The Viscount's Bride (Love's Pride Book 2)

by G. L. Snodgrass

  She licked her lips, the room had gone deathly quiet. Suddenly becoming very warm. The candle flames seemed to stop dancing. The only thing in her world was this man behind her.

  Without taking his eyes off of hers in the mirror, his fingers began the slow process of unlacing her dress. Each pull. Each slide of fabric. Every tug and parry sent shivers of pleasure through her soul.

  He pulled the last tie through the last hole and then gently spread the fabric. Exposing her corset and bare shoulders.

  She shivered in anticipation. Why she didn’t know. But she didn’t want this to end. Not now.

  His fingers traced along her flesh as he gently pushed her dress off her shoulders. Letting it fall to her waist. His strong hands pushed the fabric over her hips and to the floor.

  Her heart raced. What must he be thinking? The sensuous feel of his hands. His aroma of sandalwood, the flickering shadows. The memory of dancing in his arms. All worked to melt her knees. She wanted him. All of him. Wanted everything about him.

  Looking at her in the mirror he silently asked if he should continue.

  Caroline swallowed hard and nodded.

  He smiled and began to unlace her corset. His touch, strong and sure. He pulled each binding. Setting her free of the restricting garment.

  Without a thought, he pulled it away and let it fall to the floor.

  She stood before him in nothing more than her shift. She felt frozen in place, her gaze locked with his. They stared into each other’s eyes. A thousand message silently sent and received. All of them critical to their future.

  He unconsciously licked his lips, sending a burning need to her very core. She wanted to turn and kiss him. Wanted him to take her in his arms and carry her to her bed.

  She wanted everything.

  Without thinking, she gently pushed herself back into him. Her rear rubbing against his front. His hard arousal pushing back.

  Her face flashed into flame when she realized what she had done. She looked away from the mirror, burying her chin on her chest, too embarrassed

  Her curiosity, however, drove her. A quick glance into the mirror revealed the continued desire in his eyes.

  His hands traveled up her spine to gently push her hair aside. Moaning under his breath he bent and gently kissed her neck. That spot, the one spot that drove her upward.

  A memory of their wedding night flashed through her mind as she melted into him. She quickly grabbed the chair before her to stop herself from falling.

  “You are beautiful my dear,” he mumbled as he trailed kisses along her shoulder.

  Caroline moaned in return and pushed herself into him once again. No longer embarrassed. She had become a woman in want. A woman in need. Nothing else mattered but pleasing this man. Being pleasured by this man.

  She faltered and a swift, strong arm came around her waist. Holding her in place. His eyes locked on hers once again in the mirror. A small smile creasing those firm lips of his.

  “I’ve got you,” he whispered. His breath tickled the insides of her ear. Sending a new thrill through her.

  His other hand began to gently knead her breast. Touching, fondling a nipple. Tugging and pulling. Setting her alive. Her breath hitched as she closed her eyes and sank into him.

  She was his. To do with as he wished.

  He chuckled deep in his throat as he nuzzled her neck. The world disappeared for Caroline. All she could think of was his touch. The feel of him surrounded her. Engulfing her in his presence.

  Her hand reached back to rub along the hard muscle of his thigh. She needed him.

  He broke from kissing her neck and trapped her eyes with his. She stared into his dark orbs. Lost, as his hands slowly raised her shift. The cool night air struck first her legs and then her rear.

  She swallowed hard as his hands grasped her bottom. His eyes never lost hers as he squeezed and fondled. A delicious sense of wantonness passed through her as she arched her back and pushed into his hands.

  Was she standing before this man as he fondled her behind?

  His fingers continue to caress her, then gently fell to between her legs.

  She gasped as his touch found her core. Spreading her legs slightly, she allowed him access. Allowed his fingers to explore and entice.

  Moaning she wiggled to obtain more. She needed him, needed him now.

  Looking deep into her eyes he gently placed a hand on her back and guided her forward while continually stroking her.

  Caroline placed both hands on the desk and leaned forward. She didn’t know what to expect exactly, but a burning need coursed through her as she waited.

  His hand left her for a moment to be quickly replaced by his manhood. She sucked in a quick breath as he rubbed himself up and down her opening.

  He placed a hand on her shoulder as he positioned himself, then slowly entered her.

  She instinctively arched into him. Loving the feel of him inside her. Loving the pure emotion.

  Her eyes glanced at the mirror and saw him watching her as he pushed himself into her. She felt her heart melt at the look of joy on his face.

  He continued to work himself into her. Back and forth.

  He pulled back and then entered her again.

  His hands grabbed her by the waist and pulled her back onto him. Sliding, slamming, over and over.

  “My god, you are like velvet heaven,” he muttered as he began a slow, steady rhythm.

  His hands on her hips seemed to set her skin on fire. Each slide forward brought her bliss. Filling her, spreading her. Every nerve danced. The world itself seemed to shimmer.

  She remembered the explosion on her wedding night. An overwhelming desire to repeat that feeling filled her. An addictive need washed through her as she drove herself to those heights again.

  She pushed back and matched his rhythm stroke for stroke. Building. Growing. Higher.

  He felt so large inside of her. As if he was designed to fit perfectly. His motions caressed her insides. Pulling at her heart strings and pushing her higher. Closer.

  Yes, almost there,

  “YES!!!!” she screamed as she broke apart. Her world filled with a million colors and sparkles. Every part of the universe separated then came back together in a new and strange way.

  “Oh my God, Alex,” she said as he continued to pound into her. His hands holding her in place as he ravaged her from behind.

  At last he grunted, squeezed her tightly then exploded into her with one mighty thrust, sending another wave of pleasure through her very soul.

  Alexander lay over her for a moment as he caught his breath. Then without warning he left her, leaving a sickening sense of loss to wash through her.

  Before she could adjust, though, his mighty hands scooped her up and carried her to her bed.

  “You, my dear, are truly amazing,” he said as he kissed her on the forehead then climbed into bed with her.

  Caroline’s heart soared. She was amazing he said. It felt as if her world was larger. He made her feel special. The fact that such a man found her amazing was maybe the most special thing anyone had ever said to her.

  She scooted into his arms to rest her head on his chest. His heart continued to pound. Beating like a large drum. Maybe she really was amazing.

  As she lay there, she listened to his breath slow. Only after she was sure he was asleep did she allow her mind to wander, allow herself to feel.

  A small tear appeared in the corner of her eye as she realized that she was in love with her husband. Not a simple infatuation. Not a simple caring feeling. Not even mere friendship. This could only be full love. The kind that burns to the very soul of a person. Changing them into something new.

  This feeling should have made her want to shout. It should have filled her world with joy. Instead, a sense of dread swallowed her.

  She quietly wiped the tear away. Tomorrow or the day after he would return to Armherst and forget about her.

  He would once again leave her alone. This time, she
feared though that alone would take on an entirely new meaning.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Caroline awoke to an empty bed. Her heart jumped, had he left already? Was he even now galloping on the road back to Armherst? She pushed the fear back down and swung her legs over the bed.

  The candles were but small stumps. The fire had long since burnt itself out. A quick glance at the window confirmed that it was early afternoon.

  She must have been sleeping for hours. He truly could be up and gone by now.

  Jumping from her bed she rang for her maid. A bath, she needed a bath before anything else. If he had already left, there was nothing she could do about it now. If, however, he was still here, then she must look her best.

  Unable to wait for Amy she sat before her mirror and started to brush her hair.

  The memory of him standing behind her flashed into her mind. What they had done and how it had felt washed over her. She blushed as the sweet memories flowed through her mind.

  Get ahold of yourself, she thought. No need for Amy to see her blushing like that.

  Her heart raced. What would she do if he was still here? What would she say? How does one act around their husband after a night of passionate lovemaking. A husband no less, that was loved to all distraction but couldn’t care less.

  How was she to keep it from him? So many secrets. Her father’s treason. Her love for her husband.

  The discovery of either of these secrets could ruin her world.

  Thankfully, Amy’s arrival interrupted her thoughts.

  “Has his Lordship left for Armherst?” she asked her maid as she held her breath.

  Amy’s face crinkled in confusion. “No My Lady. I do believe he is in the dining room. Would you like me to have some food sent up?”

  “No, no. I will eat below. We must hurry, though.”

  “Yes My Lady,” the maid said with a knowing smile.

  .o0o.

  Caroline found Alexander still in the dining room. Surrounded once again with newspapers. Did the man ever simply relax? Must he always be acting?

  Even reading his newspapers, she knew he was searching for business opportunities. Slow down and enjoy the world, she wanted to tell him.

  He smiled as he looked up at her entrance then immediately returned to reading the story before him.

  Her heart fell. She had taken extra pains to look especially good. She had worn her best day dress. The one a little tight across the top.

  Greeting Johnson with a good morning, she allowed herself to be seated next to her husband. Johnson returned with a plate of cold meats and cheeses. He knew her afternoon preferences well.

  He poured her a cup of coffee and stepped back. She smiled her thanks and took a deep sip.

  Ah, the world was right again. Sighing she took a small piece of toast.

  “I was wondering, My Lord. What am I to do with the necklace? It is too valuable to be kept in my jewelry case.”

  He chuckled and smiled at her. She could soak up that smile every day for the rest of her life.

  “We will keep it in my safe. If you need it when I am gone, Johnson has a key.”

  The butler nodded his head confirming that he would take care of everything.

  Caroline’s heart fell a little. She was in love with this man and he was leaving again. She wanted to scream, wanted to melt into a puddle. She even considered pouting. But nothing she could do would change his opinion. He was a man too in charge of his emotions to ever let them be changed by a mere woman.

  She sighed internally. Patience she reminded herself. It didn’t help but what else could she do.

  “What are your plans for the day, My Lord,” she asked while holding her breath.

  “I am off to the shipyards. I have a barc being completed,” he said without looking at her.

  “You own a ship?” she asked, surprised for some reason.

  “Several actually,” he answered. “Mostly in the East Indian trade. Spices, tea, that kind of thing.”

  Caroline mulled over the information. Another man attached to the sea. What would her father have thought of owning a ship? Not a small fishing boat. But a real ship. He’d have been in heaven.

  She smiled to herself and studied her husband. He looked as handsome as ever. His normal black coat and buff britches. Freshly shaved. Hair trimmed. She wondered which of the footmen had acted as his valet. Although, knowing him, he probably shaved himself. The man probably even cut his own hair.

  Looking at him filled her heart with pleasure. He looked every inch the distinguished gentleman. He would never be mistaken as a common workman. Not today. But then, to her he would always be the God Neptune, rising out of the river to save her from certain death.

  “You know my dear,” He said as he folded his newspaper. “This new ship hasn’t been named yet. It occurs to me. I think I will call her the ‘Lady Caroline’. What do you think? Would that be acceptable to you?”

  Caroline gasped. “You are going to name a ship after me?”

  “I thought that I might. It should bring it luck don’t you think. With your permission of course.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. He did think of her. She wasn’t some afterthought. A gorgeous necklace. Taking the time to introduce her to his friends. Smoothing her path into the ton. Now naming a ship after her.

  She blushed and lowered her head in embarrassment at all of his kindness. “Of course, My Lord, that would be lovely.”

  He smiled, “Alexander,” he corrected. “Or even Alex. You didn’t seem to have a problem remembering my name last night,” he said with a teasing smile.

  Her face flashed to full hot as she shot Johnson a glance from under her brow to see if the butler had heard. The man stood impassively as ever, giving no hint that he was aware of how his employer had teased her.

  Caroline fought the urge to put her hands to her cheeks in shock. Instead, she nodded and said, “Of course Alexander, having a ship named after me would be wonderful.”

  He smiled, obviously pleased at her happiness. “What of you my dear, what are your plans for the day?

  Caroline thought for a moment. “Lady Arabella and I are taking the girls shopping tomorrow. I thought I would spend the day going through the girl’s wardrobes. Determining what is in need of replacement.”

  He nodded absently. The mere mention of shopping had forced his mind off to new and different things she realized. The man could not abide talking about fashion.

  Realizing that she was done, he brought himself back to the conversations. “Good, that sounds good. Make sure they have warm winter things. Christmas at Armherst can be rather cold, with a biting wind.”

  “Christmas at Armherst?” she asked in surprise.

  “Yes, I do hope that is acceptable. Ann should be there. It really is a family event.”

  “Ann, Your sister Ann?”

  He looked at her confused. “Yes, I wouldn’t worry, you will be good friends long before then. In fact, she will be coming into town next week.”

  Caroline’s face blanched. This man could be so oblivious. He was just now telling her of the pending arrival of his older sister. The matriarch of the family.

  “Next week?” she asked.

  “Yes, you needn’t worry. She has her own house. Well, technically it belongs to her son Julian. But then the boy is barely three so he wouldn’t know what to do with it really.”

  “Next week?” she repeated.

  “If I know Ann, she will pay you a call before you are even aware she is in town. Once she learns we are married she will probably advance her arrival by several days.”

  “Alex! You didn’t tell your sister that we were married?” Caroline’s hands clenched into fists. She wanted to strike the man. How dare he? Not informing the Times was one thing. But not informing his own family. This was unforgivable.

  “In all honesty my dear it never really occurred to me. Ann doesn’t control my life. It is not like I needed her permission.”

  “
Alex. Oh Alex. What is she going to think? How could you.”

  He frowned, obviously upset that he had made her unhappy. She glanced at him and wondered if he was even aware how much of a mistake he had made.

  “I must write her right away,” she said as her mind began to form the letter. Choosing just the appropriate phrases and apologies for her idiotic husband. Maybe his sister wouldn’t be too upset at her if she could blame Alexander.

  “Yes … Well then,” Alexander said as if unable to determine why she was unhappy with him. “I am off then. I will be gone until late tonight and then I am off for Armherst first thing in the morning. I have been gone way to long already.”

  Her heart fell. Had her anger hastened his departure? The pain that shot through her felt as if it would burn forever. So soon? Was it her? No, a man didn’t name his ship after you if he was disappointed.

  The arrangement, she reminded herself. Do not forget. He has more than lived up to his side. You cannot, you will not demand more.

  “I will send Ann a short note letting know of our marriage,” he said. “Let her know you look forward to meeting her. There, would that make things better?”

  Sighing to herself she nodded. “Thank you. That would make things easier. I will also write, but will wait until I am assured she has heard from you first.”

  “Good,” he said as if all of her problems in the world had been solved. He stood and helped her rise. Standing next to him she could feel a surge of power emanating from the man.

  His scent of fresh sandalwood washed over her making her want to swoon into his arms. One last hug, one last caress. Her body ached for his gentle touch. She felt herself swaying into him.

  Only a supreme act of will prevented her from making a fool of herself by falling into his arms. Instead, she smiled weakly and said, “Please take care of yourself, My Lord.”

  He smiled back at her. Some hidden problem flashed behind his eyes as if he was trying to solve his own issues. She wondered fleetingly what could be bothering him, Business, A secret lover waiting for his attention. Or perhaps it was her.