Page 45 of A Bride for the Beastly Duke
“Are you going to be fishing for compliments all day?”
“Well, I haven’t gotten a single one so…”
Ava gave a contented sigh. “Fine. Ididenjoy myself immensely. Happy?”
“Very.”
She turned her head, so she could look him in the face. “What…you…I…” She blushed crimson, looking away. “What were you… actuallydoing to medown there?”
He laid his hand on her belly and then trailed it down lower and lower, making her tense up. “I merely tickled you with mytongue.” She jerked as he illustrated with his fingers. “I suckled you down, tasting all of you.” He pressed down again and then rubbed hard, making her squeak as jolts and aftershocks shot every which way in her body.
“Ohh,” she moaned shakily, bunching her legs together in helpless reaction.
“You like that.”
It was more of a statement than a question. Nevertheless, she nodded, not really able to talk yet. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and they both jumped. Ava got up on her elbows and glared at the door. “Who would dare…?” she whispered incredulously.
Edward sniggered, “It’s likely Notley.” He peered out of the window. “It’s about that time.” Raising his voice, he called out, “Come back later.”
“Your Grace, I am sorry to disturb you, but Her Grace’s family is here.” The voice of the butler floated through the door.
Edward and Ava looked at each other in surprise. He cocked an eyebrow. “Were you expecting them?”
Slowly she shook her head before excitement took over. “But I can’t wait to see them!” She flung off the covers and sidled out of bed, slid her feet into her slippers, and hastened toward herconnecting door. “I shall see you at breakfast!” she called back to him before disappearing behind the door.
Edward flopped back on the bed, emitting a disappointed breath. He stared up at the ceiling, shaking his head. Things had been going so well. He and Ava were getting along like a house on fire, and his relationship with Lily had flowered. He could not have been happier.
But he wasn’t prepared to deal with Ava’s family. He had gotten comfortable and even forgot about his scar for hours at a time. Being amongst strangers—and much as they were Lily and Ava’s family, they were still strangers—would bring back all his insecurities.
Perhaps this is a great opportunity to work on those names.
He had “borrowed” some files from the home office which had the information he needed. Hopefully, seeing as both cases were inactive, it would take some time before someone noticed. If not, well… he had made sure no one saw him.
He got up slowly and picked up the bell, ringing for his valet. He’d been used to grooming himself until Ava had insisted on hiring him a valet. “It is your right, as the duke, to have someone who can take care of your personal items.” She’d given him a compassionate glance, “Youdodeserve it.” She said softly, embarrassing him quite a bit.
As the valet came in, Edward sighed, and gave him a look. “I shall be needing the mask today, so make sure it’s a clean shave.”
“Of course, Your Grace.” The valet set out his instruments, ready to do as he was bid.
Dressed in a simple morning gown, her hair in a knot atop her head, Ava hurried downstairs. She screamed in joy as soon as she caught sight of Margaret, who also screamed and began to run toward her. They met at the bottom of the stairs and hugged, holding each other tight and savoring having each other near.
“I have missed you so!” Margaret said as she pulled back to look Ava in the face. “Where is my little pumpkin?”
“She’s here!” Lily shouted from somewhere behind Ava.
Ava turned, smiling to beckon her daughter to come forward, stepping back so that Margaret could pick Lily up and spin her around, much to Lily’s delight. Her mother and father came forward too, smiling with muted joy.
“You look well,” the Marquess said with a small smile. “I take it His Grace is treating you well?”
“Yes…” Ava looked up the stairs with a frown. “He should be down in a moment. Can’t imagine what’s keeping him,” she murmured mostly to herself.
Her mother touched her arm, so she could turn back around and receive her embrace. “I am sure he will be along shortly. Shall weretire to your morning room? We have traveled all night and are quite famished.”
“Oh! Of course, mother. Oh dear, why didn’t you say? I am so sorry to have kept you waiting.” She looped her hand with her mother’s and led her over to the newly refurbished morning room, the rest of the family trailing behind them.
“No, no, it’s perfectly fine. It’s early, and you weren’t expecting us.” Her mother patted her arm consolingly. They entered the morning room to find the table already laid, and servants waiting to serve them. She aimed a grateful smile at Notley, making a note to thank him personally later for his efficiency.
They sat down to a boisterous breakfast. Everyone was delighted to see her and Lily again, and Ava could tell how happy they were to find her well. The only fly in the ointment was that Edward failed to appear for breakfast at all.
