Page 92 of A Daring Pursuit

Within moments, the ugly yet serviceable gown was in shreds. The fire between them converged into an inferno as his hands framed her breasts, suckled her nipples, and surged his member into her. She held hard and fast to his shoulders, moaning. “Oh, Noah, what twist of fate blessed me with you?”

Stars shattered in the blackened skies behind her eyes in gold brilliance.

His climax exploded and his arms tightened around her, stealing the oxygen from her. “I’m the one Divine Providence smiled upon, love.” He panted against her dampened skin.

Geneva laid her head on his shoulder, breathing in the very essence that was now a part of her soul.

A comforting quiet fell over her. “You never said what the earl sent in his note. Is Meredith well?”

He bolted upright. “I cannot believe I let you distract me so.”

“Me!”

His manner had shifted to concern. Easing her to his side, he stood, then strode to a table near the door and picked up the missive.

Her stomach dipped, but she snatched it from his outheld hand and didn’t hesitate in reading it over.

Noah, Felicitations on your recent nuptials.

She raised a brow at Noah. “Recent? It’s been six months.” Shaking her head, she silently read on.

I have every confidence your new wife will keep you firmly in line. I should have written long before now. Apologies. I’ve no idea what Rathbourne was about, Noah. The man is a cur, to be sure. My wife was not with child as he’d so blatantly announced to one and all—

Geneva glanced up, glaring. “Insinuated? The duke without the slightest hesitation accused her of taking a lover other than her husband. Bah! Those of us who know Meredith know she would never step out on her husband, no matter how abhorrent he might be.” She dropped her gaze and continued.

I confronted her, naturally. And, naturally, we had a terrific row, as you can well imagine. But something dire is afoot, Noah, and Father was up to his neck in it, whatever “it” happens to be. Things are different than I initially believed, er, with my wife. Perhaps you andMiss Wimbley, erMrs. Oshea would consider visiting. I could use your expertise and I’m certain Lady Pender would enjoy a visit with her friend.

The note went on regarding the horrid conditions of Perlsea Keep and the less-than-friendly nature Lucius was finding the Cornish natives.

“I do miss Meredith. She deserves better than Lord Pender.”

Noah returned with a non-committal tone. “You really think so?”

“Certainly. The way he hovered about Docia. Why, it was insulting to my friend, who is hiscountess.”

“He did mention things were not like he thought.”

A deep sense of longing stole through Geneva. “I would love to visit her. Perhaps when we go to London for Isabelle’s concert?”

“Of course. That is the perfect solution, my love. Will you search for your mother’s relations?”

Geneva’s stomach dropped at the thought and she didn’t answer for a long time. “No,” she said softly. “They tossed her to the curb for losing her heart. My mother was the most gentle person in the world. She didn’t deserve such treatment.”

His hand rubbed circles on her back and she leaned into it. “If you’re satisfied with that, love, then I am as well.”

She spun and threw her arms around his neck. “I love you.”

“You can’t possibly love me nearly as much as I love you,” he whispered against her lips.

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