The Good, the Bad, and the Duke

by Janna MacGregor

  Within minutes, they were in his chambers without anyone seeing them. The sight of his bedroom made her stop in her tracks—not from nervousness that they’d make love, but from the sheer beauty of the room. Decorated in gold, peacock-green, and red silks and brocades along with a massive ebony bed and accompanying furniture, the room looked like it’d been built for a maharaja.

  He pulled her in and locked the door behind them. Without lifting his gaze from hers, he took her to stand in front of a cheval mirror, one that stood just to the side of a large fireplace where a fresh fire poured warmth around them.

  “Let me undress you,” he whispered.

  His gaze captured hers in the mirror—desire burned in his eyes, and the same in her own. He quickly unbuttoned her gown and slid the garment down her arms until it pooled on the floor like a waterfall of seafoam silk. Her stays, chemise, stockings, and slippers soon followed, leaving her completely naked, completely exposed. For some odd reason, though this was a new experience to stand before a man naked, she was confident. How many times had she fantasized about this exact moment? Too many to contemplate. Though her body was bare for his inspection, she welcomed him seeing her thus.

  She shivered from the chill, and he slowly rubbed his hands over her shoulders. When he stepped back, she wanted to protest. However, it died on her lips when he shrugged off his coat, waistcoat, then pulled his linen shirt over his head. He balanced on one foot and divested himself of one boot and stocking, then without rushing repeated the move with the other leg.

  At her first glimpse of his beautiful body, she practically fell to her knees. Her own body’s image in the mirror partially blocked her view, but the swell of muscles that defined his shoulders and upper body was clear. “Magnificent” was too tame a word to describe his physique. A smattering of blond hairs curled around the upper slope of his chest.

  He pulled her close. The contact of his hot skin and chest on her back sharply contrasted with the cold air. All the different sensations left her breathless. When he kissed her neck, he gripped her waist and his heat surrounded her. The hardness of his erection pressed against her bottom. When he trailed his tongue to her ear, she was lost. Convinced she didn’t have a bone in her body, she leaned against him for support.

  “Look at you,” he whispered. His cheek rested against hers as he studied her in the mirror. He placed his large hands on her hips. She inhaled sharply at the sight and touch. This was seduction, and every glorious impression of his hands on her body was a celebration of their love.

  One hand drifted up her ribs, inch by inch, memorizing her body. Each ravishing touch caused her breasts to grow heavier, and her nipples tightened into painful peaks, anticipating his claiming caress. Her exquisite torment increased as his other hand crept lower.

  “Your skin is softer than silk.” He continued the downward drift of his fingers until he stroked and petted her nether curls. She moved her hips in a desperate attempt to meet his touch. He was so close to where she wanted him to ease this overwhelming need.

  When he cupped a breast, she groaned her pleasure.

  “Moonbeam, you’re more beautiful than I ever imagined. I’m not going to devour you just yet. I think I’ll savor every inch of you first.” He pressed a kiss against her cheek, then pulled away.

  She moaned a protest, and in answer, he swung her into his arms. In five eternally long strides, he carefully placed her on the bed. The silk cover beneath her body seemed to ripple around her. Her gaze caught his, and the hunger in his eyes made her believe he truly would devour her. Without turning his attention from her, he unbuttoned the falls of his pantaloons. Bit by bit, they slid down his hips, revealing chiseled oblique muscles much like those of the Roman and Greek statutes that littered many of the finest homes in London.

  There was no comparison to Paul’s body. His riding every day had created a torso that would have been the envy of Achilles. His garment slid to the floor, and her breath hitched at the resulting view of his body.

  His legs, covered in fine blond hair, were as muscled as the rest of him. When she focused on his erection, she wanted to touch him. She’d seen his engorged length before and even tasted it. But gazing on it again made her realize that soon they’d join their bodies together.

  She held out her hand, and he came to her. He covered her with his warmth and kissed her sweetly before trailing his lips over her sensitive shoulders and chest to her breasts. There he kissed and slowly drew one hard nipple into his mouth. With a gentle sucking, he caused her to gasp as a heady sensation exploded in her body. He cupped her other breast and squeezed with enough tantalizing pressure to prolong her pleasure.

  Then he slowly kissed his way down her abdomen. She panted and writhed for more. With a gentle clasp, he took her ankles in his hands, urging her to bend her legs. She blinked and propped herself on her elbows trying to get her bearings. His normally ice-blue eyes blazed with heat.

  “What you did to me the other night, I’m going to do to you. It’s only fair,” he whispered as he pressed a chaste kiss on her folds.

  “Like a talion law? Eye for an eye?” Her breathy response floated between them.

  With a laugh, he nodded his head. “You wicked, wicked woman. I was thinking more along the lines of a kiss for a kiss.” One gorgeous corner of his mouth ticked up in a sly grin. “Perhaps, a lick for a lick?”

  He bent and pressed a soft kiss on her thigh, then settled between her hips while he wrapped his arms under her bent legs. With his tongue, he separated her folds and licked from her entrance to the sensitive nub of her clitoris. The texture and curve of his tongue awakened every nerve, causing a pulsating ache in her lower abdomen.

  Flooded with desire, she moaned. The sound seemed to encourage him, and he applied more pressure. Each touch, each lick, flicked the flames of her desire higher. She’d experienced releases in his arms before, but this was a new height of arousal, one she’d never dreamed possible.

  He now licked with all his attention on her clitoris. She found herself mewling as she repeated his name over and over. He released one of her legs, and she let it fall to the bed along his side.

  With his free hand, he caressed her thigh before he entered her with two fingers. God, it wasn’t enough. Her body twitched in response, demanding more. His tongue wove a magic spell around her. With her heart racing, she fought for breath and control. He sucked the sensitive pearl, then tongued over her again. He repeated the pattern with each touch of his mouth more urgent. Never pausing, he played her over and over like an instrument, pushing for her release. She ground herself against his mouth trying to climb to where pleasure promised complete control over her body.

  “Let go, love,” he whispered.

  She moaned and twisted beneath him as he continued to feast upon her. Suddenly, she shut her eyes and surrendered to a release that exploded through her like lightning in the night sky. His kisses grew softer and gentler in touch until she had recaptured a tenuous control over her body. With infinite tenderness, he kissed the insides of her thighs, then rose above her.

  He was panting, and a thin sheen of sweat covered his body. The hard length of his cock pulsed against her abdomen as he pushed his hips against hers. He growled her name as he took possession of her lips with his. His tongue invaded every part of her mouth ready to conquer and taste every inch of her—no, devour every inch of her.

  She tasted herself on his tongue and his lips. The tart, salty taste, a heady aphrodisiac, created another wave of need to course through her. She tilted her hips in invitation. She wanted him inside of her now as the banked flames of passion roared back to life. With his pounding heartbeat next to hers, she met the intensity of his kiss with one of her own.

  In response, he broke away and rose above her on his elbows and the devotion in his eyes caused her to gasp. He was desperate for her.

  And she for him.

  “Daphne,” he whispered softly as he swept his lips against her again. He adjusted his length
at her entrance, then inched his way inside her. His invasion filled her. The pressure grew until it almost became too much.

  He stopped moving and held himself still. The sight of him looming above her with muscles flexed was more beautiful and daunting than she’d ever imagined. Even with all the times she’d created their union in her mind, the physical sight of him stole her breath.

  “I want you so badly, every inch of me aches in need. I’ve been like this since I first saw you at the Reynolds. Are you ready, my love?” he whispered.

  His admission made her smile. “I’ve wanted you for years. Yes, let’s not waste another moment.”

  He kissed her again and, with one move, thrust into her completely. Her body stretched as it fought against their union. In response, she gasped. He swallowed her cry, then cradled her head in his hands as he pressed more deeply into her until he was completely seated within her. Once the shock wore off, she could breathe again.

  He placed one palm against her cheek. His troubled eyes roamed over every inch of her. “All right?”

  “Yes.” Her gaze locked with his. The intimacy of the moment far outweighed the discomfort she felt. “It’s charming that you’re worried about me.”

  “I promise the next time won’t hurt,” he whispered, then kissed the tender spot below her ear. The soft caress of his breath against her neck caused her to shiver.

  “Kiss me,” she coaxed.

  He took possession of her mouth as well as complete possession of her heart. He pressed his hips against hers, then slowly withdrew from her body. Before he withdrew all the way, he slowed, then entered her again. Her body accepted him more easily this time. In response, she raised her hips to meet his. The only sound that surrounded them was the movement of their bodies, flesh meeting flesh. Their gazes never strayed from each other, and if she wasn’t mistaken, his had grown misty with an emotion that made her own suffer the same.

  He cradled her close as he began to move with more urgency. He kissed her again, all the while driving into her over and over. His movement once smooth had now turned into something else, a reckless need fighting to be satiated. His kiss turned demanding, and she felt herself climbing toward a release again.

  Without a word between them, the explosive pleasure consumed her again. Her body pulsed tight with her orgasm. He roared her name as he poured his seed into her. His eyes were riveted to her face as he collapsed on top of her, his weight calming the turbulent passion that swirled around him.

  She took a deep breath. His musky scent filled her, and she released her breath slowly. She wanted to keep his essence in her as long as she possibly could. Carefully, he raised himself on his elbows and stared down at her. His eyes caressed her face and every feature.

  “I never roar or growl except with you.” He blinked slowly, and a spark of something she couldn’t quiet identify flashed in his blue eyes.

  “Have I proved you a liar then?” She lifted her head and playfully bit his full lower lip. Good heavens, she’d never get enough of this man for as long as lived. Thankfully, she was marrying him.

  He shook his head once and exhaled. “No. But you’ve made me discover a great truth about myself. You’ve proved that I do growl, scream, and roar when I make love”—he tapped her nose with his finger and gently laughed—“with you. Enough about me, how are you?” His slight chuckle did little to hide his concern for her.

  “You don’t have to hide your feelings from me. You do realize that, don’t you?” She pressed his lips against his, reassuring him.

  He nodded, but the effort did little to ease the lines of worry around his handsome eyes.

  “I lack much experience at this.…” Her voice trailed to silence.

  “You are the most amazing lover,” he whispered, then traced her lips with his forefinger.

  “Thank you,” she said. “I’ve never felt like this before—so complete and so well loved. I couldn’t have imagined anything more perfect.”

  He bent his head until his forehead rested on hers. For several moments they lay silent, legs to legs and torso to torso. Never had she experienced the incredible intimacy they’d just created.

  “I must be crushing you.” Without warning, he lifted his body from hers. Without a care for his nudity, he strolled to a small table across the room.

  Bereft from the sudden loss, all she could do was watch his elegant stride. The man was magnificent in his carriage. More important, he was wonderfully caring and loyal to her and others.

  “When shall we marry? Would within the hour rush you too much?”

  “As long as you let me dress,” she answered.

  “Why? I’ll just take it off of you again.” He came back to bed with a small basin and toweling. “Whenever you want, love. Just don’t make me wait too long.” He leaned over and kissed her, then sat on the edge and washed the small streaks of blood and the remains of his release from her thighs. His careful touch soothed her. When he was finished, he made a move to stand, but she halted him with her hand on his thigh.

  She struggled to sit up and winced. Muscles tight in places she’d never realized she possessed throbbed in dull pain. His beautiful face grimaced. In answer, she leaned close for a sweep of her lips against his. “I’m fine.”

  She rinsed the toweling, then with infinite care washed him. A bemused smile lit his face as it became apparent to both that he was becoming aroused again.

  Without taking his eyes off her, he took the cloth and threw it in the basin. “Thank you, Moonbeam. You never cease to surprise me with your care. I’ve never been a gentleman, but after tonight, I shall try my best to become one.” He tapped his perfect chin with one finger. “You make me want to be a better person. Though tonight I’ve delightfully corrupted a perfect innocent. I think I shall start this new endeavor by helping you dress and returning you home.”

  “Perhaps I don’t want you to reform.” She ran her hands over his arms. She’d never tire of touching him. “I think you’re perfect as you are.”

  He leaned back and regarded her. “Truly?”

  “I love you as you are.” The wonderment on his face melted her heart. “When will I see you again?” She couldn’t hide the entreaty in her voice, nor did she want to. One day or one night without him by her side represented pure torture.

  “My love, as soon as I can call on your mother and brother tomorrow.” His words were sweet, but the worry around his eyes was apparent. “I’ll tell your brother our plans to marry. It’s best if he hears it from me. He’ll hate me, but perhaps, if I speak to him, we’ll salvage his relationship with you.”

  “Thank you.”

  Paul angled his head and kissed her soundly. “In the morning, I have an appointment with my family solicitor, then I’m heading straight to Pembrooke House. Speaking of solicitors, has yours found you a house yet?”

  She shook her head, still befuddled from his kiss.

  “Excellent. Don’t do anything. I may have someplace that will suit your tastes.” He waved his hand around the room and smiled seductively. “This place would meet your needs quite nicely.” He leaned close and nipped her earlobe. “It even has a duchess suite, but you won’t need it,” he whispered as he traced the rim of her ear with his tongue.

  His touch caused a moan to escape.

  “You’ll spend most of your time here. I plan on keeping you very busy.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Paul had helped Daphne dress, then they were on their way to her house. His kisses and whispers of endearments filled the ducal carriage and chased the chill away. His coach-and-four slipped through the dark London night making nary a sound. Even the horses were as quiet as a sanctuary the moment a prayer ended as they escorted Paul and her to the mews off the back alley and to the servants’ entrance of Pembrooke House. After one last smoldering kiss, Paul lightly stepped from the stopped carriage. He held out his hand and escorted her to the servants’ entrance.

  “This isn’t right, to hide from your brother.
I’ll ask Tait to wake him so we can discuss what’s happened between us.” A frown marked his beautiful face. “Perhaps if I catch him unaware, he’ll be more likely to accept me.”

  She placed her hand on his arm, and he stopped immediately. “Wait until the morning. Otherwise, we’ll wake Claire, too.”

  He frowned, then reluctantly nodded his head. “Our love and what we shared tonight isn’t something shameful or something that should be hidden. It’s honest and pure and full of light.” He caressed her check with his forefinger, the loving touch so dear. Playfully, he tapped the end of her nose with his finger. “Just like you.”

  Paul took advantage with a light kiss, then hugged her close. In seconds, they crossed the short distance to the door. Instead of Tait waiting for her, the kitchen stood empty, with a banked fire acting as sentry.

  Daphne reached up on tiptoes and pressed a kiss to Paul’s lips. “Until tomorrow.”

  “Until tomorrow,” he answered, then slowly drew away.

  When she saw the heat in his eyes, her heart pressed against her chest.

  He took his leave with a brush of his lips against her hand. Soon, the soft sound of the carriage pulling away reached her through the closed door.

  She shivered. After Paul’s incendiary kisses in the carriage, it wasn’t the cold that garnered such a response.

  It was the delightful thought that she’d soon be married to him.

  She wove her way up the servants’ staircase to the family floor. She opened her bedroom door, then silently shut it behind her. She leaned against the solid wooden panel and closed her eyes, letting all thoughts go except her memory of making love to Paul.

  Before tonight, she couldn’t have grasped the flood of burning sweetness, passion, and love that united them. For all time, she’d remember how gentle and caring he’d been to her. His love for her was a tender gift, one for which she thanked the heavens and stars above. With him by her side, she’d be forever happy. She took a deep breath and slowly released it. With that breath, all her loneliness subsided.