“I’m not the least bit tired and I would like you to leave my room.” She snapped angrily trying to hide her nervousness and the strange emotions stirring awake inside her. The man had no decency and seeing him practically naked was causing havoc to her thought process. She had to make him leave before she did something foolish.
If he remained too long she’d be tempted to explore every superb inch of him and if that wasn’t dangerous she didn’t know what was. Biting her bottom lip she couldn’t deny no matter how much she wanted to that his glorious, magnificent body fascinated her.
“Come and lie down, sweetheart. I promise not to bite.” He teased and watched her back stiffen. “I missed you.” He said in a low, husky voice and smothered his smile when she spun around and started walking toward him. Well I’ll be damned, I never expected it to be this easy, but hell he wasn’t about to start complaining.
The caressing tone of his voice dissolved her resistance and on unsteady legs before she knew it she was standing beside the bed. Unprepared, she squeaked when he caught her wrist and she came tumbling down across the wide expanse of his rock, hard chest. Panicking, she tried to push herself up and away from him, but his arms circled around her like a tight vice. She turned her head and glared at him. “What do you think you’re doing? Let me go this instant.”
“No, my little firebrand. I intend to spend time with my bride.” With one easy movement he rolled them over and hovering above her, he smiled down at her. “You must be uncomfortable. Let’s remove some of your clothing, shall we.” With a wink, he began unbuttoning the jacket ignoring her swatting hands.
“Stop. I demand you cease this business.” She insisted in a quavering voice. “It’s indecent, you’re indecent.” Desperately she twisted beneath him as he removed her jacket and blouse. Cheeks burning with humiliation; she glared up at his grinning face.
“Don’t fret, my love I’ll have you indecent in a few more seconds as well. You’ll have to get used to it sweetheart. We’ll be spending most of our lives being indecent.” He warned her with laughter in his voice as he quickly disposed of her skirt and several petticoats. Lifting himself up, his eyes ran over her and shook his head. “I think we need to rid you of several more articles first.”
As he continued to strip her down to her unmentionables, she fought him, but her puny strength had no effect on him. Her face on fire, she laid stiffly beneath him, dressed in only a gossamer thin camisole and her bloomers she clenched her jaw as his heated gaze slowly traveled over her. “You are a depraved monster.”
Reluctantly lifting his head, he winked at her. “And you my dear are a sinful Goddess. It’s obvious we’re a match made in heaven” Raising himself up, he laid down beside her and gather her up in his arms. “Now to have a little pleasure.” He murmured, and before she could protest, he captured her mouth beneath his in a ravenous kiss full of unquenched desire.
The kiss was intoxicating, so sensually sinful it curled her toes. It set her whole body vibrating and burning. Without thought, she threaded her fingers through his hair and moaned. Every part of her was sensitized to every brush of his hot flesh against her own and she whimpered every time her painful, hard nipples made contact against the wall of his chest.
She lifted her foot and caressed a long his calf, a sob of frustration caught in her throat feeling nothing but the texture of his trousers. Her eyes flew open when the kisses abruptly ended and she scowled in displeasure.
Tenderly he brushed the hair from her face, his lust leashed, he stared down into her glowing eyes filled with smoldering passion. She looked so enchanting it took his breath away and he was hard pressed not to ravish her. Drawing in a long rattling breath, his heart pounding so hard it hurt, he dipped his head and brushed his lips over her swollen mouth. “I think you’ve cast a spell over me and you’ve captured me in your alluring, seductive web.” He murmured softly against her ear.
Entranced by his eyes filled untold promises of delight, she whimpered and never protested when he brushed the straps of her camisole down her arms. She sucked in her breath as the cool air tightened her already aroused, painful nipples. Shocked when he licked one she stiffened, but silently she couldn’t deny it had caused rippling waves of sensations rolling through her.
“So plump, so ripe, it tastes just as good as it looks. My mouth’s watering and craving to savor them.” He crooned softly as he palmed her breast. Unable to ignore the temptation of tasting her fully, he captured the pouting nipple between his lips and suckled. It was all it took to have his bride respond.
Hell, he had thought the flavor of her lips was enthralling, but he was wrong, her silken flesh was even better. It was luring him to feast, demanding he take his fill until he gorged himself and he was powerless to resist.
Knowing that his wife was enjoying his caresses, he indulged himself on one breast then the other. Still, it wasn’t enough to satisfy the tremendous hunger consuming him, her sobs and whimpers of desire were nearly destroying his resolve. Aware of how very close he was to falling over the edge and making love to her, he knew, though that if he didn’t stop now, he would only regret it later.
No matter how much his own need was crying out to be fulfilled, he forced himself to lift his head. A groan of sheer agony ripped out of him as he rolled onto his back and drew her into his arms. Each breath rattled in his chest as he held her close, every part of his body throbbed with unfed lust.
Never before had he ever been forced to put himself through such utter torture and it amazed him, how he had found the strength to deny himself he’d never know. Yet he knew that if he had taken things further that afterwards she would only despise him. At least she hadn’t made a protest over the little intimacy they had just shared.
A rueful smile lifted the corners of his mouth. Hell, he was a damn saint for denying himself, but be damned if it hadn’t been worth every second. Even now he could still taste her erotic essence on his tongue and he let out a heavy sigh when she started to move restlessly.
“Have we finished you know what? I must say it’s nothing like I expected.” Modesty frowned in confusion.
“It’s called foreplay it’s part of making love.” He was amused and couldn’t hide it in his voice.
“Whatever for. I certainly don’t love you and I know you don’t love me. In fact, I’m quite sure that you have never loved all those other women you have taken to bed.” She told him in exasperation.
Scowling, he wasn’t quite certain why her declaration of not loving him annoyed him. Worse, it aggravated the hell out of him that she even mentioned all the false rumors about all his supposed lovers, damn woman certainly knew how to sour the mood. “Well, that’s what it’s called.” He told her in a surly tone.
“I’m surprised I’ll admit. I never thought I’d find it enjoyable, though.” Her voice filled with wonder, she lifted her head and smiling she met his smoldering eyes.
“Well, I’m certainly glad to hear that you did. As your husband, it’s my duty to make sure that you do.” It more than pleased him that she admitted she’d enjoyed what they had shared and knew that the next time she wouldn’t be so reluctant. His hand caressed over her head when she laid back down.
Though he was painfully hard and still throbbing, he was satisfied for the moment to just lie here and hold his wife. A smug smile curved his mouth knowing he had made a wise decision in choosing not to berate her. Though his own body was being tortured at having being denied taking his own pleasure, he knew it was too soon and she wasn’t ready just yet.
Since she hadn’t the slightest idea what went on between a man and a woman, he had to take things slowly. If this was her reaction to the small intimacy they’d just shared, he was bound to experience untold pleasure when they finally did make love and he predicted it would only increase each time.
It was a huge relief to discover just what a passionate women Modesty was. When he had agreed to marry her, it was the one thing that had bothered him that she might no
t enjoy being intimate but now, thank goodness, he had discovered the truth and it no longer troubled him.
Each opportunity that presented itself, they would become more intimate, only when she was desperate and pleading would he take her. Until then, he had to be patient no matter how excruciating it was.
Remembering her declaration of not loving him, he scowled, well, we’ll see about that my little hellion from hell. You’re going to hand me your heart, whether you want to or not. On the other hand, I’ll keep mine remaining just where it belongs. Locked away and safe. Be damned if he would let that sod cupid shoot me through the heart.
After all he wasn’t an idiot, he knew how dangerous it was for a man to fall in love and he had no intentions of doing so. Even if the woman was his wife. Yet if he gained her devotion that was all right by him. It was only right that a wife should love her husband and his would do exactly that.
Though he’d had a number of women declare they’d fallen madly in love with him, he knew it was a false declaration and ignored it. He wasn’t foolish enough to let it go to his head or boost his ego. It was after all only a sexual relationship for just mutual gratification and nothing more.
The women he went to bed with were experienced, they knew the game, knew what they were doing, played the ardent lover and gained what they could. Nothing more and no one was hurt when it was over.
Some men would callously use a woman’s love and he knew quite a few that did take advantage of their announcement as an ego trip. They were egotistical and used women, then callously discarded them. At least when he ended his brief affairs, it was with grace and kindness. He always finished it as pleasantly as he started.
Now, though a smile tickled his lips, knowing he’d only have one lover for the rest of his days. When he had agreed to marry his hellion, he’d been troubled that she might cringe away and detest his touch instead, much to his relief it was just the opposite and thank God for that. He shuddered at the idea of forcing himself on her knowing that she would loath it and was frightened of making love.
It would have been sheer hell because he knew even then he would never dishonor his vows. He almost laughed out loud knowing that quite a few people wouldn’t expect him to remain faithful, but that was exactly what he intended to do. His honor was at stake and he took his promises seriously.
If his wife kept him contented and happy in bed there was no reason why he should let himself stray, not that he would, but he knew the temptation would always be there if he was unsatisfied. He also predicted that if he even showed the slightest interest in another female his wife would probably shoot him between the eyes.
Actually, much to his shame, he was starting to understand why it always outraged her when she discovered a husband being unfaithful to his spouse or vice versa. He was now more certain than ever that he would never tolerate having an adulterous marriage. Not that he had the slightest misgivings that Modesty would ever betray him, or he her, she was far too honest and honorable.
At least he wouldn’t have to worry about her cuckolding him or she would give her heart to someone else. No, definitely not, he intended that particular body part would belong solely to him and no other. She might not realize it yet, but she was going to fall madly, head over heels in love with him and he suspected she was going to fight him every step of the way, but it was a battle she most assuredly was going to lose.
With the few experiences he had seducing women, a little innocent, like his wife it should be a piece of cake, yet knowing Modesty was sure to make it more difficult than it should be. Tonight, when they retired, he would seduce her again, even though it was going to be unmitigated torture, it would be well worth the suffering and putting himself through purgatory.
After all the prize at the end would be a trophy he’d hold for the rest of his days and beyond. Because he knew that once Modesty loved him, he’d hold her heart forever and why it mattered so much he didn’t understand, but it was something he was truly desiring since the moment she declared that she didn’t love him.
Madness it was utter madness that it should matter so much, but there was no denying that it did and that was enough as far as he was concerned. Soon they would be leaving London and when they were settled in the country and he would have her full attention. Oh yes, his little hellion wouldn’t be able to escape him then.
There would be nowhere for her to run off to or hide from him, he almost laughed knowing how much she was going to be desperate to escape him. Strange, he was actually looking forward to the chase. He couldn’t remember the last time he had to exert himself or had to go out of his way to impress a woman.
Usually they fell into his lap ‘literally’ without him lifting nothing more than an eyebrow in interest and it had taken some fancy footsteps along with quite a lot of convincing words to escape them. For once he was going to be the hunter instead of the hunted and he was going to enjoy every frustrating second until he’d captured his prey and have her declaring undying love.
With a smile curving his mouth, he raised his head and sensing his wife was sleeping he kissed her brow. Yes, my dear hellion of a wife you won’t be able to stop yourself and I intend to make certain you don’t. You’ll hand me your heart and love me for eternity. Lying back down, he closed his eyes as excitement surged through his bloodstream.
He now had a goal to reach and it had been such a long time since he had to work hard at anything and he had no intentions of failing. No way in hell was he going to fail, he had too much to lose and so very much to gain.
Life definitely wasn’t boring anymore that was for certain, but he was praying that in a few weeks things would settle down and his marriage would be a peaceful one. His hellion bride would stop causing havoc and keep her nose out of other people’s business. His mouth twisted in a grimace suspecting it would take several miracles to accomplish such a phenomenon.
Chapter Eleven
In the hot, overstuffed ballroom waving her fan in front of her face, Modesty waited for her husband to return with a glass of champagne. She had tried to talk him out of coming here tonight, but he’d been adamant. Wrinkling her nose, she struggled not to breathe too deeply of the stale sweat and overpowering odors of so many different scents. It was beyond ridiculous why the Walcott’s tried to pack so many guests into such a small room. Yet it was the same as every other ball they held and she wondered why so many people attended when nothing exciting ever happened.
Hopefully Killian would be ready to leave the boring event soon, yet she wasn’t in any hurry to return home knowing there would probably be another repeat of the intimacy they had shared earlier today. Even now, she was still feeling unsettled and embarrassed, but she couldn’t deny she had enjoyed it quite a lot.
In fact, it had been immensely pleasurable there was no denying it. She knew what he was trying to do though and she’d been helpless against his seduction. It was extremely annoying at how easily she succumbed to his compelling magnetism.
If only he wasn’t so potently alluring she might find the strength to resist him, but just one kiss from him and she became putty in his hands. He moldered her with his sensuality until she lost all common sense and her sanity. It was annoying how easily she surrendered to his overwhelming masculinity and even though she knew it was probably impossible to fight it, she wondered if she should even bother.
She let out a sigh when Killian still hadn’t returned, surely it wasn’t taking him this long to fetch champagne. She lifted up on her tiptoes trying to find him, but it was impossible in such a crush. Frowning, she huffed out a breath of annoyance and trying to decide if she should go searching for him, but before she could make up her mind a servant carrying a tray with him arrived with a folded note. Thanking the man, picking up the piece of paper, she unfolded it and read the brief message. ‘Meet me in the library’ it was signed K.
Now why would he want to meet her there? Well, the only way she could find out was to join him. It was slow going wending her way throug
h the crowd, but finally she stepped out into the hallway and made her way down the passage. She passed three darkened rooms before she came to one that was dimly lit.
Going through the open door, she searched for her husband, but when a stranger stepped out of the shadows, she sensed something was terribly wrong. Before she could turn and leave, he flew forward and captured her in his tight embrace knocking the breath right out of her. Furious and frightened, she instantly started to struggle. “Unhand me, you… you lecherous blackguard. My husband will kill you for this.” Seeing the feral glow in his eyes, her panic increased, she made a fist and struck him on the cheek which only made his hold tighten even more.
“Don’t waste your puny efforts fighting me, nothing’s going to free you. Don’t worry, I’m not actually going to ravish you. Just have a little fun.” Wingate laughed. “I doubt your husband would be pleased at finding you in another man’s arms. Even with his reputation no man likes to be betrayed. Besides, it’s my plan that he discovers us together so my debt would be paid in full. So, we have to make certain he finds you being unfaithful. Now hold still and let me kiss you. It has to look real, you know.”
“Go to the devil, you… you insane fiend.” From the brief explanation, Modesty suspected the despicable rat was behind this. Incensed she increased her struggles, whacking him several times across the head, pulling his hair. Ignoring his curses and growls, she intensified her effort to free herself.
When she felt her gown and petticoats sliding up her leg, her eyes narrowed in outrage. Her heart beating frantically, she waited for just the right moment to cripple the unhinged reprobate. Her head whipped around when she heard her husband’s amused voice and scowled at him when seeing him leaning casually against the doorframe smiling in amusement.
Cupid's Arrow Book Two Capturing The Duke Page 10
