This was all very strange. The feelings, the sensations, touching her husband in a very odd place while he did the same, excited her, made her long for something else that she knew would be even more pleasurable. Her suddenly restless legs kept moving, and the need to press the area between her legs against something hard overwhelmed her senses.
Surrounded by Nash’s heat and his scent, everything else receded as she concentrated on him and what he was doing to her. The feel of his barely covered body resting on hers was comforting and exciting at the same time. The silk of his banyan contrasted with his skin. Skin that was not as soft as hers, but coarse, lightly covered with hair.
Her restlessness increased, and all her focus centered on the place between her legs. Heat rose from the spot to travel up her body, washing over her like a warm bath. Nash seemed to understand what she wanted, because he began circling, pushing with his thumb, right where she wanted it the most. “Do you like that, sweeting?”
“Oh yes.” The words came out as a sigh. She opened her eyes to see him staring at her, his lips quirked in a slight smile. His eyes had darkened, and his breathing had increased as much as hers.
He moved his hand so a finger slipped into her opening. He nibbled on her lips, whispered words of encouragement, how much he desired her, how beautiful she was, how he wanted to make her his.
At the same time, he continued his attentions to her breasts, suckling, licking, nipping, then soothing. That, combined with what he was doing with his fingers had her heart pounding and her breaths coming in short pants, as if she were running a race. What was happening to her body? She pressed against his fingers, a slight moan escaping from her dry lips. She reached, searched, eager for something she knew she wanted. Nay, desperately needed.
She ran her fingers through his hair, tugging, needing something to hold onto while all her senses were heightened.
“Relax, sweetheart. Just let go.” He murmured in her ear, his own breathing erratic. He moved farther over her body, his leg between hers as he continued to rub, stroke, and caress. “Does that feel good?”
“Oh yes. Yes. Just like that.” She lost all sense of time and place. And modesty. She opened her legs wider, then shut them to press against his hand.
“Enough.” With a strangled cry, Nash removed her hand from his member. “If you keep that up, I will disgrace myself.”
His words flitted in and out of her mind, while she concentrated on what was happening to her body. She cupped his face in her hand and pulled him in for a searing kiss, this time using her tongue to nudge his lips apart.
His smiling lips.
She had no idea what was happening, what he was doing, where he was bringing her, all she knew was that her body was spiraling out of control. She sensed she was headed toward something wonderful. Nash’s finger pushed into her opening, sending her higher, her heart hammering in her ears. A fine sheen of sweat covered her body, which would have embarrassed her had she presence of mind. Instead, all of her concentration was focused on a spot to which she’d never given more than a passing thought.
She licked Nash’s flat nipple, sending shivers through his body. Salt. Lemons.
Pleased with herself, she licked it again. Then, a tiny flicker started where his fingers worked, and then grew, until she felt as though she were on a ship that was about to ride a gigantic wave. She strained to reach the top, to crest what was out of reach, pushing against his hand. “Yes, harder please.”
She barely got the words out when she came crashing down, flooding the shore. She moaned as wave after wave of intense pleasure washed over her, gooseflesh covering her body, until she curled her legs up and turned onto her side, facing Nash who continued to stroke her until her body stilled and she felt as though her bones had melted.
After a few moments, she sighed. “Oh my.”
Nash stood and shrugged out of his banyan. Although she struggled to bring in air, she still noted the perfection that was Nash’s body. She’d seen statues in books and in the museum, but nothing compared to this flesh-and-blood man. His muscles rippled as he moved toward her.
Through lowered eyelids, she took in the part of him with which he intended to enter her body. Had she any energy left, she would have scooted from the bed. He was so large! Instead, she merely whimpered as he climbed back onto the bed. His knee nudged her legs apart, and he settled himself there.
He kissed her deeply, his strong hands holding her head, anchoring her to the bed. His body full on top of hers brought back some of her earlier feelings. Smoothing back the damp curls from her forehead, he kissed her again, this time more gently. He pulled back and stared into her eyes, then moved his mouth to her ear. “Relax. I will try my best not to hurt you, although you might feel a twinge of pain.”
Pain? She remembered Mother mentioning something about pain, but at the time Arabella had thought she’d meant the pain of embarrassment.
That part of him she’d held so snugly nudged at her center. He eased in, but kept her distracted by kissing her jaw, her chin, the soft sensitive skin under her ear. Whispered words tumbled out of him as he moved in farther until he stopped and looked down at her.
“This will only hurt for a minute.”
Before she could ask him anything, he surged forward, and a sharp pain brought a squeal from her lips and tears to her eyes. Nash placed his forehead on hers, his soft, sweet breath coming in gasps. “Are you well?”
As fast as the pain had come, it left just as quickly. “Yes. I think I am.”
“Good.” He bent to kiss her as his hips moved so his shaft slid in and out of her. At first it felt odd, then quite pleasurable. Her fingernails dug into his shoulders as the tension from before began to build again.
“I’m sorry, honey, I’ve waited too long, and I’m afraid this will be over rather quickly.” No sooner had the words left his mouth than he stiffened, and with a groan, lowered his head to her neck and pulled her tightly against him, moaning her name softly. After a few moments, he said, “God, I wanted you so bad. I apologize.”
“For what?” She ran her fingers through his hair, the sandalwood smell strong on her fingers.
Nash rolled off her and pulled her against his side. “In time, you will understand.”
“Is it always like this?” She continued to play with his hair. “I mean, will I have those feelings every time we do this?”
He smiled. “You mean when we make love?”
His eyes sparkled, bringing the now-familiar fluttering to her lower parts. Lord, how could he look so pleased, so satisfied with her question? Or perhaps he was pleased and satisfied with their joining. She certainly was.
He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “Yes, my love. If we don’t allow angst into our bedchamber, it will always be like this.”
My love? That certainly frightened her.
They lay for a while in each other’s arms as their breathing returned to normal and a chill covered their bodies. Arabella shivered. “Should we not put our clothes back on?”
“’Twill actually be warmer without clothes, as long as we huddle together with the blankets over us.” He reached down and drew up the bedding. “You are just recovering from an illness, so the extra warmth is a good thing.”
Nash ran his fingertips up and down her arm, bringing a sense of peace she hadn’t felt since before the debacle in Ashbourne’s library. This part of marriage was certainly much more interesting and enjoyable than the rest of it had been thus far, since his arrogance did not extend to their bed activities. She turned her head slightly to see Nash staring at her. A bit disconcerted at his attention, she said, “I am concerned about my animals and how they have been faring at Mother’s house while I’ve been sick.”
It troubled her that her illness had taken her away from her furry friends. She’d asked after them a couple of times, but now she had a desire to actually see them.
Nash closed his eyes and shook his head. “Your mother has asked every day when they cou
ld be brought from your former home. I believe they will be arriving early tomorrow. I did not want them here while you were sick.” He touched her shoulder and eased her onto her back so she looked directly at him. “Remember they will be housed outside.”
She bristled. The arrogance was back. However, a switch in subjects was required so as not to ruin the relaxed mood. “Should we not discuss our trip to Suffolk?”
“What is it you wish to know?” He continued to stroke her arm, then placed a soft kiss on her head. Was this normal behavior after intimacy? It felt rather nice, actually. Somehow, she had assumed once it was all over, he would merely roll over and go to sleep. She could learn to enjoy this part of it as much as the other.
“When are we leaving would be a good place to start.”
“Perhaps the day after next. I want to be sure you are fully recovered before we travel. That will give you a day to have Sophia prepare.”
“I am fully recovered.”
One arrogant eyebrow. “Will this be another argument?”
She smiled. “Not unless you make it so.”
Choosing to ignore her words, he said, “The trip there will only take one day, unless you are fatigued, then we can stop overnight halfway there. I would like to spend at least three or four days meeting with my steward, staff, and tenants. Perhaps plan for a week. We have social commitments we need to see to here in London.” He leaned back and looked at her when she groaned.
“What?”
“I am not looking forward to a return to Society. I am sure there will be much in the way of remarks, glances, and other unwelcoming things for us to deal with.”
“There will be no problem. We are married now. I am quite sure our situation will be no more interesting than any other so-called scandal.”
“I hope you are right.” The words barely got out around her yawn.
“Now I wish for you to sleep, Wife. You still need more rest than normal.”
A low growl in her throat was her only response to his command. Her thoughts drifted away from trips to Suffolk and appearances at balls and other social events. What they’d just shared had been nothing like she’d ever imagined. Quite exciting. Perhaps they could do it again tomorrow, or would her pompous husband think her a wanton if she suggested such a thing?
She yawned once more, her eyes tearing up. It had been such an eventful couple of weeks. Their betrothal, quick wedding, her illness, and now their joining as true husband and wife. Also, it seemed odd to be lying fully naked next to her new husband in bed. The last thought she had as she drifted off into a restful slumber was she felt quite comfortable. She was not restricted by clothing, her husband’s large body kept her warm, and she began to hope that perhaps this marriage might be as tolerable as the last hour had been pleasurable.
Chapter Nine
“What the bloody hell!” Nash bolted up from his prone position as hairy bodies jumped on the bed, barking, growling, and using their teeth to grab the blankets off him and Arabella. “Arabella!” He began shoving the dogs from the bed to the floor, but they bounded up again.
His wife sat up, laughing and rubbing the animals. “Good morning, my friends.”
He looked at her aghast. Yes, she was indeed laughing. Stark naked, looking well-loved, and laughing! Her hair was in disarray, she bore a slight beard burn on her shoulder’s lovely skin, and all he wanted to do was climb on top of her and repeat last night’s pleasure. Instead, he was tossing bodies off his bed.
“Arabella, get rid of these animals! I told you they were not to be in the bed.” He looked toward the open door. “Who the devil let these demons in?”
Sophia’s shaky voice came from the corridor. “I am sorry, my lord, they followed me up the stairs and raced in as soon as I opened the door.”
Between laughs, Arabella said, “It is all right, Sophia. They’re excited to see me.” She glanced at Nash. “They usually sleep in my bed.”
Nash hopped off the mattress, cringing as he stepped on a creature who no doubt thought himself a canine, when he was no more than a woolly rat. Reaching for his banyan, he shrugged into it, tying the belt so tight he winced. The devil take it, the bedroom was a disaster. Two of the dogs were chasing each other around the room, jumping on the bed and then off again as they continued their run.
Nash put his finger and thumb to his mouth, and holding his lips apart, let out with a loud, long whistle. Everyone stopped moving, even his wife, who stared at him wide-eyed. He opened the door to the corridor and waved. “Out. Every last one of you. Out.”
Amazingly enough, the dogs all meekly lumbered past him, heads down. No, he would not feel guilty. Not even when he saw the disappointment in Arabella’s eyes. “I will see a kennel built for them immediately,” he fumed. “Until such time that they can be removed to the kennel, you will inform your lady’s maid to be careful when she opens doors.”
Arabella raised her chin. Was she unaware of the fact that she was naked, and the top part of her glorious body was in full view in the sunlight? Her hair resting against her alabaster skin had his mouth watering. She still had the flushed look from sleep, and if his morning erection grew any larger, he’d be unable to walk.
“Am I to be ordered out of the room as well, my lord?”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “No, you will not be ordered out of the room. But I told you there would be no animals in my bed.” He grinned as he crossed the room and joined her. “Only me.”
Flushing at his words, Arabella’s voice grew deep, and her breathing rapid. “Please make it large enough so they can run and play.”
“I will see to it.” He looked longingly at her, then realizing she was probably sore from the previous night, reached for the gentleman within. “I will leave you to prepare for the day. I would suggest you have Sophia arrange for a warm bath for you to ease any soreness from last night’s activities.”
He leaned over and kissed her on the tip of her delicate nose. “I will see you at breakfast.” After reaching the door, he turned back. “I plead ignorance of your normal routine. You have been having trays in your room during your illness. Do you prefer to continue that?”
“I am generally of a robust nature. I prefer a hearty breakfast and then a ride. Has my horse, Bessie, been brought from my townhouse mews?”
“Yes. I saw to it yesterday. If you have no objection, I would like to join you on your ride?”
Arabella dipped her head. “As you wish.”
“Ah. But do you wish? Or am I in trouble with my new countess over her animals?” He gave her what he hoped was a charming smile. As much as he despised animals in the house, he didn’t want to start off this marriage on the wrong foot, particularly with how things had gone the night before. He’d discovered a deep passion in his lovely wife and looked forward to unleashing that passion in the future.
“Yes. You are welcome to join me. However, I would appreciate you not telling me how I may, and may not, ride.”
“Perhaps your appreciation could be shown in some interesting ways?” He lounged in the doorway, a smile leisurely settling on his lips.
She fought and failed to keep the smile from her lush lips. “I am certain I do not know what you mean.”
The devil take it, she boiled his blood. “Oh, but I think you do know.” He lowered his eyelids. “Have no fear, my countess, I will think of something appropriate.” He winked at her, and with those parting words, left her and rang for his valet, Andrews.
Once his morning ablutions were completed, he descended to the breakfast room, surprised to see his mother sitting at the table. “Good morning, Mother. I haven’t seen you at breakfast in years.”
“I am traveling today.”
“Indeed?” Nash filled a plate with eggs, oatmeal with sweet cream, bacon, smoked herrings, sardines with mustard sauce, and grilled trout with white butter sauce. He added two thick slices of bread to his repast and moved to his seat at the head of the table. “Where are you traveling to, may I ask?”
“I am off to visit Eugenia in Devonshire.” The dowager countess took a sip from her teacup.
“Please tell me I am not chasing you from the house with my marriage.” He shook out his serviette and placed it on his lap.
“No, and a little bit, yes.”
“Perhaps you should explain, madam.” Hungry from all the activity the night before, and battling with furry creatures earlier, Nash dug into his food as his mother spoke.
“I had planned to stay with Eugenia when her time came, but I think with all the recent changes it might be a better idea to go now.”
“And why is that?”
Mother placed her serviette alongside her teacup and laid her hands in her lap. “You have had no time at all to get to know Arabella, and neither has she had time to learn about you. Your marriage was a hurried affair, and she became ill immediately. I believe giving the two of you time alone would go a long way toward helping you both.”
She sighed deeply and pulled a piece of paper from her day gown pocket. “Also, just this morning a note arrived from Lady Melrose indicating she planned to take up residence here.”
Nash swallowed the wrong way with this news and began to cough. Mother signaled the footman to pour a glass of water for her son. Nash took several sips and pushed his partially filled plate away from him. “Take up residence here already?”
Mother nodded. “Yes. I am led to believe she feels as though she will be asked to depart from her home momentarily, and wants to avoid any unpleasantness when the new earl arrives.”
“He is not due to arrive for a month or more.”
She shrugged and passed him the note. “Although she addressed the letter to me, I think you should certainly offer it to Arabella. Why Lady Melrose chose me to notify of her plans is baffling, unless she had reason to believe you and Arabella would be taking a wedding trip.”
Marrying the Wrong Earl (Lords & Ladies in Love) Page 9
