His mouth dropped open for a split second before it snapped shut. In an instant, he stood too and pulled off his shirt, before he grabbed her waist and pulled her body against his. “By God, Juliet. You’re so beautiful. It steals my breath.”
His hand wound into her undone hair and his lips began to trail down her chest. He lifted her and laid her back on the bed, his weight settling on top of her, even as his mouth drew in one of her nipples.
She gasped, partially because his tongue began to swirl along the puckering peak and partially because his weight had settled between her legs. The pressure of his manhood against her swollen nub both relieved and intensified the pressure building there.
His hands were everywhere once again, this time on her naked flesh and the roughness of his skin created a friction that only added to her pleasure.
She rubbed against him to find that desire ricocheted through her. He still wore his breeches but the soft fabric created a cushion, spreading out the tendrils of pleasure.
Their hips began to grind together, pleasure building to the point where she thought she might explode when he stopped her with a hand at her hip. “Not yet,” he whispered. “I’ve got something to teach you first.”
Juliet moaned in frustration, her fingers plucking at his shoulders but he just smiled. She’d thank him later.
He began to kiss a trail down her body, paying attention to each breast, before moving down her stomach. When he reached the triangle of auburn curls, he let his fingers brush through the soft tufts before he lowered his mouth to kiss her thighs and then finally, he flicked his tongue on her tender little nub.
Her entire body jolted, a jerking reaction that filled him with satisfaction. He flattened his tongue and repeated the touch, her hips bucking up into the touch. He held them down, starting a rhythm with his mouth.
In response, they nearly vibrated from the bed. He could feel the tension in her building, swelling, her moans growing louder. He stopped for a moment and she twisted in irritation, making him smile. “Love, you have to be quiet. I’m not supposed to be here.”
A haze of lust clouded her eyes. Her amorous gaze made him ache. He’d never seen anything more stunning in his life.
She blinked a few times as his words finally penetrated her fog. “Loud?”
In response, he reached for her hand and brought it to her own mouth. “This should do the trick. We have to be quiet, just until we’re married, then you can be as loud as you like.”
It pained him a bit to think of quieting those beautiful noises, but he had a grand plan for proposing and he didn’t wish to spoil it now. She deserved the most romantic of proposals.
She nodded, her fingers closing in over her mouth and he dipped down again, kissing her most intimate of parts.
She shuddered and in moments, her legs had locked about him again as her body tightened. She was nearing the edge of her lust and he felt the moment she climaxed over the top.
Lord, he knew he’d never tire of feeling her finish. He slid up her body, rubbing the stubble on his face against her silky soft skin.
She brought her hands to his back, running them along the ridge of every muscle, her fingers tracing the dips and valleys until she reached the waist of his breeches.
He stopped, titling his chin to look up at her. “Juliet,” he started, wanting her to understand that his pleasure could wait. This was about her.
But she shook her head, her dark auburn hair, cascading down over one shoulder. “I want you to teach me everything,” she whispered and then she started to undo the stays of his breeches.
Her fingers were small, quick, and nimble, and in no time, she’d undone the complicated fasteners. She pushed down the fabric with her hands and then used her feet to remove them to his knees all the while her wet heat rubbing against his swollen cock.
Any objections and his good intentions melted into the heat, burned away as the head of his manhood slid into her tight opening.
He squeezed his eyes shut, every muscle straining to maintain control as he slowly spread her silky flesh.
Rather than tense, she stroked his back, murmuring little sounds of encouragement. Were they actual words? He couldn’t say. He only knew the feeling behind the sound, soft and supportive as he sank deeper into her.
He felt the moment her maidenhead broke, she tensed for a moment and he stilled but her hands at his back urged him on.
“It’s not that bad,” she whispered. “Keep going.”
That was all the encouragement he needed. He slid the rest of the way into her channel, fully seating himself inside her warmth even as he dropped his head into the crook of her neck. “Juliet,” he groaned. She was so perfect, he struggled for words to describe the moment.
“I love you,” she replied, stroking her hands up his back again to settle around his neck. Her lips tickled the sensitive skin on the lobe of his ear.
He brushed back her hair, staring deep into her eyes. “I love you too. I’ll never, for as long as I live, love another.”
They didn’t need any more words as he started moving again, pulling out of her body, only to push back in. But he knew, without thinking, that this was exactly where he belonged.
The rhythm increased and her hips began to meet him thrust for thrust as her body tightened under his again.
His own finish was barreling through him but he gritted his teeth, intent upon waiting for her. Finally, she cried out, her body shuddering against his and he let go, his body spasming as he gave a loud groan of satisfaction.
Collapsing on top of her, Dane buried his face in her hair. Juliet was his. Now and forever.
Chapter Sixteen
Juliet woke late in the day to find that she was alone in her room. She blinked as the last rays of the sun shone in through the window. They’d eaten, made love again and then fallen into a deep sleep. Or at least she had.
Why had he gone? She turned over, a note sitting on the pillow next to her.
My sweet Juliet,
Meet me downstairs at seven.
All my love,
Dane
Her heart began to hammer in her chest. What was this about? She tossed back the covers, noting it was nearly seven already. She wasn’t dressed, in fact, she was completely naked, her hair still hanging in a tangled heap down her back.
She picked up her dressing gown and pulled the cord near the door. She’d need a great deal of help or she’d be late…
A half hour later, she made her way down the stairs, the house eerily quiet. Where was everyone? Had they retreated to their rooms as well?
Just outside the music room, she stopped. Normally Cordelia would be playing for everyone before the family adjourned to the dining room for dinner.
That’s when she heard the whispers.
“Is she coming?”
“Did she see your note?”
Note? Surely not the one from Dane?
“I…I hope so. If she didn’t wake—”
They knew he’d been in her room? Her heart pounded in her chest but his next words helped her relax again.
“If she didn’t wake, perhaps the staff didn’t deliver it.”
“Should I get her?” That was most definitely Adrianna.
“No,” Dane said, a bit quick and sharp or was that just her imagination? Considering the state she’d woken in, she wouldn’t blame him. “She’ll come. We just have to be patient.”
Her father chuckled. “Patience is not a Moorish trait.”
Dane joined in the laugh. “I’m learning that.”
“I can barely stand the suspense,” Ophelia said, louder. “Can’t we get her?”
Juliet bit her lip. If one of them came around the corner, they’d surely see her. But she’d like to wait. They were clearly trying to surprise her and she didn’t want to ruin that. She drew in a deep breath and backed up down the hall until she was several feet away and then called, “Where is everyone?”
She heard the shuffle of feet, the furi
ous whispers as everyone realized she was near. She covered her mouth to hide her grin as she made her way toward the door.
Dropping her hands again, she stopped. “Hello?”
Silence greeted her. Nervous, excited butterflies beat in her stomach as she reached the door and she paused at the entrance, wondering exactly her surprise would be.
The room looked deceptively empty. She let out a loud sigh, barely able to control her smile but realized her sigh was a bit overdramatic and clamped her mouth closed.
Taking one step into the room, she noted that all of the candelabras had been lit as well as several more pillars. The room looked lovely. Then she noted that fresh cut flowers in vases had been placed everywhere.
She covered mouth again but this time, she fought back tears of joy, not giggles or sighs.
“What is…”
Dane popped up from behind the couch. “Juliet,” he said, holding his hand out to her.
Somehow, that was a cue and all her sisters and Charlie jumped up, surrounding her and leading her to the center of the room. Ophelia moved, allowing Dane into the center of the circle. Distantly, she realized that Lord Craven, Lord Crestwood, His Grace, and her father made a second ring around the women.
She could barely breathe as Dane dropped down to a single knee.
“Dane,” she cried, pulling on his hand. “What are you doing?”
He held steady, his large hand enclosing both hers. “If romance is what my lady wants, then that is what I shall give her.”
She tried to answer but her voice wouldn’t work as she looked about the smiling faces of her family. “I…”
“Oh this is so exciting.” Cordelia clapped, grinning in a way she rarely saw from her serious sister.
Adrianna reached over and hugged her sister and their circle tightened.
Dane gave her fingers a squeeze and she looked down at him again. His brown eyes stared up at hers, his face soft his gaze full of…love. He shifted and that’s when she realized he held a small box in his hand.
She started to tremble.
He tightened his grip. “Juliet Moorish…”
His voice slid over her skin like a balm. “Yes,” she breathed her eyes glassing over with a mist of tears. She dashed at them with her free hand.
He flipped her palm over and set the box down, his hand under hers to support its light weight. Then, with his other hand, he cracked open the lid.
A large emerald, in fact it was the largest she’d ever seen, lay nestled in silk folds. She gasped but the sound was drowned out by the shouts and cheers of several other women.
Finally, her father called over the din. “Hush girls.”
Her sisters went silent as she blinked back the tears threatening to completely spill over. If she could make her voice work, she’d tell them that she loved their noise, their cheers, their cries. How had Dane understood that this meant more to her than a quiet proposal with just the two of them?
Because…he understood her. She might be loud and meddlesome, but her family was the most important thing to her. Nothing else mattered...except she’d added Dane into her circle.
“Juliet,” he said again. “I told you that you sparkle more than any gem I’ve ever seen.”
She couldn’t hold it in anymore and a small sob broke from her lips. “Dane.” Her voice cracked on his name.
He reached for the ring and gently pulled the gold band from the box. Holding it between two fingers he held it up. “I never want to be without your light. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
She tried to answer. Her breath came out in short gasps. “I…” She started again. Never in her entire life had she been rendered speechless. Unable to stand any longer, she dropped to her knees as well.
Dane stared deep into her emerald eyes as she looked back, her gaze almost pained. Was she happy or not? Had he made a terrible mistake proposing tonight? Was her offer to give him time really for herself? Was she not ready?
Her eyes fluttered closed and then she leaned in, her forehead resting against his and he remembered to breathe again.
“Yes.”
Her voice was so soft he almost didn’t hear her. “Yes?” He let go of her hand finally to wrap it around her back. “Yes?”
“Yes.” she said louder, her hand resting on his neck. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
A cheer rose up from the group as he captured her lips in front of all her family even as she slipped the ring onto her finger.
Wetness touched his cheek and he opened his eyes to realize she was crying. He let go of her back to swipe at both of her cheeks. Then he pulled her up to stand once again.
Her knees wobbled and he held her tighter to his chest. “Are you all right, my love?”
“I’m fine. I’m wonderful. That was…” She wrapped her arms about his neck and kissed him again, a full, long kiss as everyone went silent. She finally pulled back. “That was the most wonderful moment of my entire life.”
The crowd cheered again.
Chase slapped his back. “And I thought I had the most romantic proposal. I do believe you beat me, cousin.”
Her father stepped up next to them. “How did you propose, Your Grace?”
Dane looked at Chase, pressing his mouth together as his eyebrows rose. But Ophelia stepped in. “That’s a story for another time. Today is about Lord Hartwell and Juliet.”
Mr. Moorish nodded and turned away leaving the circle but returning quickly with a bottle of champagne. “I just received a shipment. Shall we toast?”
“Yes!” Adrianna called stomping her foot. “We’re all safe, we’re all here together. Tonight, we celebrate.”
A cheer rose up from the group as the champagne was opened and poured.
Dane leaned down and softly whispered close to her ear. “I’ve something else to ask you.”
Her eyebrows went up as she held his hands tighter. “I’m not sure I can stand another surprise.”
He put both her arms about her waist. “I’ve asked your father and he’s agreed to allow us to have a ceremony on the beach tomorrow. We’ll have a second in the church, of course.”
She gasped, clutching at his coat. “A ceremony tomorrow? But…” Her eyes dilated. “There is so much to do.”
“It’s done already. If you consent.” He lifted her, spinning in place as champagne was passed about. “We’ve planned the entire thing.”
She nibbled at her lip a gesture he loved. “If my sisters planned my wedding, does that mean I get to plan theirs?”
“For goodness’ sake, yes,” Ophelia answered. “You were always going to anyway.”
A laugh filled the room as Ophelia crossed to the pianoforte. “I think we need a song to fill this moment.”
Dane nodded but he didn’t need anything else. Tomorrow, this amazing woman would become his wife.
Epilogue
Juliet stood on the beach, her hands joined with Dane’s. A smile near split her face. All the flowers that had adorned the music room the night before now lined the sand, creating an aisle she’d just walked down.
It was perfect.
Dane gave her the sort of soft smile that both melted her heart and had the organ hammering in her chest. They’d be together forever.
She listened to the vicar as they each repeated their vows, her heart filling her chest. They were getting married. She could hardly believe it was true.
“You may kiss the bride,” the vicar announced as the assembly cheered.
Juliet rose up on tiptoe, her lips joining Dane’s, the sound of his heart racing as quickly as hers echoing in her ears.
She pulled back and looked out over her family. Each of her sisters sat watching, all beaming at her and Dane.
Except for Cordelia. Her quiet, thoughtful sister still grinned but her smile was much more brittle. A sadness tinged her sister’s face that made some of Juliet’s joy evaporate. Cordelia’s passion was her music but that didn’t mean she shouldn’t have love.
> Juliet cocked a brow, her eyes swinging to the other side of the group and to Lord Dashlane. The man sat staring straight ahead, not even bothering to smile as he crossed his arms over his chest.
“Dane,” Juliet softly whispered to her new husband. “I’ve been thinking. Cordelia and Lord Dashlane, they would make an excellent—”
“No,” he said the single word with authority as he cut her off. “No more meddling, love. Let them find their own course.”
“But.” She shifted as they began walking past the assembly and toward the path that would take them back to the house. After a wedding breakfast, they’d be setting off for his country estate. Charlie had agreed to stay here with her family to allow them some privacy. “What if they don’t…find the path or whatever.”
“They will,” he answered, brushing a soft kiss along her temple. “Don’t worry. They will.”
She gave a soft sigh. “Fine. I’ll stay out of it for now. But if they haven’t made a match by the time we’re back from our honeymoon then…” She let her words drift off for a moment as she turned back to give them another glance. “We’re helping.”
“We?” he asked, cocking a brow.
“Of course,” she answered with a delicate sniff. “You just agreed, remember?”
He scrunched his brow. “When did I do that?”
She patted his arm. “During the vows, of course. You must love, honor, and cherish everything about me.”
He laughed then. “I do, my love. I do.”
What a Vulgar Viscount Needs
Romancing the Rake Book 5
Tammy Andresen
What a Vulgar Viscount Needs
Chapter One
Miss Cordelia Moorish sat on the bench of her pianoforte and stared down at the keys as they blurred in front of her vision. Perhaps that champagne had been a bad idea after all.
Romancing the Rake: Seven Regency Romances Page 37
