Wanting to savor every second, Edward slowed his movements, propped himself up with both hands flat on the carpet, then looked down at where they were joined together.
The sight of his swollen cock impaling her raised his passion to an almost frenzied level. His rhythm became urgent again, his voice cried out in a sound of triumph as he filled her, pleasured her, claimed her.
"Does that feel good?" he asked, changing the way he moved, using the hardness of his body and the strength of his thrusts to stroke her most sensitive area.
"'Tis glorious," she panted. Her eyes squeezed shut, her nostrils flared, her breath came in great, gulping gasps.
"Look at me, Charlotte," he commanded.
Gradually, she opened her eyes. They were glazed, unfocused as they stared into his. She looked utterly abandoned and incredible lovely. Though she was not seeing him, he knew she was aware of every breath he took, every powerful move of his body.
Edward was still watching her when he felt the wild ripple that shook her body as her orgasm began, as she bucked and writhed beneath him, her naked cries of pleasure echoing through the silent room. It made him fight harder to keep his own release in check, even as the urgent hunger inside him threatened to explode. -- - --- -- - - - - - - - -
He held her quaking body tightly and continued his careful thrusts, prolonging the pleasure for her as long as possible. Then her body started spasming wildly, her inner warmth squeezing tightly around his cock, pushing his craving for release over the edge.
Crushing her to his chest, he began to thrust harder and faster, racing toward fulfillment. He focused on the tension, increasing the rhythm that ran through him like wildfire, kissing Charlotte madly, as though he could not get enough of her. His mouth burrowed into her hair, pushing it aside so he could suckle at the delicate pulse at her neck.
She arched her back, shuddered in his arms and tipped her head sideways to allow him whatever he wanted, whatever he craved. Edward's muscles turned to stone, sweat drenched him and then he began to quake and shudder. His entire being was caught in the grip of this blissful, profound union. With a groan of indescribable pleasure, Edward's passion peaked and his seed spewed from his cock in a hot, potent stream.
The raw rush of pleasure exceeded anything he had ever felt before. Collapsing to the side, he buried his face in her shoulder, his fingers clutching her breast possessively, their bodies still joined. Dazed, Edward listened to the sound of their harsh breathing as the pleasure slowly faded.
Fearing he was crushing her, Edward move to withdraw, then felt Charlotte's hands clinging to his shoulders.
"Stay, please. Do not leave me yet."
Filled with languid, blissful pleasure, he acquiesced to her demands. When the heat of their bodies began to cool, he cuddled her against his chest, threading his fingers through the fine locks of her hair. Her breathing became slow and even, and though exhaustion also claimed him, Edward did not succumb.
His mind was too restless to sleep, his emotions too raw to be quiet. Though not a large number, there had been other women in his life, women with whom he had shared a physical relationship for weeks, even months at a time.
Yet never before had he felt this way with any female. He was unsure if it was because Charlotte had been a virgin or because their mating was a spontaneous moment of unbridled passion, or if the illicit, forbidden aspect of their coupling heightened the level of excitement.
Edward's jaw tensed as he realized it would serve no useful purpose to search for an explanation, because the reason, or reasons, were unimportant. The notion was strangely liberating, as if allowing him for once to just feel and not think. To be honest with himself and acknowledge that this was truly the most extraordinary night of his life.
Charlotte must have dozed for a time, sated and content, for when she opened her eyes the candles were burned low, the fire in the grate all but gone. She lay peacefully within the circle of Edward's arms, listening to his soft, rhythmic breathing, marveling at how comfortable, how natural it all felt.
Edward's lovemaking had been more overwhelming than she had ever imagined and the strength of her longing for him was a mysterious delight, something to be pondered and thought over in the coming days.
There were a great many questions to ask each other, but tomorrow would be time enough for thinking and considering and deciding. Tonight was for reveling in the moment, for rejoicing in the experience.
"We cannot remain here all night," he murmured.
Charlotte nodded her head in agreement, though in truth she felt a stab of disappointment at his pronouncement. It was a bit lowering to acknowledge that the first words he spoke to her after this profound, life-altering event were so impersonal. It seemed that the wild, bold, impulsive lover of her dreams had vanished and the sensible, practical Earl of Worthington had returned.
With rioting emotions Charlotte watched him put on his shirt and trousers, leaving both unfastened. Their clothes were everywhere, strewn on the carpet in a reckless, abandoned manner. He retrieved her dressing gown, then helped her into it, tying the sash securely at her waist. Once they were both wearing something, he gathered up her torn nightgown and the remainder of his clothing and stuffed them into her hands.
"You carry these," he commanded. "And I will carry you.
Before she could even digest his words, Edward scooped her up in his arms and headed for the door. He re-positioned her to one side as he unlocked the chamber with one hand, then using his foot, he kicked open the door and stepped into the hallway.
He glanced both ways before taking another step, she assumed to ensure that there was no one about, even at this very late hour.
"Lurking and prowling about the house is far more difficult with a house full of guests," he whispered, as if reading her thoughts.
"It would be easier if you put me down. I am perfectly capable of walking," she answered.
He shook his head. "I like the way you feel in my arms.
That was certainly welcome news. "You are very strong," she said, clinging to his neck as he ascended the stairs.
He grinned. "I feel as though I have the strength of ten men tonight."
Her brow lifted indignantly. "Are you implying it takes ten men to lift and carry me, sir?"
"At least. Precisely how many helpings of dessert did you have this evening?"
"Three very large portions," she lied, pressing her full body length wickedly against his.
"Stop wiggling or I shall drop you," he said in a commanding tone, yet his voice was colored with amusement.
"If I hit the floor I shall scream very loudly," she retorted, running her fingers through his hair.
He flexed the muscles of his forearms, but held her rock-steady. Charlotte lifted her chin and stole a quick taste of his lips.
"Stop kissing me or else I really will drop you."
"Well, since it would be my fault for distracting you, I will not scream, though I daresay the noise of me thudding onto the stairs would bring the servants running."
"It is not the servants we need worry about," he replied. "If they saw us, they would say nothing, nor tell anyone else."
"To keep their positions."
"Partially." He reached the top of the stairs, lengthening his stride as he turned down a long hallway. "But they would hold their tongues out of respect and regard for me."
Though a somewhat boastful statement, it was not made in that manner. "'Tis true, I have noticed that the staff admires you greatly," Charlotte agreed.
"Must you sound so shocked? I am a very likable fellow, you know."
Warm in the circle of his arms, Charlotte toyed with his shirt buttons. "I suppose there are certain things about you that can be nearly irresistible."
His heated gaze swept over her. "Only nearly irresistible? Not overwhelming irresistible?"
She made a scoffing sound in the back of her throat, enjoying their teasing banter, yet determined to maintain the upper hand. It would hardly do t
o let him know how truly irresistible he was to her at this moment, though the fact that she had just surrendered her virginity to him should give him a rather clear indication.
He reached the doorway of her bedchamber, kicked it open, then carried her across the room and set her gently on the bed. He left her to lock the door before going to the washstand. Curious, she watched him pour water from a small jug into a porcelain basin. He dipped a cloth into the water and wrung it out.
Returning to the bed, he sat beside Charlotte. She shifted uneasily, suspecting what he intended. "I can do it myself," she insisted, reaching for the cloth.
"I know," he said, pressing the cloth between her thighs, causing her to jerk in response. "But it is my privilege as your lover to minister to you and I intend to assert my rights."
He sounded so determined, so concerned, that the majority of her embarrassment evaporated. Charlotte nodded her head in silent agreement. She lay back and tried to relax, but it was difficult to feel completely at ease. At least the chamber was bathed in semi-darkness, with only the moonlight from the open drapes and the glow of the low-burning fireplace to illuminate it.
"I am sorry it's so cold," he murmured as he tenderly bathed her flesh and washed away the traces of his seed and her virginal blood. "If it is truly unbearable I can ring for my valet to bring hot water. It won't take long."
"There's no need, since you are nearly done," she replied.
He leaned forward and kissed the tip of her nose, then returned to the washstand. Using the same cloth and the rest of the water, he cleansed himself. "Do you want me to help you change into a clean nightgown?"
"No. I am going to be exceedingly wicked and sleep without one," Charlotte announced. She untied the sash of her wrapper and slid between the sheets of the large bed, shivering at how cold it had become in her absence. "Will you stay with me?"
Surprise flashed across his face. He hesitated, glancing at the clock on her fireplace mantle. "For a few hours. But I must leave before the household awakens."
"Of course."
Charlotte watched him closely as he quickly shed his clothes, then climbed on the bed to lie by her side. She waited breathless for him to turn and take her in his arms, but the minutes slowly ticked by and he never moved.
Perhaps he needed a little encouragement? Charlotte shifted to her side and moved closer to him, hoping he would take the hint. "Are you going to kiss me?" she finally asked.
He leaned over and planted a chaste kiss on her cheek. "Good night, dearest. Sleep well."
That was all? In a huff, Charlotte sat up, leaned back against the headboard and stared straight ahead. "I am not your maiden aunt, Edward, so please refrain from kissing me as though I were some distant relation."
Slowly, he sat up. The sheet slid down to his waist, baring his naked chest. Charlotte's hand itched to reach out and caress it, to feel the warmth, to glide her fingers through the springy hair, to press her palm against the taut muscle.
Edward raised one hand to touch her face, spreading his palm across her cheek, his fingertips reaching into the hair at her temples. "One kiss will lead to two and then three and then I shall have you flat on your back with your legs spread in no time at all."
Charlotte wiggled delightfully, his words sending a warm rush between her upper thighs. "That sounds marvelous," she purred, giving in to temptation and touching his chest.
"'Tis too soon," he snapped.
Her hand stilled, and she felt the hint of a blush fill her cheeks. "I did not realize you would need so much time to recover your strength," she said, lowering her gaze to cover her embarrassment and disappointment.
He made a sound that might have been a laugh. "That is hardly the problem, Charlotte." He picked up her hand, pressed a quick kiss to her wrist, then placed it boldly over his erection. His stiff penis throbbed within the softness of her hand.
"How wonderful," she murmured.
Charlotte pushed herself forward into his embrace, flattening her breasts against his muscular chest. His body was warm and strong, his growing arousal nudging against her stomach. The rhythm of her heart pounded restlessly in her chest as she kissed her way up from his chest to his throat.
"Charlotte." His voice was husky with warning. "You really must listen to me."
"Why?" she asked, reaching his chin and urging his mouth to hers. If she was kissing him, he could hardly argue with her, now could he?
She sought his mouth with another hungry kiss. He resisted for a mere instant, then rolled on top of her. Charlotte's legs opened instinctively. She set her feet flat against the mattress and tilted up her hips. Edward's eyes widened and he clasped her hands in his, pushed them high above her head, then leaned down to kiss her.
She arched her back, weaving her fingers through his. Her breath came in short bursts as his lips traveled from her mouth to her throat. He took a nipple in his mouth, suckling and teasing his tongue over it.
The same amazing sensations she had delighted in a few short hours ago trembled through her entire being and she heard her voice cry out in pleasure in the quiet bedchamber.
Abruptly, Edward pulled himself back, dragging in his breath roughly. "This is madness."
She clutched at his wrists to keep him close. Their eyes met and Charlotte reached for his hands and held them, one in each of her own. He glanced down at her breasts briefly, then returned his gaze to her eyes.
"Being with you like this makes me very happy, Edward. Does it not please you also?"
"It pleases me greatly." His eyes glimmered and she felt their heat. For a time he watched her silently. "'Tis against my better judgement, but I know you like to get your own way too much to be denied. But I want your word that I will hear no complaints from you tomorrow about soreness and aches and pains."
She shivered with delight and wicked anticipation, then shot him a coy look.
"There will be no complaints from me, my lord, as long as you pleasure me utterly," she said saucily.
"I've created a monster," he groaned.
"Aye." A teasing glint flashed in her eye. "And 'tis past time that you did."
CHAPTER 13
"Are you awake, Miss Charlotte?"
Charlotte slowly opened her eyes, expecting to see the first hint of daylight creeping into the room. Instead, the chamber was awash in bright winter sunlight, and her maid was staring down at her with a furrowed, concerned line between her brows.
"Good morning, Jones." Charlotte smiled weakly. "Is it very late?"
"Nearly noon," the maid replied. "You never stay abed so long. Are you feeling poorly?"
"No, I'm fine," Charlotte answered.
To illustrate the point, she moved to sit up. As she did, the sheet and coverlet slipped to her waist, revealing her lack of nightclothes. Jones stared at her in shock, then hastily turned away.
Flaming with mortification, Charlotte snatched up the sheet with a gasp. It had felt so wonderful, so natural to be this way with Edward last night, but the feeling did not linger in the bright reality of daylight.
`Bring me my blue wrapper," Charlotte commanded, sittiiig up carefully, making certain to keep the blankets over her breasts and beneath her arms. She slipped on the robe, thankful there were no visible tears in the silk fabric, then went to the wardrobe to select her morning outfit.
"I cannot find your nightgown, Miss Charlotte, and I'd like to clean it. I'm sure I'll be able to make it presentable again. Vinegar and salt can do wonders with a stubborn stain."
Charlotte turned and saw Jones holding the porcelain washstand bowl containing the dirty water from last night. She felt her face flush. Obviously, the maid had seen the bloodstains in the water and assumed her monthlies had come on during the night. She further assumed Charlotte had soiled her nightgown, which would explain why she wasn't wearing it.
Thankfully, Jones did not realize Charlotte was completely naked. She no doubt thought Charlotte was wearing underdrawers.
"Never mind about the nigh
tgown," Charlotte said hastily, deciding it was past time to change the subject. "What I really need is a hot bath. Can you arrange for one, please?"
The maid eyed her oddly, but did as she was asked. Within the hour Charlotte was reclining in a copper slipper tub that had been set near the fire, her head leaning back against the rim, one leg dangling carelessly over the side.
The hot water felt wonderful on her sore muscles and tender flesh. Steam rose like a London fog from the bath water, condensing on her upswept hair, engulfing her body in its luxurious warmth.
"Shall I wash your hair, Miss Charlotte?"
"No, thank you, Jones. I can attend myself. I'll ring when I need you."
The maid sank in a hasty curtsey and left, though her expression remained mystified. But Charlotte had too much on her mind to worry about her maid's reaction to her very strange behavior.
Relishing her time alone, Charlotte lay back and wiggled her toes, spreading little ripples through the water. The door slammed open and Charlotte sighed with annoyance. She turned her head to once again dismiss her maid.
But it was not Jones who had entered her bedchamber.
"My God, Edward, what are you doing in here?" Charlotte levered herself upward, causing water to slosh over the edge. Realizing she was giving the earl an eyeful, she dropped back down into the warm water, crossing her arms across her chest. "This is outrageous."
He gave her a measured stare. "I wanted to see you, Charlotte."
"Well, you cannot! For pity's sake, I am in the bathtub!" she hissed.
"I can see that." He smiled oh, so sweetly. "I do not mind."
"Well, I do." Charlotte could feel the anger growing in her, spurred on no doubt by the nonchalance of his voice.
He came closer to the bath and stood, looking down at her with hungry eyes. "You are so lovely. All dewy and pink, like a delicate rosebud on the verge of blooming." He touched her bare shoulder, then let his fingers slide down until they reached the water.
Charlotte felt herself turn crimson. Drawing her knees beneath her chin, she tried to shield herself from his hot gaze. "You must leave at once! If anyone caught you in here-" Charlotte shivered violently, unable to voice the rest of that thought.
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