Page 23 of A Raven Reformed

He pulled her into the deserted hallway. “What has gotten into you?”

She let out a long sigh. “I told you, I’m ready for bed.”

“And desert our guests?”

She merely shrugged.

“You were unacceptably rude to Lord Bexley back there. Do I need to spank you?” he warned.

She rolled her eyes. “Right next to a ballroom full of people?”

“One day you’ll learn, Belle. I’m never bluffing.” He gripped her arm and hauled her into the nearest sitting room, shutting the door behind them. At least there was a little trepidation mixed with the obvious excitement in her eyes.

“Hands on the sofa,” he ordered, not wasting any time. When she didn’t move, he gave her a stern look and lowered his voice to a growl. “Do you remember what happens if I have to repeat myself?”

Immediately her demeanor changed. She lowered her eyes in deference. Although, there was a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “Yes, my lord.”

Those three words were all it took for lust to storm his body. She bent over and placed her palms on the seat of the sofa, and he threw her skirts over her back. It had been far too long since he’d seen this tantalizing view the first time. Sadly, he had yet to see her backside without drawers covering at least part of it, but hopefully soon. He brought his hand down hard, sending a swift message that he was serious. She gasped and whipped her head around, probably surprised by his firmness.

“I won’t tolerate rudeness, Belle.” He followed with another hard stroke on the other side of her bottom.

“Ouch.” She pouted her lips.

“If you embarrass me again, there will be more where those came from. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, my lord.”

He rubbed his palm gently over the warmed skin to soothe the sting. “Good girl.”

She moaned appreciatively, and unable to resist, he slipped two fingers between her thighs. Warmth and wetness greeted him. God, she was incredible. He nestled her sensitive nub between his fingers, massaging gently.

“Mmmm.” She tipped her hips up slightly to grant him better access, and his control threatened to shatter. He couldn’t very well take his wife’s virginity while she was bent over a drawing room sofa, so he reined in his desires. He tossed her skirts back into place and turned away from her, holding out an arm to escort her back to the ballroom.

He heard a huff of disappointment behind him before she eventually slid her arm through his. “If you’re a good girl for the rest of the night, I promise to pick up where I left off when we go up to bed. Would you like that?”

An alluring smile grew on her lips. “Yes, my lord.”

The rest of the evening was a kind of sweet torture as he imagined all the things he was finally going to do with his wife. It was impossible to concentrate on any conversation.

When he finally escorted her toward his chambers, Belle stopped in front of her own door, just as they had every night, and waited for her goodnight kiss. “I thought you wanted me to pick up where I left off in the drawing room.”

Her eyes grew wide and she nodded. “I just assumed you were bluffing.”

“I’ve already told you, I never bluff.” He claimed her mouth, crushing her body against him.

But then he stopped abruptly. “Unless you’re too tired, that is.” He loved the way her eyes narrowed when he teased her.

“Never.” Her voice was already breathless and she pulled him back down by his lapels.

He chuckled against her mouth before lifting her into his arms and striding down to his own chambers.

“Out!” he barked at Jones as he carried her through the door. The man nearly jumped out of his shoes in his haste to leave. Michael kicked the door shut behind him.

“I’m going to see all of you tonight,” he promised as he placed Belle on her feet and began hurriedly undressing her. Her chemise and drawers both sustained rips in his fervor to get her naked, but oh was she glorious. He stepped back to take her all in, and she covered herself with an arm across her breasts and a hand at the juncture of her thighs.

“Don’t you ever hide yourself from me.” He pressed a soft kiss to her lips and gently pulled her arms away. “You are beautiful, and I want to admire every inch of you.”

He motioned for her to turn around so he could see the other side and she reluctantly complied. Her bottom jiggled enticingly when he slapped it and the throbbing in his trousers became nearly unbearable. Pulling her back against him, he pressed his open lips over her shoulder and licked a path all the way up to her ear where he sucked the lobe into his mouth. Her body shivered against him, and she whimpered quietly.

---