Page 112 of Bound to the Heartless Duke
Lily felt the pressure in her core build with every thrust, every hot suck on her nipple, every word he breathed against her ear.
“Say it,” he commanded softly. “Say you are mine.”
“I am yours,” she gasped, the words tumbling out before she could think.
His hand slid lower again, finding her sensitive clit. He pressed and circled in time with his thrusts until she was trembling, her cries coming faster. And then, with one deep thrust, she shattered.
She cried out, and he groaned, still thrusting deeply until he stiffened against her and climaxed.
The air shuddered out of him as he bit her ear, and his arm tightened around her as though he feared to let her go again.He stayed buried inside her for a long moment until the tremors subsided. Then, he loosened his grip on her and rolled slightly so she could face him.
“I have held back for so long,” he said quietly, his voice almost vulnerable.
He kissed her, slowly, deeply, before brushing her damp hair from her cheek.
“Every moment I have wanted you, and every moment I told myself I must wait. Do you know what restraint costs a man when the woman he craves is within arm’s reach?”
Her lips curved faintly, still flushed from their lovemaking. “If this is the price of your patience, Magnus, then I am glad you made me wait.”
He smiled, not his usual guarded smile, but something softer, warmer. He pulled her close again, pressing one last kiss to her forehead before settling beside her, his hand resting possessively on her waist as though even sleep would not make him let go.
The bed was warm when Lily’s eyes fluttered open in the morning. For a moment, she lay still as the memory of last night flooded her senses. His touch, his voice low against her ear, and the way he had looked at her as though she were the most precious thing in the world.
A shy smile crept onto her lips, and her cheeks flushed at the recollection, before she noticed the empty spot beside her.
Where is Magnus?
She slipped out of bed and wrapped a robe around herself.
The hall outside the room was cold, and sunlight spilled in through the tall arched windows. A gentle breeze blew in from somewhere unseen, carrying with it the scent of the gardens.
It was a pretty morning. But it would be much prettier if she found her husband and made sure he wouldn’t act like nothing had happened the previous night.
Her bare feet barely made a sound as she padded down the corridor. Somewhere far off, a door creaked, followed by the faint murmur of voices. Curious, she followed the sound.
She found him at the front door, but he wasn’t alone.
Magnus stood half in shadow, speaking to a boy who could not have been more than twelve.
The lad’s clothes were patched, his boots worn, but his eyes were sharp and quick. He nodded at something Magnus said, received a coin into his palm, and darted off down the drive like a small, purposeful bird.
Magnus turned then, and their eyes met.
It was as if the world screeched to a halt, no breeze, no sound, only silent recognition between them. She saw the memory of last night reflected in his gaze and the way his mouth softened.
Her breath caught, and for a heartbeat, she thought he would close the distance between them without a word. Worse, ignore her.
So she decided to break the silence with a question.“Who was that boy?”
His eyes warmed, though his tone was cautious when he answered, “A messenger of sorts. I have paid him to keep watch, and to let me know if certain… matters arise.”
“What matters?”
“The men your brother owes,” he said simply, his voice low and careful now. “They have grown tired of demanding payment and chosen instead to strike at the source. Word is that they’ve tracked him to the north. They move even now.”
Lily’s fingers curled into the folds of her robe. “And you intend to go after them?”
“I intend to find him before they do,” Magnus replied. “It is not a place for you. I will see to it alone.”
