He returned to her and lifted her shoulders. Half drugged from passion, she was of little help to him as he undressed her. The next moment, he tossed her nightgown aside.
Everleigh scoured his body with her hungry gaze.
He was gorgeous, and he wanted her.
She touched his face.
“I am not afraid, and I don’t want you to withdraw. I want to experience it all with you.”
With a gravelly groan, he covered her from knees to chest and nudged her thighs apart.
She felt his length at the apex of her womanhood, and it was perfect. She spread her thighs wider and tilted her hips upward, craving him inside her.
Griffin gripped her buttocks, and, face taut as he strained for control, he gradually entered her. Eyes closed, the cords of his neck standing out, he held perfectly still, letting her become accustomed to his length.
Feeling a fullness but no pain this time, she shifted her hips and pleasure flickered. Another tilt brought an answering spark of bliss. A groan escaped her as she wrapped her legs around his, digging her heels into his thighs.
“That’s it, darling. Rock your hips. Feel me slide in and out of you.”
He thrust into her as she lifted her hips again.
Quicker and quicker she moved, the pleasure taking over.
Griffin held her tightly, expertly playing her body, sending her higher and higher onto a plane of pure sensation. He whispered hoarse words of encouragement and sex to her, and when she thought she couldn’t stand it another instant, when she thought she would splinter if she didn’t reach the mysterious pinnacle, he reached between them and touched her woman’s core.
She screamed as wave after wave of ecstasy burst over her, carrying her along on a tide of sensation. She was barely aware when he stiffened and shuddered against her.
What surely had to be a smile of utter satisfaction curving her mouth, Everleigh at last managed to force her eyes open.
Her gaze collided with Griffin’s sexy, passion-drowsy gaze.
He rested his head on one hand, his elbow on the pillow beside her. His other hand curved possessively over her ribs, and one deliciously hairy male leg rested between hers.
Never in her life had she felt so satiated, so relaxed. So wanton.
Never had anything felt so utterly right.
He lowered his head and kissed her shoulder, then gave it a little nip.
“You, my darling, are a tigress.”
She giggled and tried to see his back.
“Oh, Griffin, did I scratch you?’
“I prefer to think you left your mark on me.” He snatched her hand to his lips. “And not just physically. You’ve touched my heart too. Branded me for all time.”
She blinked away the fresh moisture pooling in her eyes.
“Thank you for this. For giving me a gift I never thought to have.”
“Shh, no tears and no regrets, sweetheart. It’s I who should be thanking you.”
Griffin pulled Everleigh into his embrace, her luminous head resting in the crook of his shoulder. He traced little circles on her lower back.
“Does this mean you’ll marry me?” he asked.
He’d fallen in love with her.
Probably had that moment in the drawing room when she’d lifted a frightened Sarah into her arms.
Everleigh stiffened, then sighed as she rolled onto her back and slung an elbow over her eyes.
“I said I’d think about it after we made love and I knew if I could enjoy the act.”
Disappointment, sharp and jagged, pierced him in the gut. He’d been so sure he’d broken through her defenses. That she’d agree to wed him now. I seemed there was more than just fear of intimacy he needed to overcome.
“One step at a time then, sweet.” He caressed her shoulder. “What else are you afraid of?”
She lifted her head, her eyes more emerald than jade in the muted light. The thick cloud of her hair brushed his chest.
“How do you know there is something else?”
Her fair brows pulled together the tiniest bit.
She might be able to put on a bland façade other people couldn’t see through, but this remarkable woman’s eyes revealed much.
“I can see it in your eyes.”
Even now, the shutters that slammed shut when anyone—any man—
ventured too close fell into place.
She stared at his chin and spoke softly, haltingly.
“I fear . . . losing my independence. I shan’t ever subject myself to a man’s whims again. Ever. If I marry, my husband has complete control over me. My wealth becomes his. My body becomes his to do with what he will. My children, if there are any, are also his to do with what he wants. As a woman, I have no rights. None.”
What she said was true. A woman was at her husband’s mercy.
She sank onto the pillow, her back against him and whispered, “That’s what I’m afraid of, Griffin. I cannot endure that life again. I cannot.”
She curled into a ball, weeping softly.
He pulled her into his arms, his thighs tucked beneath her supple bottom and his chest pressed to her back. He swept her hair away from her neck and kissed the satiny flesh there.
“I would sign a settlement allowing you to retain all of your wealth, and I vow I would never lay a hand on you in anger. As for children, I think they need their mother, which is one reason I want to find a woman who can love Sarah as her own. I believe you are that woman, Everleigh.”
“You have more faith in me than I have in myself.”
After kissing her neck again, he rose.
“I’d love to stay with you all night, but I shan’t risk your reputation. Nor shall I rush you. Wounds such as yours take time to heal.”
After donning his clothing, he came around to the other side of the bed and knelt there.
She opened her eyes, the lashes dark and spikey from her tears.
He palmed her damp cheek.
“I’ve fallen in love with you, Everleigh Chatterton. I shall wait as long as it takes, do whatever I need to do to convince you of that. I’ll help you overcome your qualms. My love will heal your fears.”
She swallowed, then licked her lower lip.
“You are a good man, Griffin, kind and decent and generous, but I cannot make any promises. It wouldn’t be fair to either of us. I need to take things one day at a time. I don’t have your confidence. I’m afraid to trust my feelings for you.”
“I know.” He tucked the bedclothes around her shoulders in much the same manner as he did Sarah. “But I trust your feelings, and I have confidence enough for the both of us.”
“Humble blighter, aren’t you?” She attempted a wobbly smile.
“Go for a sleigh ride with me tomorrow?” Brushing the hair from her face, he paused and ran his fingers through the length before fanning the strands across the pillow. “Sarah’s never been.”
“Unfair.” She hit him with a pillow. “How am I supposed to deny her that fun?”
She didn’t look quite so tormented.
He wiggled his eyebrows.
“Madam, when I set out to win a woman’s heart and hand, you have no idea what I’m capable of. Erect your ramparts and battlements if you must, but I believe my love will tear them down.”
The next afternoon, bundled to their noses beneath furs and quilts, three sleighs full of the braver guests pulled into the courtyard that fronted Ridgewood. Jingling bells, the whoosh of the sleighs’ rudders, and laughter filled the air.
Under cover of the blankets, Griffin held Everleigh’s hand as he had most of the outing.
“Everleigh, the cold weather and these excursions agree with you. Why, you’re positively incandescent,” Miss Twistleton said, her face radiant as well.
Everleigh only smiled, but Griffin caught the furtive glance she sent him.
Hers was the complexion of a woman who’d been fully satiated and still bore the afterglow.
Miss Twistleton’s shiny coun
tenance might be because Westfall had managed to seat himself beside her, the sly devil. Pennington on the other hand, brooded like a woebegone mongrel. Miss Gabriella had taken one look at the sleigh he was in and marched to another, her nose pointed skyward.
Pennington had best turn his attention elsewhere, for that door had slammed shut and was bolted from within.
Sarah, sound asleep and mouth parted, curled against Everleigh’s other side, Maya clutched in her mittened hand.
When they reached the mansion, Griffin climbed out first and reached for Sarah.
Everleigh laid her in his arms.
It had been on the tip of his tongue all day to ask if she’d thought any more about his marriage offer, but less than twenty-four hours had passed. He wouldn’t rush her. If need be, he’d continue to court her after the house party ended, for he was adamant Everleigh Chatterton would be his duchess.
Everyone bustled into the foyer where much stamping of feet to remove snow earned them a starchy stare from Grover, standing beside three footmen ready to accept the myriad of coats, scarfs, capes, gloves, muffs, and hats from the chilled adventurers.
He raised his patrician nose an inch and announced, “There are an assortment of hot beverages and dainties for your enjoyment in the drawing room. Her Grace begs you to forgive her absence. She’s feeling a trifle puny. She’ll be present for dinner, however.”
“I’ll only be a few minutes.” Griffin angled toward the stairs.
“I shall walk up with you,” Everleigh said. “I’d rather take off my outer garments in my chamber. I need to straighten my hair in any event.”
He thought she looked delightful slightly mussed and windblown.
Falling into step beside him, she turned to glance behind her as she removed her gloves. “The poor footmen and Grover are taxed to their limits with this many people.”
Griffin shifted Sarah so her head rested on his shoulder.
“True, but they also receive vails from everyone, and with a house party this size, that means a substantial bonus for each of the servants before the holidays.”
On the landing they parted; he continued on to the nursery and Everleigh to her chamber.
“Griffin?”
“Yes?”
One hand cradling Sarah’s head, he turned back toward Everleigh. She’d paused a couple of paces away.
She bit her lower lip and fidgeted with her gloves.
Were her cheeks still rosy from cold or was she blushing?
He drew nearer and spoke low. “What is it?”
“I . . .”
Staring at the buttons on his coat, she flicked her tongue out to wet her lower lip.
Even though he knew it was a nervous gesture, his body reacted with a surge of lust.
Her attention shifted to Sarah, limp as her ragdoll in his embrace.
“Never mind. It’s not important.”
Whatever she wanted to say, she was afraid Sarah might overhear, even though the child hadn’t so much as stirred for the last half and hour.
“Let me settle her in the nursery, and then we can talk. Do you want me to come to your chamber?”
Risky business that. But if she wanted privacy, her room or his was the best place to have a conversation.
Everleigh gave a short nod. “That’s fine.”
Twenty minutes later he rapped on her door. Sarah had awakened and fussed for a few minutes when he laid her down, and after she’d drifted to sleep once more, he’d taken the time to go to his bedchamber and remove his greatcoat as well.
When Everleigh didn’t answer, he knocked again.
Still no response.
He tried the handle and the door clicked open. Poking his head inside, he looked around.
“Everleigh?”
Curled up on the window seat, one hand tucked beneath her cheek, she was fast asleep, minus her cloak and redingote. Those she’d tossed on her bed.
A potent image of last night, her silken limbs entwined with his, immobilized him for a second. Common sense demanded he leave and let her have her nap.
Bugger that.
Common sense wouldn’t win this woman’s heart.
After checking the corridor, he closed the door. He sat beside her on the seat, and swept a curl off her forehead. She appeared so peaceful in slumber. He could watch her for hours.
What if his seed had found fertile soil in her womb?
Shutting his eyes, he pulled in a deep breath, both exhilarated and appalled at the prospect. Her first pregnancy revealed she was easily impregnated. He was an assling for agreeing to her request. Yet he couldn’t regret it, for she’d found she was able to reach fulfillment.
There was nothing for it. She might be carrying his child. He must convince her to marry him, and sooner rather than later.
She stirred, and her lashes fluttered open. Her drowsy smile held something more than sleep.
“I’m sorry. I must’ve dozed off.”
She scooted into a sitting position, resting her back against the window casements before patting her mussed hair. Several tendrils had escaped their pins and curled over her shoulders.
He glanced out the window. It had begun to snow again. They’d returned from sleighing just in time. If the weather pattern held, the Sutcliffes might have guests longer than anticipated.
“I shouldn’t have come in,” Griffin said. “You’re obviously tired.”
“Yes, I didn’t get a full night’s sleep last night,” she quipped with a saucy smile and a coy glance.
Now his Ice-Queen was flirting?
What next?
Perhaps she’d also laid awake the rest of last night.
“Indeed.” The seductive minx. He hadn’t come here to make love to her again, no matter how enticing the idea might be. “But was it worth losing a little slumber over?”
“Oh, very, very worth it,” she said.
She drew his head to hers and kissed him. “I’ve wanted to do that all day.”
“I’m only too happy to oblige, sweetheart.”
He waggled his eyebrows, and she giggled. He’d not deny himself her kisses.
Taking his hand between hers, she linked her slender fingers with his. “Will you come to me again tonight?”
So that was what she’d wanted to ask.
Her appetite had been whetted, and she was eager to practice more. No keener than he was to teach her, but not skulking about in darkened corridors and whispering clandestinely behind locked doors. No, when next she graced his bed, it would be as his wife.
He rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand.
She wasn’t going to like what he had to say.
“Everleigh, last night was the most wonderful thing I’ve ever experienced.” He squeezed her fingers. “But because I love you and won’t risk impregnating you unless we’re married, I must, with deepest regret, refuse.”
Her beautiful eyes rounded, and she pulled her hand away.
“Why must we marry? People take lovers all the time. Married people take lovers.” She poked his chest, then made a curt gesture with her hand. “Lord knows I witnessed enough fornicating and adultery while married to Arnold.”
Undoubtedly witnessed things no respectable woman could ever admit.
Her frustrated gaze impaled him. “You’ve had lovers. Probably dozens of them, and don’t tell me you haven’t.”
“Not dozens, darling, but I am flattered you think me so irresistible.”
She punched him in the shoulder. Hard.
“Arrogant, conceited jackanapes.”
Checking the grin that tickled his lips, he rubbed his arm where she’d struck him. By Jove, beneath that cool exterior, her blood and spirit ran hot. This Everleigh would keep him on his toes. What a delightful prospect.
Green sparks flew from her irises, and her anger gave him hope.
She was jealous.
“Maybe I’ll take a lover too.”
She flung her head back, giving vent to her frustration.
“I’m sure I can find a man to accommodate me.”
Over my dead body.
In a way, he was flattered she’d so enjoyed their sexual encounter that she had braved approaching him.
He forced calmness into his tone. “I cannot deny I’ve been with other women, nor will I apologize for what’s gone on before you. However, I shall never knowingly put you in the situation that forced you to marry Chatterton.”
“Since when did you get so blasted noble?” she snapped.
He cupped her shoulders and gave her the gentlest shake, forcing her to look at him.
“I’ll hear no more talk of you taking a lover. You could end up with someone who would abuse you. What we enjoyed is not typical.” No, it had been beyond extraordinary.”
“I have only your word on that.” Lips pursed, she tormented the tassels of the pillow beside her. “How do I know you’re not lying just to keep me to yourself?”
Not ready to concede defeat just yet, was she?
“I’m not, and I believe, deep inside, beyond your disappointment and frustration, you know that. Last night was something unbelievably special and it should be treasured. Even now my child might be growing inside you.”
Expression stricken, her mouth parted, and her gaze dived to her belly. She instinctively cradled her womb. Shoulders slumping, she shook her head.
“I thought . . .” She gazed out the window. “It doesn’t matter.”
Damnation. He hated seeing her so despondent.
“Everleigh, I’ll give you all the time you need to grow to trust me. Unless you are with child. Then we would need to wed at once.”
Fingering the locket at her throat she thrust her chin upward.
“I’ve been down that road once already, and I’ll be damned, damned I say, if I’ll do it again.”
He could almost hear the ramparts chinking higher and higher as she erected self-protective fortifications around herself.
“If I ever marry again, it will be because I want to. Not because I have to.” She pointed a shaky finger toward the door. “You should leave now. Last night was a stupid, stupid mistake. I apologize for imposing upon you.”
“Everleigh . . .”
She presented her profile, her Ice-Queen facade firmly in place once more.
A December with a Duke Page 8
