Captivating the Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love)

by Hutton, Callie

  “Yes.” Her raspy whispered word was alluring, seductive. “And you will be all mine.”

  “And I have plans.” He grinned, then pulled back. Images in his mind of Lizzie splayed for him on his bed, naked, panting, and calling his name was sucking the very breath from his body. If he didn’t stop now he would ravish her right here in Cam’s library. He stood and held out his hand. “Come.”

  One more night, then she will be mine every night after that. Mine.

  …

  The next morning Hawk stood in front of the vicar with Cam on one side and Lizzie on the other. Cam’s housekeeper, Mrs. Strover, comprised the second witness. The vicar droned on and on about the sanctity of marriage to the point where Hawk wanted to throttle the man.

  It gave him time, however, to reflect on what he was doing. As much as he’d always kept himself far from the grasp of decent women—those who sought marriage—he’d never forgotten the duty to his title to produce heirs. Something that he thought would occur in the far-off future when he was too old to fall in love.

  Despite his best intentions, Lizzie had crawled her way into his life and his heart, a situation that did not make him as uncomfortable as he would have thought at one time.

  While he mulled over those thoughts, the ceremony continued, and soon ended with the vows being spoken and the vicar producing the register for them to sign. Mrs. Strover patted the corner of her eyes with the edge of her apron. What Hawk wanted more than anything was to hustle his new wife upstairs, strip her naked, and kiss every inch of her lovely body. Cam’s cook, however, had insisted on a celebratory wedding breakfast.

  “I wish you both happy,” Cam said as he took Lizzie’s hand and kissed her knuckles. He slapped Hawk on the back. “Just know this wedding furor ends with you. Now that you, Bedford, and Templeton have surrendered to the parson’s noose, I will find myself another group of friends.”

  “Marriage isn’t contagious, my lord.” Lizzie grinned at him as they walked to the dining room.

  “Ah, but it is with my friends. First Bedford, then Templeton—whose wedding you missed, by the way, since no one could find you—and now you.” Cam shook his head. “It makes me itchy to even stand too close to you, Hawk.”

  The table had been decorated with flowers and ribbons. Cam’s staff had gone to a great deal of trouble to present the bride and groom with a nice wedding breakfast, and an array of delicious-looking food had been placed on the sideboard.

  They were treated to a variety of breads, warm rolls, creamed sturgeon, ham, tongue, eggs, and fruit. There was plenty of coffee and tea, along with an urn of chocolate. A several-tiered wedding cake took center place on the table.

  “This is quite lovely, Lord Campbell. Thank you so much for arranging all of this.” Lizzie’s eyes shimmered as she took in the lovely arrangement.

  “Ah, my Lady Hawkins, ’twas no trouble at all. I am more than happy to see another of my friends succumb to matrimony. And please, we are practically family now. I shall be honored if you would address me as Cam.”

  They filled their plates and took their places at the table, with a pristine white tablecloth, polished silver, and glistening crystal goblets. After several toasts from Cam, they enjoyed the food and pleasant conversation. It was a rather quiet party, with only the bride, groom, Cam, and the vicar, but Lizzie laughed and chatted, and Cam was his charming self.

  “So tell me, Hawk, once this mess is cleared up, where will you take your new bride for a honeymoon?”

  Hawk looked at Lizzie. “Where would you like to go?”

  “Goodness, I have no idea. I imagine Italy might be nice. Or now that the war is over, maybe Paris?”

  Hawk leaned in close to her ear. “I understand there are beaches in France where one can bathe with no clothing.”

  Lizzie gasped. “Certainly not!”

  He continued, enjoying how she squirmed in her seat. He was more than ready to have her squirming underneath him. “Or perhaps we can just forego clothes while we are in our own private room.”

  Lizzie’s face grew a bright red, and it took all his willpower not to burst out laughing. Except, if he did then he would have garnered the attention of Cam and the vicar, which might very well result in Lizzie locking him out of their room that night.

  He bent to give her a kiss on the cheek. “I apologize, I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

  The food had been eaten and two bottles of champagne drunk when Cam stood and held out his almost empty glass. “My last toast to the happy couple. I will leave you now, since I shall spend the next couple nights carousing the town, reminding myself why I enjoy bachelorhood.”

  He gulped the last of his drink. “Vicar, if you will join me, we can leave these two to figure out how to entertain themselves without our company. I’m sure they can think of something.” He winked at Hawk. “I will be happy to drop you at the rectory on my way to Bond Street.”

  The vicar flushed a bright red at Cam’s words, and Hawk’s body tightened. Cam was giving them the house for a couple of days. No better friend existed anywhere.

  Hawk and Lizzie walked Cam and the vicar to the door and said their goodbyes. Once the door closed, Hawk took both of Lizzie’s hands in his. “Let us retire for the evening.”

  “It is only two o’clock in the afternoon.”

  “Ah, so late. Sorry for that, I am. Well, we will have to make the best of it with the little time we have left until Cam’s return.” He grinned and scooped Lizzie into his arms, careful with her still-healing wound, and carried her to the next landing, taking the stairs two at a time.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Lizzie giggled as Hawk raced up the stairs with her in his arms, her face hot with excitement. She had enjoyed their one intimacy before, and now that it was legal, and she needn’t worry about a scandal, she could relax and savor her husband’s attentions. At least it was a way to push the problems with the Home Office away for a short time.

  He strode down the corridor and shifted her body to lift the latch on the door. Once inside, he kicked the door closed and again took possession of her mouth. Lizzie relaxed in his arms, her hands fisted in his hair.

  This kiss was different than any before. Possessive, demanding, almost as if he were marking his territory. Her heightened senses were all focused on Hawk. His all-male scent, the touch of his tongue tangling with hers, the feel of his silky hair sliding between her fingers, and the sound of his heart thumping next to her.

  Slowly he lifted his head and stared at her. “What do you say, Lady Hawkins, should we become more comfortable?”

  She smiled. “What do you have in mind, Lord Hawkins?”

  “Since you have no lady’s maid, which we will correct the minute we are able to take up residence in our own home, I shall assist you today.” He removed his arm from under her body, holding her steady with his other arm, so she slid down to land on not-too-steady legs.

  Hawk cupped her cheeks and kissed her once more with soft, caring tenderness. He drew back and twirled his finger in the air. “Turn.”

  Lizzie was embarrassed for the need to cling to his arms before she turned. His soft laugh brought another flush to her cheeks. She bent her head forward as he undid the buttons on the borrowed-from-Lady-Honora cream-colored gown. Not new and not hers, but one of Cam’s maids had retrieved it from her satchel and pressed it. Hardly the best in wedding attire, but she’d already reconciled herself to her lack of a proper outfit.

  As the buttons released, the gown slid from her shoulders. She tried to ignore how easily Hawk removed a lady’s clothing. All thoughts vanished when his soft, warm lips kissed her shoulder, then moved up to the area where her shoulder and neck joined.

  “You are as soft as I remembered. This time, however, we have hours to spend.”

  “Hours?”

  “Ah, yes, sweetheart. I will teach you all the wonders of the marriage bed. If I have my way, you will have trouble walking tomorrow.” He pulled her earlobe into his mo
uth and sucked. “But not to worry, I will draw you a warm bath and soothe all the parts of your body that ache.”

  Her body came alive with wanting. The tips of her nipples tightened and swelled, and the area between her legs grew heavy and moist. She remembered the last time they’d been intimate and the pleasure of it.

  A few more buttons and then her gown drifted down to pool at her feet, leaving her in her stays, chemise, and two petticoats.

  “Why do you women wear so many blasted layers of clothes?” Hawk’s warm breath bathed her skin as he scattered small kisses across her shoulder blades, then down her spine as he released each loop.

  “To make rakes like you work hard,” Lizzie crooned.

  “Ah, but I don’t mind the work.” He grinned. “The reward is so very worthwhile.” He unlaced her stays in record time. That also dropped to join her gown. No lady’s maid had ever finished so quickly. With one quick movement, Hawk spun her until she was back in his arms again, his large hands on her back.

  My husband.

  Up until a few weeks ago, that was something she’d never thought to possess. In fact, she hadn’t even wanted one. The idea of her own home, husband, and children had always been in her plans, but once her life had shattered, any sort of security had been heaven sent. And she was quite proud of the security she’d built for herself at Wycliff Manor.

  “What are you thinking so hard about?” His deep voice rolled over her skin, raising gooseflesh.

  “Nothing.”

  “That is exactly what you should be thinking about, wife. Nothing. Nothing at all. Right now you should only be feeling.” With those words, he undid her petticoats and bent to remove her slippers, leaving her in nothing more than her stockings.

  Hawk stood and regarded her. His eyes darkened, and he touched her forehead with his lips so gently, she wasn’t even sure he made contact with her skin. Any embarrassment at her nakedness faded at the look of appreciation in his eyes.

  “You are so beautiful, you take my breath away.” She closed her eyes as he moved his hand behind her head and undid her hairpins. Her heavy locks cascaded around her shoulders, tickling her bare skin. She shook her head, her hair swirling around her body. She had become a wanton woman. And loved it.

  “Yes, so beautiful.” One arm wrapped around her shoulders, the other around her waist, his hand resting on her lower back. His palm cradled her buttocks, caressing lightly at first, then with more pressure as he pulled her to him and dipped his head to take her breast into his mouth.

  Her head fell back, and her hands clung to his powerful forearms. She sighed, enjoying the roughness of his clothes against her sensitive skin. His hardened manhood pressed into her stomach, evidence of his desire for her. His mouth moved from one breast to the next, suckling, nipping, teasing, soothing. Her knees grew weak, and she held on tighter, afraid her legs would buckle and she would collapse at his feet.

  Naked on her knees. Now that was an intriguing image, one she’d seen in that naughty book she and her friends had perused at boarding school years ago.

  As if sensing her thoughts, Hawk picked her up and moved to the bed. He dropped her none too gently on the mattress, and she bounced. She laughed and shifted to her side and leaned her head on her propped-up hand, studying his every move.

  The only time they’d been intimate, it had been dark, and she had not gotten a good look at his body. Now, in full daylight, was her chance to admire him as he had admired her.

  Each article of clothing he removed increased her desire to see more. When he tugged his linen shirt over his head, her mouth watered. His golden skin and rippling muscles, with dark curly hair running down the center of his chest, disappearing into the edge of his pantaloons, stirred her further. She licked her lips.

  “Darling, if you keep looking at me like that, the decision I made to be gentle with my wife on her wedding night will vanish as swiftly as a beggar’s breakfast.”

  “Why do you think I want gentle?” she purred.

  He groaned, and Lizzie had no need to apologize since she was enjoying the show far too much. She didn’t want him to be kind and gentle. Certainly not with the burning in her body now.

  Once every item of clothing had been removed, Hawk climbed onto the bed next to her. He stretched his long body beside hers.

  “I still have my stockings on.”

  He leaned over her, pulling her close. “Leave them on.”

  …

  Hawk began at Lizzie’s throat and kissed his way down to her breasts, using his tongue to circle her nipple before taking it between his teeth. A slight moan from Lizzie encouraged him to move on to her other breast.

  His senses had never been so engaged in a sexual encounter. He was not making love to a woman’s body, as he generally did, but to the woman herself. Her quirks, personality, scent, smile, laughter. In all ways she was perfection, soft and sweet, her skin scented like summer air and flowers. He had to hold onto his control to not shove himself into her silky sheath and thrust until he spent his seed. She’d only had sex once before, and despite her teasing, he should be gentle.

  Her small hand slid down his side, edging slowly toward his cock. “Yes, sweetheart, touch me.” He sucked in a deep breath when her fingers wrapped around him, squeezing slightly. Heaven.

  He walked his fingers down her body, lifting her knee to caress the skin on the back of her leg. She moaned softly, and her knees fell open. The sight of her splayed legs, the golden brown curly hair at her center, and the stockings, tied with two pale yellow ribbons, would be forever burned in his mind.

  He looked forward to introducing her to various ways they could make love, the things they could do to each other. Yes. He had a definitive list of ways to pleasure his new wife. With her natural bravado, there were even some darker things he might introduce her to in the future.

  Lizzie continued to hold him, stroke him. Then she made her way down his body, inserted her tongue into his navel, then glanced up at him with a devilish grin and blew gently. He almost came off the bed. Where had she learned that? Maybe it was not too soon to introduce the more interesting aspects of intimacy to his adept pupil.

  His fingers kept busy playing with her sex, sliding into the moistness. She moved up to rest her head on his chest as he used his thumb to circle the small bundle of nerves at her center. Her quick breaths, shifting legs, and pressure against his hand told him she was growing close to her release.

  “Hawk…” she moaned.

  “I know, sweetheart. Let go, relax. Don’t strain. It will come.”

  “But, I need—”

  He gathered her hair in his hands and pulled, bringing her face close to his. He sprinkled quick kisses over her chin, her eyes, her nose. “I know. Trust me, relax.”

  He moved his mouth to her breast again and suckled hard. Lizzie’s body arched, and she let out a low keening sound. “Hawk!” His name exploded from her mouth as she fisted her fingers into the bedsheet.

  God, how he loved to hear his name on her lips while she was in the throes of passion. He released her breast and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her close as she continued to buck from her orgasm and rub the area between her legs against his thigh.

  Eventually, she relaxed in his arms, brushing her face against his chest. He tipped her chin up and kissed her already swollen lips. “I love watching you reach your climax.”

  She moved her hand back down to his cock, squeezing, hardening it further. “We must do something about this, my lord.”

  “Ah, my love. I have every intention of feeling your tight moistness. Soon. Very soon.” He kissed her again and shifted, kneeing her thighs open so he lay between her legs, his hips nestled against her body.

  He slid up and down her swollen sex and leaned down to grab his cock and place it at her center. He brushed the damp hair back from her forehead and sprinkled light kisses over her face.

  Lizzie raised her hips, staring into his eyes, fisting his hair. “I need to feel you i
nside me. Now.”

  He grinned at the intensity of her request. “I always do as my lady bids.” He eased into her opening, slipping in much easier than he thought. She was wet, slick, swollen, warm, all the wonderful things his cock was desperate for.

  His eyes slid closed as he moved in her, her sighs and soft moans music to his ears. He took both of her hands in his, clasping their fingers together, and raised them over her head. His head rested on her shoulder as he thrust, his movements growing frantic as he plunged into her. “Wrap your legs around me,” he panted.

  Lizzie’s increased breathing and frantic movements suggested she was nearing another orgasm. He shifted his hips so he touched the part of her that would help her along. Nothing else existed. He was aware only of them, their bodies, the sound of their slick skin coming together, the scent of sex in the air, the low moans of Lizzie. His own panting and grunts as he continued to plunge into her warmth, bringing him closer to his release. Within minutes, her legs stiffened, and just as her muscles contracted, gripping him, milking him, he thrust one final time and poured his seed into her.

  Blinding light flashed behind his eyelids, and his body shuddered. The power of his release was beyond anything he’d ever experienced before, almost as if it were his first time. Barely able to move, he rolled off her, taking her with him to rest her body on his chest. His heart thundered, and his chest heaved. Lizzie wasn’t in much better shape. The sound of their breathing, and the scent of their coupling, filled the air.

  Once their hearts and lungs slowed down, and his skin began to cool, he reached down and pulled the discarded counterpane up and covered them both. He ran his fingers lightly over her skin.

  She snuggled against him, then moved, her hand clenched on his chest, her chin resting on her fist as she gazed up at him. “Is it always this good?”