Page 32 of The Viscount's Daring Cinderella
Theodore’s heart was pounding in his chest. He pulled his hand away, but Beryl moved forward, straining for him to return. She wanted him to touch her there. His hand reached for that most womanly part of her, and when he stroked her, it sent her into shivers of ecstasy. He slid a finger inside her, and she gasped and clenched around him. She was slippery wet. He stroked her deeply with one strong finger before he inserted two, igniting her. She writhed against his hand, lost in pleasure. At first, his strokes were deep and slow, but as she moaned and writhed, he increased the tempo. Moisture beaded between her legs. Her hard nub cried out to him, and he teased it as she arched her hips against his hand, demanding more of him.
“Theodore,” she cried out as she found her release. She trembled in his arms.
He nuzzled her neck. “I am here,” he whispered as she rode the waves of her pleasure.
They were both breathing hard as if they had made a mad dash. Theodore withdrew his fingers and helped Beryl to straighten her garments. Her face was flushed when she met his eyes; she lowered her lashes.
Theodore tilted her chin and gazed into her eyes. Desire still burned hot, and it took all of his restraint not to take her right here.
“I submit my cheek for your slap.”
He was rewarded with a smile. “You should not be ashamed or fear your passion, Beryl; it is natural and honest,” he murmured. “I am sure you will agree that we are long past formalities.”
“We are,” she whispered.
“You found pleasure without breaking your rule. We did not kiss,” Theodore said.
“But this is far more intimate than kissing. I should take kissing off the list and put whatever this is on it,” Beryl gasped. “This is …wicked.”
“Did you not enjoy it?” Theodore asked, although he already knew the answer.
Beryl stared at him with wide-eyed innocence. “Immensely. I might even want to experience it again.”
Theodore chuckled, pulled her close, and gave her a tight hug. He sighed deeply.
“I want to as well, over and over, but I am afraid that I would not be able to control myself. I have not reached my pleasure, and it would be risky for me to do so. If I did, there is a chance you could be with child,” he said, giving her the unvarnished truth. He is determined never to deceive this woman.
“Oh,” she murmured.
She rested her head against his shoulder, and he wrapped his arms around her waist.This feels … right. An almost weak feeling assailed him at the awareness of how perfect she fitted against him.
Beryl squeezed him closer, and Theodore kissed the top of her head then withdrew from her embrace. It was time for them to separate before they went too far.
Beryl stared up at him. Her gaze was on his mouth, and he groaned at the desire in the depth of her eyes. “I want you to kiss me,” Beryl said.
Theodore’s breath caught in his throat.
“Do you not want to?”
The question was so simple, but a torrent of emotions went through him. He wanted to taste her more than anything. Theodore swiftly lowered his head and moved his mouth over hers with the desperate passion that he felt. He groaned at thefirst taste of her mouth, reveling in the taste of her lips. She softened instantly and opened her mouth to receive him. She gave a soft, irresistible moan, and he swallowed it before he ran his tongue over her lips and plunged it into her mouth. Beryl was kissing him back, thrusting her tongue against his before she nibbled at his lip. It was exquisite torture. Her lips were so warm and welcoming. He broke the kiss and nibbled her lower lip.
Theodore whispered in Beryl’s ear. “You will be the death of me this night. We must stop.”
He brushed his lips against her for the final time. “Have a good night, Beryl, and I will see you in the morning.”
Beryl smiled, a very mischievous look in her eyes. What was she thinking?
“Goodnight, Theodore.” She went to the door and paused but did not look back. She opened the door and faded into the night, leaving him with a hard cock.
“Damn it!” Theodore swore.
Regardless of how much he enjoyed kissing and touching Beryl, this could go no further. He would be breaking his promise not to become intimate with anyone who served in his household. It did not help that he knew Beryl wanted a husband. He, by no means, wanted a wife. Their positions were set, and it would be foolish to entertain the thought of anything else. Yet, he could not help but think how comfortable he was with her at Bowden Park. For reasons he could not explain, it felt right. He was happy she was there, and he had her spiteful cousins to thank for his fortune.
Theodore poured himself another bourbon as he waited for his blood to cool. He would have to try harder to keep his hands to himself. But what was more intriguing than his resolve was why she had been so open and responsive to his kisses. What changed?
CHAPTER 13
Beryl returned to her room, and only then did she realize she had not chosen a book. She dared not return to the library. At any rate, she did not think she could read tonight. She smiled. Her body was alive in a way that she could not have imagined before. And the look in Theodore’s eyes was one of tender desire. She changed into her nightdress and crawled beneath the covers.
