Page 119 of A Duke in the Rough

She ran a hand down his chest. “I feel so relaxed. Like a big pot of honey.”

He laughed, deep and hard. “And just as sweet. Now, you were asking me to?—”

Somehow, she managed enough strength to pull the linens from his body. Thankfully, without inflicting injury.

She stared like a ninnyhammer. Nothing like statues or paintings in museums, he was fully erect and ready for her.

For her.

She wanted to weep with joy.

“It’s an odd-looking thing, I know.”

She tore her gaze from his arousal to meet his eyes. “No. You’re beautiful. Like a Greek god.”

Closing his eyes, he hooked his arms behind his head and leaned back flat on the bed. A slow smile spread across his face. “A Greek god, eh? So more worshipping?”

Oh!Her gaze snapped back to his pelvis. She couldn’t. Could she?

The trail of hair she’d been so curious about led a path straight to his groin.

She bit her lip and darted a glance back to his face, confirming his eyes were still closed. Then, starting from his chest, she traced that path of hair. Lower, lower, lower, she inched along. When she reached his abdomen, his muscles twitched under her touch, and his member bobbed in invitation.

As she touched the drop of moisture on the velvety tip, Drake’s eyes popped open, and he sucked in a hiss.

She grasped him and stroked her fingers downward on the shaft, relishing the contrast of the soft tip and the hard length of him. Unable to keep the grin from her face, she asked, “Like or don’t like?”

The heat in his gaze answered her.

Drake rolled toward her,scooping her into his arms, her hand still wrapped around him. “Like, oh, very much like. But if you continue that, I won’t finish what we started.” Heat rushed up his neck. “Well,Iwill finish, but not as I planned.”

Her confused expression was simply adorable. “Am I not touching you correctly?”

If she only knew. “Your touch is perfect. So excellent that I will spend all over your hand if you continue.”

“Oh!”

A stronger man would send her back to her room and save her innocence.

Drake swallowed, accepting he was not that man. Her hands on him and her scent drove him to distraction. He could still taste her on his lips. Selfish, true. But he wanted—needed—to be inside her. He kissed her nose and stared into those incredible green eyes. “Now, shall we explore this uncharted territory together?”

She gave a tiny nod.

“I adore you.” He kissed her again, tenderly. “I’ve heard there can be some pain the first time. I’ll do my best to be gentle.” His stomach knotted at the mere thought of hurting her.

Trust shone in her eyes, and he vowed he would do everything in his power to never break that trust. He kissed her again, deeper, her tongue tangling with his, urging him on.

He caressed her breast again, the nipple peaking under his fingers, then slid his hand down between her legs.

Still wet from his earlier efforts, she moaned as he did his best to prepare her.

Bracing on one elbow, he positioned himself. Lord help him if he spilled the moment he entered her. She deserved better. He took a deep breath, then guided himself forward.

“Relax,” he whispered, unsure if it was to her or to himself.

With the softest of caresses, she stroked his face and kissed him. “I want this, Drake.”

Oh, God.Nothing had ever felt so good—or so right. Every intention he had to ease slowly inside vanished, and he thrust forward, fully seating himself.

---