Page 266 of From Rakes to Riches

“Hmm, I’m not sure I remember. Keep going, if you don’t mind.”

She guided him to her sheath, taking him into her body as he thrust up. “Is this helping?” Kissing him again, she moved over him, her hips rising sharply and pressing down as he held her tightly.

“Oh yes, I remember now. This is also deeply satisfying for me. How convenient that it is mutually beneficial.” He slid his fingers between them and teased her clitoris. She moved faster, crying out as her muscles clenched around him when she came.

Tobias tugged her hair, glorying in the sounds of her pleasure as he poured himself into her. Breathing heavily, it was several minutes before he could form a coherent thought.

He clasped her against him and rose from the chair, carrying her to the bed where he laid her down gently. She gazed up at him, her dark eyes glossy with satisfaction—and love.

Removing his banyan, he climbed into bed beside her. She’d also tossed her dressing gown away and they snuggled together, nude, their bodies warm from their activity.

“I’m sorry we don’t have time to visit Horethorne before returning to London,” he said before kissing her temple.

“I understand. You have duties to attend. I am anxious to get back to Mrs. Tucket—and to see Prudence and Cassandra. I’m so glad they are together.” Tobias had sent a note to Lucien the night of the assembly and the matter of Prudence’s employment as Cassandra’s companion had been settled before he and Fiona had left for Scotland.

“I wish we’d been able to settle Mrs. Tucket.” Tobias had suggested sending her to Deane Hall or Horethorne, but the maid had insisted on waiting in London for Fiona to return. She was so proud of “her girl” and couldn’t wait to see her as a countess.

“For now, she’s quite content in her new first floor accommodations on Brook Street.”

“And we needn’t worry she’ll harass Mrs. Smythe. My grandmother will not allow it.”

Fiona chuckled. “No, I can’t imagine she would. She is a most proper dowager countess.”

“She’s also a fierce matchmaker. Without her arrival, I may not have realized the depth of my affection for you in time. You might have attended the assembly that night and found yourself married to another man entirely.”

She shuddered against him. “Never. I realized I couldn’t marry without love. Perhaps that was why I resisted your efforts to see me wed. I simply couldn’t countenance it. Until I could.” She looked into his eyes with love and joy. “Until you.”

Tobias gathered her close and kissed her.

“Rogue.” She kissed his chin. “Rake.” Her lips trailed along his jaw. “Scoundrel.” She snagged his earlobe with her teeth. “Reprobate.” Pushing him to his back, she rose over him. “Husband.”

“I am all of those things.” He cupped her face, love searing through his chest. “I am yours.”

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