Page 99 of A Naughty Proposal for His Winter Countess
With the vows exchanged, the party withdrew to the reception room for the wedding breakfast, where the table had been laid out with light meals and lovely delicacies.
It was a perfect morning, even more so because of the sun’s surprising appearance on a chilly winter's day, which lifted everyone’s spirits.
“Attention everyone!” Ben stood and lifted his glass, “It is my pleasure to thank you all for celebrating with us on such a happy occasion. Despite all the turmoil of the past few weeks we now have a lovely end. We have been fortunate enough to stay on and witness the nuptials of my dear sister to my oldest and truest friend. Please have it on record that if Barkley hurts my Sister, I will personally see it that the deepest dungeon in Newgate will be his future home. Cheers to them!”
Laugher ran through the room, while Harriet leaned in to whisper, “Don’t worry; he’ll have to go through me to get to you, and he will never lay a hand on me.”
Later, after the wedding cake and champagne had been served, the guests milled about in the reception room. Ben approached Daniel and Harriet while she was coaxing Daniel into eating more cake
“Congratulations,” he said. “I know you will be very happy.”
“Thank you, Ben,” Harriet replied. And I can assure you, you will never have cause to put Daniel away.”
He bowed his head and turned to leave; Daniel stood and followed him to the door. “Ben, wait; where are you going?”
“To London,” he said while reaching for his coat. “I have a few files waiting on my desk.”
“You meant it, didn't you?” Daniel asked. “That I am your oldest and truest friend?”
“Without a doubt,” Ben said, “Listen, we did have a row not too long ago because I was an obstinate mule and didn't stop to listen. There will be times you can’t stand me as well, but that is what happens with friendships; we will disagree at times, but even so, we’re still going to be by each other's side.”
Relieved, Daniel stuck his hand out, and Ben took it, “Glad to hear that, Ben. I’ll hold you to that.”
“Treat my sister well, Raster,” Ben threw over his shoulder as he ducked out.
* * *
Daniel was not repentant for leaving the reception hall to whisk Harriet away to his home…and to his bed. Alone in their bedroom, he loved gazing at her glossy-cut green eyes, as she gazed up at him.
“Harriet,” he whispered hoarsely, holding her close. “Finally, I have you here, with me.”
Pressing her face into his chest, Harriet whispered, “After all we've been through, especially when I thought I lost you.”
Sliding his hands up her back, Daniel vowed, “You'll never have to worry about that again, Love.”
Unable to speak more, Daniel began dropping soft fluttering kisses on the line of her hair until Harriet tilted her face to his, “I love you.”
“Not as much I cherish you, Harriet,” Daniel whispered.
Relief poured through his body that the danger had passed. Carrington was gone, Harriet was safe and sound from his deviousness, his mother was alive, and was eager to continue making amends, and now, after what seemed like months of waiting had given himself the one thing he craved most: being Harriet's husband.
The kiss they shared was deep, slow, sensual and tasted like champagne from their wedding breakfast. The intimate stroke of her tongue on his was so electrifying and stimulating to his senses. He left her lips and drifted to her jaw and nibbled at her ear. When his mouth closed over her lobe, a soft moan left her lips, and her hands scrabbled for his clothes.
“We are just getting started, Darling,” Daniel murmured. “I don't want this to end quickly. We have waited enough to get here, so we are going to take our time and savor every minute of it.”
Carefully, he removed her jeweled necklace, peeled her gloves from her hands, and then had her sitting on the edge of his bed.
Laying soft kisses on her cheek, Daniel knelt before her and removed her silk slippers, holding her dainty foot in his hand before his finger skimmed up her silk to touch her garters. He felt her shiver through the thin material and a wicked notion came to him.
“I'd like for you to keep these on,” Daniel kissed her knee. Standing, Daniel took Harriet with him and cupped her cheek. “I must ask, Darling, are you sure?”
After a long silent moment, Harriet reached up and pulled the pins out of her hair, shaking the thick tresses out and down her shoulders. When her eyes opened, they glinted with desirous fire. “I was never more sure as I am now. My heart is yours and tonight, my body will be as well.”
Spurred on, Daniel tugged his jacket off, kicked off his shoes, and nearly tore away his neckcloth, only to have Harriet stop him, reaching over to softly undo the cloth. “Why destroy a very important weapon in your arsenal?”
Wickedly aroused by her insinuation, Daniel took the cloth from her and dropped it on the bedside table, “We'll save that for another time.”
Slowly he turned her to face the bed, then began to unfasten the tiny buttons at the back of her gown. When they were all done, Daniel pulled them apart, sliding the neckline over her shoulders while loving the supple curve of her back under the thin chemise.
