Page 16 of A Raven Reformed

“Yes, my lord,” she panted.

He replied with an appreciative growl.

“Please.” The word slipped out, unbidden. She didn’t really even know what she was asking for. But he seemed to.

He nudged her feet apart, the warmth of his hand moving to settle between her thighs. She gasped as one finger slipped inside her split drawers and slid along her sensitive skin, finally touching the place that had been desperate for him all along.

“Is this what you’re begging for?” His finger rubbed slow, gentle circles over that magical spot, stoking pleasures she’d never before experienced.

“Yes.”

But then his hand was gone. It came down on her backside once more. “Yes, my lord,” he corrected.

“Yes, my lord,” she said desperately, and thankfully, his fingers dived back between her legs. Each flick of her nipple sent a jolt of pleasure to join the glorious feelings building between her thighs. The sensations grew within her like a fire. Her legs trembled and jerked. What was happening to her?

“I don’t know if I should be…”

“You’re doing just as you should. Don’t hold back.”

His words only heightened her pleasure and she moaned. Each swirl of his fingers stoked the flames higher and higher, and yet she was desperate for more. It was like her body knew there was a destination, but she didn’t know what it was.

Finally, just when she was sure it was too much to bear, there was an explosion. A release that sent waves of pleasure hurtling through her body. A groan of ecstasy accompanied each swell of sensation as it pulsed through her.

Slowly, the storm of pleasure began to ease. Only then did she realize her knees had buckled, and her weight was being supported by the arm he’d apparently slipped beneath her hips. His hand moved slowly from between her legs to rub soothing circles on her back.

“Good girl,” he said softly, his voice deep and soothing. The words seemed to wrap themselves around her heart. What just happened? And who was this man? Stern and confident, yes, but so gentle and sweet.

Still in a haze of euphoria, he helped her to stand before lifting her into his arms and settling her on the side of the bed.

He gently raised her chin. “Have you learned your lesson?”

Embarrassment made it difficult to look into his eyes, but when she did, there was an alluring sparkle in them that made her stomach flutter. “Yes, my lord.”

“Good.” His warm lips pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, and then he dropped to his knees before her to unfasten her shoes. It was odd to have him waiting on her. This whole experience had been odd, if she was honest. He hadn’t been angry with her as he’d spanked her. Firm, yes, but not angry or violent. And somehow, submitting to him had been a relief. She’d never had someone in her life that she could just allow to be in control of anything, really. Everyone around her had always been a servant and sought her permission or her instruction. This was something new, and she liked it.

He set the shoes aside and then pulled back the corner of the covers. “Climb under the blanket. It’s cold in here.”

He was right, it was cold, but she hadn’t noticed before. She did as he instructed, expecting he would climb in with her, but then he simply pulled the blankets over her. They certainly hadn’t completed the act that Lizzie had described to her. And from what she’d said, her husband was not only entitled to it, but would expect it.

He unbuttoned his waistcoat and untied his tie. Of course. He needed to undress first. But then he didn’t do that either. Instead, after putting those aside, he rolled up his sleeves and knelt before the fireplace. The fabric of his shirt hugged his broad shoulders, and she could see the muscles in his back rippling as he worked. Why did the sight make her long to touch him? After a few minutes, there was a growing fire burning in the grate.

“Don’t you have servants for that?” It was strange to see him tending to a fire. At Glenwood, servants had seen to every little thing. Surely he had some kind of help here, as well.

He wiped his hands with a handkerchief. “I do under normal circumstances.” He dropped the cloth on the floor beside his armoire and then bent to remove his shoes. “Today is not normal circumstances.” He gave her a pointed look.

“I’m sorry, my lord.”

His answering smile was kind and tender. “No more apologies. What’s done is done. You’re safe, and that is what’s important.

Coming to London on her own had seemed like such a good idea at the time, but it had created a much bigger stir than she’d anticipated. Perhaps she really had put herself in more danger than she’d realized. When she’d arrived and very quickly had a whole group of people fussing over her, that’s when she knew she’d made a big mistake. They were all so worried about her and relieved to see her safe, and she didn’t even know who they were, but they knew immediately who she was. They had all been so kind and reassuring, though. They cared about her because they cared about her husband.

“Scoot over.” The command startled her out of her thoughts. He gestured with his chin and she quickly complied.

He surprised her once again when he lay down on top of the blanket rather than underneath with her. He crossed his ankles and turned his head to look at her. “And no more my lord, just Michael. Until the next time you earn yourself a spanking.” He winked and Belle felt as if her stomach did a full somersault.

Who knew a spanking was something a person could look forward to?

ChapterSix

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