Three Wicked Nights with a Notorious Earl, page 22
“And?” Would the dear man not arrive at the point?
“Will you marry me? Or more to the point, will you remain married to me? I want a real union, want all of you over and above a physical relationship. There is so much I haven’t had from life but feel I deserve, and I wish to have that goodness, that blessing with you, to be a real husband to you, and to see where our union will go now that love sneaked in.”
She needed to hear the words. “Do you love me, Sebastian?”
For the space of a couple of heartbeats, he remained silent. Then, he nodded, and that emotion reflected in his eyes. “I believe I do. Though I suspected it for a bit, it wasn’t until I nearly lost you that I knew for certain.” His voice broke and the hand holding hers trembled. “It might be merely the beginning phase, but I want to explore those feelings, make them stronger, for I don’t want anyone else in my life except you.”
“Oh!” Quick tears filled her eyes. It was the most romantic he’d ever been with her, and she wanted so much more of that. “Yes, of course I’ll continue to be your wife. It’s my hope we’ll grow ever closer, for two weeks simply haven’t been long enough to truly know each other.”
“Good.” He slipped the ring onto the fourth finger of her left hand, and this one fit a bit more snugly than the last. “As I said, the matching parure is yours. I cannot wait to start over with you.”
“I would adore that.” She clung to his hand. “And Sebastian?” Another few tears fell to her cheeks, for this was what she’d hoped for when she’d wed him.
“Hmm?”
“I am rapidly falling tip over tail for you, and right now, I am coming to love you and look forward to having those feelings deepen as time goes on.” It was a lovely start.
Wonder went through his expression. “Do you know how long it has been since anyone said anything close to that to me?”
“I can only just imagine, but you deserve to hear those words; we all do, for life would be so very empty and sad without love, without hope.”
“Indeed, and I’m so damned grateful you are mine.” While that sentiment sent a flood of tingles through her lower belly, he moved closer to her on the bed, cupped her cheek, and with a shuddering sigh, he claimed her lips with his.
Immediately, the heat of passion and need swept over her. Evangeline wrapped her arms about his shoulders, wriggled as close to him as she could, and kissed him back with a fervor as if she hadn’t seen him in a hundred years instead of a mere two days. It was inevitable the embrace immediately deepened, for there had always been heat between them, and she’d wanted him ever since he’d bedeviled her in the bathtub on their wedding night, but her lungs were still bruised and her muscles ached, so she rested a palm against his chest and gently urged him away.
“Hold.” As always, his attentions made her breathless, but the twinge of pain that accompanied breathing wasn’t ideal. “I want you in my bed more than anything, but that will need to wait until I can breathe and move without hurting.” Needing to touch him, she laid a hand to the side of his face. The whiskers there tickled her skin and heightened her awareness of him. “If it didn’t hurt to breathe, I would go out onto the widow’s walk and shout to the world of my happiness over the fact we have a future together.”
His grin was so lovely and so genuine. “Perhaps later in the week.”
“I think we both should rest.”
“I do need to sleep.” When her stomach rumbled, he chuckled. “And you need to eat. Wiggins should arrive soon, so I’ll give you some privacy.”
“Oh.” She frowned as disappointment went through her chest. “We have only just reconciled.”
“I’m not going anywhere, love,” he said in such a soft voice with a certain light in his eyes that she trembled. “Rest. I’ll not be far.”
“You promise we will come together soon?”
“I do.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back before sliding from the bed. “In a few days.”
“Good.” Evangeline nodded. “After all, don’t you owe me one last wicked night?”
A red flush swept up his neck. “If you are up to it.”
“I will be.”
“Good.” Mischief danced in his dark eyes. “I did warn you I’d make you crave me.” Then, with a hand over his heart, he moved to the door. “Call for me if you grow too lonely.”
“Absolutely.” Dear God, she had a feeling her life would once more change because of his man, but suddenly their future together had never shimmered with more possibility.
Chapter Eighteen
June 18, 1813
Sebastian’s nerves felt strung all too tight as he enjoyed a brandy with Francis in the orangery. Ever since that night he’d come together with Evangeline in this room, he’d sought to make more use of it. Truly, it was a lovely room, and now with the golden hour of sunset upon them, that light slanted through the greenhouse glass and gilded everything it touched.
“Settle, Reddingham. You are so high strung this evening you are beginning to affect my mood,” his solicitor said with teasing in his voice as he sipped at his brandy.
“My apologies, but I’m so damned anxious.” And there was no reason to be. It had been four days since he’d told Evangeline he’d loved her, four days since he’d last kissed her, four days since he’d given her that new ring and seriously pledged his life to her.
Yes, he’d been in her company since then, and each moment spent with her was truly a gift now, but he’d been assailed by a nervousness he wasn’t accustomed to, and somehow the thought of doing unspeakable things to her now that emotions had become involved seemed... odd. Once a man fell in love with a woman, was the enjoyment of more questionable carnal acts frowned upon? He’d never had cause to question.
Since he’d had dinner with Francis—Evangeline had eaten from a tray in her rooms claiming fatigue—he’d told his friend everything that had happened since that last time he’d taken dinner with the man. Including almost losing her to the sea and his grand change of thoughts and heart, essentially breaking down the walls he’d erected around himself to willfully let in the light.
Sebastian took a sip of his brandy. “What should I do? Though I’m married to Evvie, I cannot help but feel everything is new and awkward and foreign.”
“That’s because it is.” Francis grinned and shook his head. “As for what you should do? It’s obvious. You go upstairs and make love to your wife.”
“Of course I know that, but will coupling be as enjoyable now that I love her?” One of his fears was his life would become all too dull, that the excitement he’d known before would leech away, stolen by domesticity.
After draining his tumbler, Francis set the empty glass on a nearby table. “My friend, you have no idea how much better intercourse will be.” His eyes twinkled with humor. “I am happy for you, Reddingham. You needed this, I think, and I look forward to seeing how you will grow and how your life will continue to be enhanced.”
“It is all due to her influence.” When he peered at the remainder of the liquor in his glass, he frowned and then set his tumbler next to Francis’. He wanted a clear head when he saw his wife tonight. “Now I see how lost I truly was, and if it wasn’t for her, I shudder to think what would have become of me.”
“That is what women do. Well, at least the good ones.” The solicitor chuckled. “It warms my heart to know you’re in love with your wife. Now, perhaps, I don’t need to worry over you quite so much.”
“I appreciate that.” Truly, he was very fortunate to have such a caring friend after he’d cocked up the whole of his life in London. “Perhaps eventually I shall be accepted back into society.”
“It’s entirely possible. Sarah and I would be delighted to visit you in London.”
Sebastian pressed a hand to his chest. His heart swelled in gratitude. “I would like that, and Evangeline gets along well with your wife.” Suddenly, his life had shifted and was moving toward respectability where he never thought it possible.
Was she even now waiting for him abovestairs? What if he couldn’t perform as expected?
“Don’t think so much.” Amusement wove through Francis’ voice. “All will be well.”
“Right.” He nodded. “I hope tonight leads to an heir.”
Francis snorted. “So you can send Evangeline and the child away? Isn’t that what you’d originally planned?”
“God, no.” Heat sneaked up the back of his neck. “I was a prick then, I’ll fully admit. I want the child and her here. To have a family I can protect, to coddle, to spend time with and grow with.” Once more his chest tightened. He shot a wry glance at the solicitor. “Can you believe that?”
“I can.” Admiration reflected in Francis’ eyes. “It happens to every man once they fall so deeply into love with their wives.”
Truly, it was that simple. Why couldn’t he have let himself believe in it before? Perhaps he wasn’t ready and had needed her guidance, needed... her. “I am ever grateful for it.”
“As you should be. Evangeline is wonderful. She would have to be to endure the shit you’ve no doubt put her through.”
“She’s a brick of a woman.” They both shared a laugh. “I should send her to France so she can meet her dreams.”
“There is plenty of time for all of that. Just enjoy what you have in front of you.” He clapped a hand to Sebastian’s shoulder. “As for me, I am going home to share your good news with my wife. I’m quite certain you have other things to occupy your time besides talking with me.”
Sebastian tugged at his cravat’s knot. “I do.”
A knowing light glimmered in Francis’ eyes. “I’ll come by in a few days to check in on you both.”
“Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. For everything.” His friend didn’t have to put up with him and his horrid moods and behaviors, but Francis had, and he’d stayed by his side.
“It is what friends do.” He nodded. “I am only glad you realized what we have known all along—that you are worthy and deserving of good things.”
“Yes.” Sebastian nodded. “I am not my father.” As Francis exited the house by way of the door in the orangery, he waved. “Safe travels.”
Once he was left alone, he sighed. It would take more than a handful of days before he became accustomed to the changes entering his life.
Eventually, he left the greenhouse and made his way through the warren of corridors until he came to the grand staircase. Then he was obliged to come to a halt, for Evangeline sat upon the stairs, and damn she was a vision.
The rays of the setting sun slanted in just so that they illuminated her to best advantage. A gown of emerald satin gleamed in that light, and the underskirt of a pale green silk embroidered with green vines set his imagination on fire. Her upswept black hair called attention to her creamy decolletage where the upper slopes of her breasts were clearly visible as well as her shoulders that were on display from the gown’s cut that left the garment hanging on her bare arms. Though she’d not worn any jewelry other than the emerald ring he’d given her the other day, she truly didn’t need the adornment, for her sparkling gray eyes were enough.
Never had he wanted a woman more.
“Cat got your tongue, Reddingham?” she asked with an arched eyebrow and a purr in her voice that went straight to his stones.
“I...” He cleared his throat. “I thought you were in bed.”
“Oh, I intend to be; I just needed extra time to prepare.” Slowly, she drew her hand along the bodice of the gown, and he couldn’t help but drop his gaze to her décolletage on display.
“Ah, for what?” He tugged at the knot of his cravat. Why was it suddenly so hot in the house?
“Can’t you guess?” As she rose to her feet, she brought forth a length of white silk fabric from the folds of her skirting—one of his cravats. “I want you, Sebastian.”
Dear gods, I’m in a spot of bother.
At least he had his answer. By showing the cravat, she’d given his permission to restrain her. Interest rushed through his shaft to tighten it. “I was on my way to up see you.”
“Good.” She gathered her skirting in her hands and ascended a couple of steps then glanced over her shoulder at him. It was quite bewitching. “Don’t linger. I am in great need, and I’m expecting very wicked things from you tonight.”
All of his remaining doubts vanished. “Oh, I’ll show you wicked.” Then with a growl, he chased her up the stairs to the third floor. Unable to remain parted from her, he caught up with her and tugged her into his arms. As he claimed her lips in a searing kiss, he pressed her back against the wall next to the door to his suite. Again and again, he drank from her, chased and bossed her tongue with his, wanted her to know in no uncertain terms that he desired her beyond all other things in life. He had the laces at the back of her gown undone in a thrice, but she stayed him with a palm to chest.
“Not out here where anyone can see. I’m a countess, after all.” But the heat in her eyes said she wasn’t nearly done with him.
“Does that mean you wish for a respectable coupling?” he couldn’t help but ask as he pulled away from her long enough to open the door and pull her inside the bedchamber.
“Bite your tongue, Reddingham.” Mock outrage threaded through her voice. “I couldn’t imagine you bedding a woman in such a dull manner.”
“Indeed.” After closing the door and turning the key in the lock, he once more took her into his embrace and kissed her, couldn’t have enough of her lips on his, and as he did, he continued to unlace the gown. When the ribbons went slack and the bodice gaped, he tugged the garment down her body until gravity took it the rest of the way.
Then he received the second shock of the evening.
“Good gods, you are completely nude beneath.” For that matter, she’d not even worn stockings or slippers. And he stared at her, trying to look everywhere all at once, for every portion of her body was as gorgeous as the last time he’d seen her. “Beautiful.”
A faint blush stained her cheeks in the light from the sunset. The hard tips of her nipples thrust forward, almost begged for his attention. “I didn’t wish to waste time; I simply want you in bed. It has been far too long.”
Was there anyone more perfect for him than her? “Though that gown is amazing, I far prefer you this way.” Taking her hand, Sebastian led her away from the puddle of clothing. “Now, if you will allow me a few moments, I’ll join you in that state.” Quickly, he made good on his promise, wrenching, and tugging, and yanking the clothing from his person. Once he’d finally stripped, he pulled her into an embrace, crushed his mouth to hers in a searing kiss that left them both breathless. Dear God, how he needed her—now and always. Unable to stop, he continued to kiss her, hoped to relearn the secrets her mouth held, when she returned his advances and twined her arms about his shoulders, he applied himself with more enthusiasm, for the raw feel of skin against skin was exquisite.
Eventually, she danced her fingertips down his chest, and every fairy-like touch sent awareness rippling over him. With eyes clouded with the same passion coursing through him, she stared up into his face and held his gaze. “If you wish to devour me, please do so. I’m waiting.”
Bloody hell.
“So you are.” And he rather adored the note of command in her voice. He lost another piece of his heart to her in that moment, and if he hadn’t already been nearly in love with her, being with her thusly would have sealed the deal. “I assume you’d enjoy having your wrists secured this evening, countess?” Before she could respond, he put his hands at her waist and then tossed her into the middle of his bed.
Her squeal of delight echoed in the room, but she propped herself on an elbow and her smile was wide. “I thought, perhaps, I might enjoy having you restrained instead.”
Need shot down his spine as he gawked at her. “Me?” That hadn’t happened for many years indeed. “Why?” It didn’t matter, and knowing she wished to take control of the coupling aroused him more than any words, so he retrieved the length of silk from the floor where she’d dropped it while undressing.
“Why not?” She came onto her knees. “Can I not have fun teasing you like you’ve done to me?”
“You can, of course.” Sebastian tossed her the cravat. “Whatever my lady wants.” Then he joined her on the bed, made certain various portions of his body rubbed against hers as he laid down in the middle with his upper body propped against the pillows. “I await your convenience.”
“I have wanted you restrained since you did it to me.” The cheeky woman straddled him, made certain her naval glanced over his face as she tied first one wrist to the headboard and then the other. Where had she learned to tease like that? “Too tight?”
He tested her work. “Just right.” Already, his shaft was hard enough to double as a jousting staff and they’d yet to begin. Then he moved his head and lightly bit one of her nipples. “I’m waiting, countess.”
“Indeed.” Evangeline swept her gaze over his person, and desire darkened her eyes. “There is something about seeing a handsome man immobile and helpless that makes me want to release every inhibition.” She repositioned herself until she straddled his waist with his aroused length against her arse. “How should I tease you, I wonder?”
“You are a clever woman, and quite inventive I’d say since you enjoy baking.” He winked. “I’m certain you’ll think of something.”
“Mmm.” When she cupped her breasts, Sebastian sucked in a breath, but as she strummed the tips of her fingers over the pebbled tips, a groan escaped him. “Like that?”
Hellfire and damnation. By willpower alone, he tamped on the urge to spend right there. “I believe I’ve corrupted you.” No longer was she an innocent in the ways of pleasure and erotic torture. Watching her play with her nipples drove home the fact she’d learned all too well from his teachings.
“Oh, you most certainly have.” She threw back her head and uttered an exaggerated moan that escaped her lips while she pinched those pink buds. “Too bad it’s not you giving me such sensations. I rather do adore your mouth on various parts of my body.” And she continued to give him a show. Then her hands were in her hair, plucking out pins and combs. The accessories pinged on the hardwood. “I wonder what else I should do that will drive you wild.” Her dark tresses fell about her shoulders to half-shroud her breasts from his hungry gaze.
