one arm about her, keeping her close to him. Kate glanced up, only getting a view of his black stubbled chin. “I do believe this is the first time we’ve succeeded in finding a bed.”

  He paused for a moment then laughed. “We certainly haven’t done things by rule. Rule is rather boring, don’t you think?

  “Rules are for people without imaginations or a sense of determination.”

  He tapped his finger to the tip of her nose. “And you have quite the determination.”

  She tilted her head back and kissed his fingers. “Thank you?” she asked, not entirely sure it was a compliment.

  “Kathryn,” he said, cuddling her closer. “Your determination is one of your m
ost winning traits. Without it, you’d still be in Shropshire.” He paused. “In truth, how did you determine to come to London?”

  “Truthfully?” She wasn’t sure how he’d react. Most people would think it rather pathetic, even if she had to be bold to achieve her desires.

  “I long to hear the tale. After all, the ending, though surprising, has turned out rather well.”

  She kissed his chest, loving the feel of his warm skin. It wasn’t going to be easy to relay this, but it was probably best he understood her relationship with Percy and why she refused to let herself be weak. She drew in a long breath preparing for the story.

  “You know,” he said gently, “if it causes you pain, I don’t need to hear it now.” He cupped her cheek. “I would never want to cause you pain.”

  Kate blinked, half-afraid she was about to feel tears sting her eyes. “No. I’d like to tell you.” She shifted closer to him, if that was possible. “I was lonely, is all. Very. And I had no companions except for a very old and proper lady. And Percy came to call. My father hated Percy almost on sight and disapproved of the match. He made it clear I was being a fool. After all, I had a massive fortune and such a young, romantic man as Percy could never want me, someone rather plain, for anything but my money.”

  “Kathryn, you are anything but plain,” Ryder said, his voice rough. “Your father should be shot. You are valuable in your own right.”

  “No,” she whispered. “He was right. Percy, with his boyish good looks and charm, convinced me he loved me, quite thoroughly.” She smiled in the darkness, though she felt no amusement at her own stupidity. “I allowed myself to be carried away with thoughts of love. I married Percy. And let us just say he thought a wife should be pure and find no pleasure in the act.” She swallowed, recalling his grunting over her and the blessed quickness of his pawing. Though she tried not to, she could recall a few rough squeezes and searing pain as he’d stuck himself unceremoniously into her tight body.

  “I’d like to kill him.” Ryder’s voice cut through the air with surprising intensity.