Page 96 of The Untamed Duke
He might have held on to his sanity had she not whispered, “Nicholas, my very own winter wolf, I love you,” just before she shuddered, threw her head back and sobbed in yet another orgasm. And because he loved her so much, Nicholas surrendered himself.
Their lovemaking was a tender whirlwind, so sweet and all-encompassing, it eclipsed anything they'd shared before. Pulsing inside her, he took everything she gave him and poured himself back into her until they collapsed together in blissful exhaustion.
“You are my everything, honeybee,” Nicholas murmured as Grace drifted asleep, in his arms. “My everything, forever.”
Chapter 39
The whirl of excitement surrounding the return of the Earl of Bentley and his new wife allowed Grace the opportunity of fading into the background at Beaumont. Oh, there were murmurs of sympathy for the loss of her stables and her horses, and Celia practically strangled her with an embrace and a choked sob of sorrow, but the majority of attention was firmly fixed on the couple of honor.
Tristan kept his distance, his dark eyes unreadable, face set as if made of stone, and that alone created its own brand of gossip. Normally, the viscount tagged close at her heels, now he only approached with polite greetings. Speculation was rife as to the reasons why after his dogged pursuit, but Grace determinedly ignored the whispers.
People had been gathering for days at Beaumont and surrounding estates for the ball. With so many guests milling about, it was difficult finding a private spot for any type of discussion, but on the third morning, Celia successfully cornered Grace in the library. In her typical forthright manner, she didn't contain her curiosity.
“Is it true, Grace? Richeforte risked his life saving your horses?”
The tale had spread through theton,and Grace saw no reason she should deny it. Everyone should know of Nicholas’s bravery. They should all know he wasn't the monster they thought he was.
“It it.” Grace placed the book she was reading aside and made room for Celia on the settee. “He would have died had Sebastian not gone in after him.”
Celia chewed her lips for a moment, then blurted out, “Has the duke fallen in love with you, then?”
Taking a deep breath, Grace nodded. “He has. I’m so sorry, Celia. I know you have carried an affection for him this season. I never meant for this to happen—”
“Good. I’m so happy for you.”
“You are?” Grace knew disbelief was evident in her tone.
“Of course! If anyone is to be his duchess, it must be you, Grace. You will love him as he deserves to be loved. Wholeheartedly and without reservation.” The smile Celia gave Grace was one of deep affection. “I knew this would happen the night you two danced at the Calmont Downs’ fete’. He was completely fascinated by you, and I told Mother she needn’t worry about my pursuit of the duke because you’d already caught him.”
“It’s a wonder your parents did not lock me away to keep me from Richeforte’s path.”
“They are the most absent of guardians, I know, but then again, you are the most unusual of wards. I think they realized early on there was no hope of containing you. You truly are a Cornwall storm. You whirl in, do as you please, and whirl back out with a sunny smile, leaving others glad for the rainbow you left behind. Would you have allowed anyone to keep you from Belmar Abbey and your horses?”
“No. Never,” Grace whispered.
“The duke, I expect, will give you anything you desire. Allow you to go wherever you please. And be right at your side while you do it.” Celia patted Grace’s hand, leaning toward her with a cheeky grin. “How you tamed the Winter Wolf is a secret I hope you share one day. It might help me find my own husband.”
Grace sighed. “I fear Tristan will never forgive me. We did not part on good terms when he left Bellmar Abbey.”
Celia leaned back against the settee, a small frown creasing her brow. “Tristan will be fine. When he sees you and Richeforte together, how you are, how you look at one another, he will understand. Perhaps now he will look for someone who loves him in that way as well. He deserves it so. I do wish Violet’s parents were not pursuing an engagement for her to that awful Lord Gadley. She’s loved Tristan since we were children, although he’s never so much as spared her a second glance. She would be so good for him.”
Celia sighed with disappointment before smiling fondly at Grace. “Do not worry about him, Grace. Tristan will find his own happiness, if he allows himself.”
With a squeeze of Celia’s hand, Grace conveyed her gratitude. She hoped her friend was right.
* * *
If she’d not beenable to discuss the matter of Sebastian and Nicholas with Ivy and Sara, Grace was sure she would have cracked apart from the anticipation of waiting for Nicholas to arrive. Sara, of course, squealed with glee.
“I had my suspicions all along His Grace was not that bad,” she exclaimed, hugging Grace. “Well, he does have the reputation of being quite wicked when it comes to women, but I never truly believed he was completely without honor.”
Grace blushed. “Oh, he is wicked, Sara. Terribly so, I’m afraid.”
Sara waved her hand. “You know what I mean, darling. His father was downright hateful; it did not seem fair his son should follow those footsteps, even with his notorious reputation. I’m so happy for you, Grace. So very happy. Isn’t this just wonderful for our dear Grace, Ivy?”
Ivy nodded. She was much more cautious. “For her sake, yes. She has fallen in love, and the duke loves her. But there is still Sebastian and Nicholas and everything driving the spike between them. Provided they do not attempt to finish what they began nearly six years ago, if they will listen to each other, hear each side of the story, I believe there will be a happy outcome to all of this. We must do all we can to keep tempers at bay. Sebastian can be so terribly hotheaded. It’s a blessing the duke is known for his rather icy demeanor. If they both lose their tempers, I fear the results will be disastrous.”
Seeing the stricken look on Grace’s face at that distressing thought, Sara hugged her again. “They will discuss matters like rational men. Alan will be here, he can help. Ivy,” Sara turned to the other girl, “are you sure Richeforte will come? You did invite him, and there was no mistake of his welcome here?”
