Beguiling the Duke, page 13
“They are not. They are glorious.” He moved his mouth over the globe he held, then closed his lips around her nipple. He licked and sucked, drawing on her flesh until she cried out.
His other hand moved to the other breast, caressing and stroking until she was arching her back and whimpering for more. He pinched the nipple as he suckled the other. Sadie had no idea such pleasure could come from this.
She thrust her fingers into his hair, clutching his head as she writhed beneath him. “I was supposed to be helping you,” she managed to say.
“You are helping me. This is everything I’ve ever dreamed of. Almost.” He pushed up the hem of her night rail, then lifted his head so he could remove the garment from her entirely.
When she lay naked beneath him, he stared at her body. “You are absolutely beautiful.” He cupped her breasts, pushing them together. “Not too big. Perfect.” He closed his fingers and thumbs around her nipples, tugging on them until she begged him to…she didn’t know what.
“Please, Law, I need you.”
He suckled her again, first one breast then the other, taking long minutes to savor her flesh. She quivered as her body reached new heights of arousal. Her sex felt heavy and wet. If he didn’t touch her there soon, she might weep.
He kissed along her abdomen, licking lower until he reached her sex. Putting one hand beneath her backside, he told her to spread her legs wider.
“What are you doing?” She looked down at his head between her thighs.
His gaze met hers as he lifted her from the mattress. “You said you needed me. Here I am.” Then his mouth was on her sex, his tongue licking her folds and that spot at the top that had given her such pleasure earlier.
He clutched her backside, holding her as a feast for his mouth. His tongue thrust into her, and she gripped his head, her fingers tangling in his hair. Her hips moved as she sought more of him.
His lips and tongue moved greedily over and into her sex, working her into a frenzy of need. When he stroked the top of her sex, every muscle in her body clenched as she rushed toward release. At last, she saw the light—its heat and wonder enveloping her in an exquisite rapture. Her body went stiff as she catapulted into her climax.
Law watched Sadie bask in ecstasy, her head cast back, her lips parted as she whimpered and moaned. Her legs quivered around him as her orgasm began to fade. He kissed her thigh before rising over her.
Her eyes fluttered open. “That was somehow even better than the labyrinth.”
“I should hope so. We have the benefit of time and comfort here,” he said with a wicked grin.
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Now, are you going to finish?”
“If you’ll allow it.”
“I’m going to demand it,” she said, echoing her words before their first kiss.
“You are a demanding, domineering woman,” he mused. “I like that.”
“Good. I wish to touch your…cock. That’s the best word, I think.”
“The best word…of all the words?” he asked with a laugh.
“Of words I have heard in reference to your sex.”
“Ah, yes, brothers.” He took her hand and curled it around his shaft. His eyes closed briefly as he surrendered to the sheer pleasure of her touch. Then she gripped him, and he feared he would spend into her hand. He moaned, unable to stop himself from thrusting his hips to slide across her palm.
“You could finish like this?” she asked as she continued to stroke him. He was helping her but realized she didn’t need his assistance.
“I could, but I’d rather come inside you. Unless you’d prefer to wait to do that.” He met her gaze, breathless for her response. Either was a gift he hadn’t expected tonight.
“I think I’d like to feel you inside me. Show me what to do.” Her words were a command, and he loved her sense of authority. How could she continue to become even more perfect?
He positioned his hips against hers and stroked her sex. She was wet again already. “We’re going to guide me to your sheath.”
She didn’t need the direction as she was lifting her hips and seeking his entry. He slid the tip into her and drove slowly forward. She tilted her pelvis, and he wrapped one of her legs around his hip. She immediately did the same with the other, and he was soon fully seated within her.
“All right?” he asked before kissing her temple, her jaw, her neck.
“Yes.”
He brushed his lips across hers, but she gripped his head and held him so she could deepen the kiss. She speared her tongue into his mouth, and he eagerly met her.
She wiggled her hips, prompting him to move. God, he wasn’t sure how long he was going to last. He couldn’t recall ever being so aroused.
He thrust slowly at first, wanting to give her time to adjust to this newness. Her heels dug into his backside as she rotated her pelvis against his, her body straining to receive him. She was so bloody eager and honest in her desire, but then he expected nothing less from this remarkable woman.
His balls began to tighten as blood rushed to his cock. He had to go faster. “Come with me, Sadie,” he said as he tangled his hand in the waves of her hair and pumped into her.
“Yes, Law. That feels so good. How does that feel so good?”
He smiled at her sense of wonder, but only for a moment before his body demanded his full attention. He snapped his hips against hers, driving hard and deep. His body began to tighten as his orgasm neared. He felt her clench around him and slipped his hand between them to stroke her clitoris. She moaned his name as her legs squeezed him.
He came in a blinding flash and had to clamp his jaw together to keep from shouting the house down as rapture claimed him. He continued thrusting, carrying them both into the darkness and on to ecstasy. When he glimpsed the light once more, he was finally spent.
Law settled to the side of her, not wanting to crush her with his weight.
“Where did you go?” she asked softly, her breath coming in rapid pants.
“I’m just here.” He pressed his lips to her cheek.
“I liked you on top of me. You could have stayed there. At least for a moment.”
“I’ll keep that in mind for next time,” he said, smiling.
“Next time… When will that be, I wonder? After we’re married?”
“Perhaps, unless we can manage to steal moments like this.” Law nuzzled her neck. He heard her yawn. “Let me walk you back to your room. It’s probably not wise for us to fall asleep.”
“No, we shouldn’t chance being caught—even though we are…betrothed.” She said the last word with a note of uncertainty.
Law rose up beside her and looked down into her face. He stroked her temple and cheek before caressing her head so he could feel her soft curls. He loved seeing them unbound. “I hope you don’t regret accepting my proposal.”
“It’s just surprising. I need time to acclimate my mind.”
“I understand.” He kissed her, his lips lingering against hers. He didn’t want to let her go, but he must. “Come, let’s get you back to your own bed.”
“I can walk across the corridor,” she said with a light laugh.
“I’m still going to escort you.”
She grinned at him as he handed her the discarded night rail. “You are as committed and loyal as any knight.”
He slipped from the bed and gave her a courtly bow. “It is my honor.” Moving to find his dressing gown, he marveled at how much his life had changed in less than a week. He never could have dreamed he would find this measure of happiness.
He couldn’t wait to share it with his wife.
Chapter 11
Law had awakened the following morning with a smile that he’d felt certain he’d worn since he’d walked Sadie back to her room. He’d slept remarkably well. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if Sadie had remained with him.
He was still in awe of where he found himself today—as a betrothed man anticipating his marriage. Just a week ago, he’d been dreading this state, but then this was an entirely different woman, a wholly unexpected and welcome change of plans.
He needed to write to Gillingham to inform him that he wouldn’t be marrying his daughter. Law felt bad about potentially disappointing Lady Frederica, but perhaps she would be as relieved as he’d felt when he’d learned his trip would be delayed. It wasn’t as if they shared affection. They hadn’t even met. Still, he would write the letter in such a way as to ensure she understood this was nothing to do with her personally. Law was simply already in love with someone else and, happily, she’d consented to be his wife.
Bryan had returned from driving Sadie into town and was now providing the same service for Law. When they reached the assembly rooms, Law thanked the lad and whistled on his way inside.
He hadn’t even realized he could whistle.
A young man of perhaps fourteen or fifteen met him just after he entered. “Welcome, Your Grace. I’m Bertrand. I’ll take you to the judging area.”
“Thank you, Bertrand.” Law followed the boy into the ballroom, where tables had been set up in rows. They were laden with dishes, and a handful of ladies were setting up little signs, presumably indicating what the puddings were.
“The judges are just over here, waiting for Mrs. Armstrong to explain how everything works,” Bertrand said, gesturing to an area to the side of the dais.
Nodding, Law made his way to where six or seven other people were sitting. Except for one fellow, who was standing. A tall man with broad shoulders, he looked to be a few years younger than Law’s twenty-nine. His dark auburn hair was a touch on the long side, and his clothing wasn’t the latest style, but it was well tailored and made of fine materials.
“You must be the Duke of Lawford,” the man said, inclining his head. “I’m Phineas Radford.” He held out his hand, and Law shook it.
“The gentleman who oversees the botanical gardens? They are an astonishing achievement. I can’t imagine what that cost. Or what it continues to cost you.”
The younger man’s features tightened—it wasn’t quite a grimace, but it might have been if Radford had allowed it. “Yes, my family cultivated the botanical gardens and donated the land for the town’s use right about the time the matchmaking festival was reborn nearly fifty years ago.”
“Everything is so well maintained. You must employ a great many gardeners and the like.”
“Probably fewer than you would think,” he said drily. “I understand this is your first time at the festival? And that you hadn’t even intended to come?”
It seemed everyone knew Law’s precise circumstances. Well, not precise, since no one knew he was supposed to be finalizing his betrothal somewhere else. “Yes, that’s correct. I’ve found it surprisingly delightful.”
“You’re staying at Fieldstone? I imagine Sadie is taking good care of you.”
Law swallowed his immediate response to that, which was to say, yes, she was taking very good care of him and he was over the moon. Instead, he noted that Radford called her Sadie, and that he’d mentioned her and not anyone else at Fieldstone. He was likely aware that she was in charge there. Did everyone know that? Honestly, why wouldn’t they?
“Indeed she is,” Law replied. “She takes very good care of everyone. I do wonder why her father hasn’t remarried when his town holds an annual matchmaking festival.”
Radford chuckled. “Don’t think plenty of women haven’t tried, though I think they gave up a few years back.”
Was Campion not interested in taking another wife? “He could at least hire a housekeeper,” Law muttered.
“What’s that?” Radford asked, leaning closer. “They hired a housekeeper? What an astounding development! I don’t mind saying it’s past time.” He wrinkled his nose slightly. “Forget I said that, please. It isn’t my place to comment on another’s household.”
“Already forgotten,” Law said, though he would recall every detail of this informative conversation. “But to answer your question, no, they have not hired a housekeeper. I was saying Campion should—to relieve his daughter’s burden.”
Radford’s hazel eyes glinted. “He may have to if she accepts a proposal tomorrow.”
Law had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from blurting out that she already had. Thankfully, Mrs. Armstrong arrived just then and explained their duties.
They were to visit each table and sample the puddings in that category. They would choose their top three favorites, ranking them first, second, and third. Then the votes would be tallied and winners in each category would be chosen. They must also choose a best overall pudding after they had sampled everything.
Looking at the quantity of puddings, Law began to regret agreeing to this task. “Pardon me, Mrs. Armstrong, are we all judging every pudding? I don’t think I have the fortitude.”
She laughed. “Goodness no, Your Grace! We have you divided up so that you’ll taste five or six categories. Don’t fret, some of them only have two puddings.”
“Here come the maidens fair,” Radford said. “Sadie looks very pretty. I was so happy when the queen chose her as an eighth maiden. She’s been overlooked for far too long.”
Yes, she had. Law watched her file in—at the end of the line—her light brown hair wound atop her head in a braided style and crowned with blue and white flowers. They complemented her blue walking dress. Her gaze met Law’s as she walked past him and gave him a smile that heated his body.
As the maidens moved onto the dais, Radford jabbed his elbow into Law’s side. “Any chance you might be the one to propose to Sadie? The odds are favoring that outcome, if you care about that sort of thing.”
Law turned his head to look at Radford. “There are wagers as to what matches are made?”
“Of course. The primary betting book is at the Wheatsheaf.”
Marrywell was perhaps more like London than one might anticipate.
As he sampled puddings, his gaze kept drifting to Sadie on the dais. She chatted occasionally with the maiden next to her, but was mostly quiet with her hands folded in her lap.
Law passed Radford as he moved to the next table. “Why don’t the maidens judge?”
“They used to until one became very ill.” He made a face. “She ate a little too much pudding. After that, none of the maidens wanted to shoulder the responsibility. So, they sit on the dais and watch. Boring as hell, if you ask me.”
“I was thinking the same thing. They should at least be allowed to sample the pudding.” Law would recommend a few of his favorites to Sadie. There was an absolutely sublime bread and butter pudding that was, so far, his choice for best of the lot.
People came in and out of the ballroom, but a group of ladies at the back of the room watched the entire proceedings. Law had to think they were the cooks, particularly since Mrs. Rowell was among them. Had she made the bread and butter pudding he liked so well? He wouldn’t be surprised.
“Lawford!”
Law had just picked up a fork at the Bakewell pudding table, which was directly in front of the dais, when he heard his name from behind him. Turning, he nearly dropped the fork. Coming straight toward him was Lord bloody Gillingham.
Two ladies followed behind him, one whose age indicated she was likely Lady Gillingham, and a young lady with pale blonde hair and wide blue eyes. She looked rather like a doll, which was precisely how Law’s father had described her.
Bloody hell.
Before Law could suggest they step outside, Gillingham gave him a jovial smile. “There he is! You look well, Lawford, despite what you’ve endured.” Short of stature, Gillingham had a hooked nose and sculpted, austere features. His hair was still a dark sable, though it had turned gray at the temples. “Allow me to present my daughter, Lady Frederica, your dear betrothed.” He spoke loudly and clearly. Everyone in the room would have heard him.
Law darted a look at Sadie on the dais. She was watching the scene unfold, her eyes wide. Indeed, all the maidens were fixed on Law and the new arrivals.
Keeping his voice low, Law moved closer to Gillingham. He didn’t wish to make more of a scene than the earl’s arrival already had. “You are mistaken. There is no betrothal.” At least not one including Lady Frederica.
Gillingham’s thick, dark brows drew together. “Perhaps not yet, at least not officially. But as you said in your letter, it’s as good as done.”
“My what?” Law’s heart pounded.
“The letter you sent,” Lady Frederica responded. She’d stepped toward them and took a piece of folded parchment from her reticule. “It was so charming. I’ve been eager to meet you too.” She gave him a tentative smile.
Who in the bloody hell had sent them a letter pretending to be him? “May I see that?” He took the letter from Lady Frederica and unfolded it. The handwriting wasn’t his, of course, and though he wasn’t completely certain, he suspected it belonged to Yates. Law transferred his gaze to the earl as he clenched his jaw. “May we go outside to continue this conversation?”
Mrs. Sneed and Mrs. Armstrong joined them, preventing Gillingham’s response.
“May I be of help?” Mrs. Sneed asked pertly, her gaze hungry for information—or more accurately, gossip.
“No, thank you,” Law said smoothly. The woman swept her attention over the Gillinghams. Law wasn’t going to be able to avoid introducing them. Unless he wanted to follow his father’s direction and simply do as he pleased. Law could hear him now: “Fuck the rules!” That didn’t apply to when he expected Law to follow them, of course.
However, Law was not his overbearing father nor did he want to be. He was overcome with the need to be as different from him as possible, to separate himself from his father’s demands and expectations.
He introduced the two women based on their rank in the town. “Lord Gillingham, allow me to present Mrs. Armstrong, whose husband is the mayor of Marrywell, and Mrs. Sneed, whose husband is the constable.”
Lord Gillingham introduced his wife and daughter. Lady Frederica kept darting disappointed looks at Law. She did indeed look like a doll—one that might break.
