Page 65 of The Untamed Duke
Grace could not breathe. Desire swamped her senses. His lips were lightning bolts, streaking across her skin and igniting her from the inside out.
Those blasted dimples of his abruptly peeked out. “I think I’m going to kiss you right now.”
“Is that all?” Grace squeaked.
“For starters.”
His mouth covered hers, blazing hot and sweet, like cinnamon melted in sugar. When he requested entry, sliding his tongue along the seam of her lips, she opened with a gasp, welcoming him inside. Nicholas kissed her with such thoroughness, Grace lost track of seconds and minutes. The earth revolved in a slow whirl, existing only in the space between their bodies. He gave her kisses so hungry, it felt he was devouring her, and kisses so tender and full of promise, she could only loop her arms around his neck and hang on.
“Such a clever girl,” he murmured along her jawline. “Giving me a room so far from the others. Your cries of pleasure will scarcely be heard.”
Grace drifted high in a blissful state. “I won’t make much of a racket, Your Grace.”
Nicholas bit her lower lip until she moaned. “Challenge accepted, pet. And do recall our agreement, if you please. I’ve no wish hearing the words ‘Your Grace’ when we are together this way.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” Her soft voice carried a teasing lilt.
“You court trouble with that smart mouth of yours.” His mouth traveled to the crook of her neck and shoulder. When he nipped her, licking the spot immediately so the sting was soothed, Grace nearly swooned. “Especially when I’m still vexed with you.”
“Why?” The single word was barely audible. She was drowning in sensations, and speech was difficult. Somehow, she opened her eyes, meeting his stare. “Why would you be vexed?”
“You ran from me, remember?” Settling his hands in the curve of her waist, he pressed forward until their bodies finally touched. “Don't ever run from me again," he warned. "I will go to the ends of hell and back to catch you."
The heat of him was scorching, enough so Grace could not catch her breath. "Please, I can't breathe."
"Good." Nicholas pushed her flush with the wall, looming over her. "I want you unable to breathe, unable to think, unable to do anything other than feel what I'm about to do to you."
Grace’s stomach flip-flopped with a heady sense of anticipation. "What...what will you do?"
“Nothing too terrible. You may even survive. If you're lucky." His finger traced along the curve of her jaw until he reached the underside of her chin. Lifting it with just enough force until she had no choice but to gaze into his glittering emerald eyes, Nicholas’s face remained hard as stone. "Shall we begin?"
"It seems I have little choice.”
The corners of his eyes crinkled at her rebellious response. "I doubt the need to force my attentions on you.” He kissed the tip of her nose, that oddly affectionate gesture he’d done twice before. “I’ve missed you. Will you stay?” His brow furrowed slightly and Grace knew it was because he was unaccustomed to asking for anything. If he wanted something, he took it.
It melted her. She’d do anything for him, regardless of the token resistance she put forth.
“You missed me?” Her words were hesitant.
Nicholas swore beneath his breath. “You know I did, little bee. I’ve not had a moment’s rest since you left. Nightmares, you see...”
Grace’s head tilted, bewildered by his casual admission. Nightmares...what were they about? How did she unwittingly help with those? Questions assailed her; however, a more pressing matter needed addressing. “There is no remedy for it, Nicholas. After this, only two nights will remain.”
“Truthfully, it is three. That last night at Oakmont, we only slept.”
“That was your choice.” Grace shrugged.
“Bloody hell, I should have drove a better bargain.”
“It would all still come end,” she murmured, suddenly conscious how that truth made her heart ache.
“Give me more,” Nicholas demanded, dark and silky. His eyes shone like a wolf on the hunt, closing in on unsuspecting prey.
Grace shook her head with a sorrowful smile. “I can give you tonight.”
He regarded her for a long moment, perhaps considering how he might bend her resolve. “Will you give me everything else?”
“What will you want?”
