Page 46 of A Bargain with the Rakish Duke
Unable to control himself any longer, he gave one final powerful thrust and climaxed, waves of ecstasy surging through him.
The room was filled with the intoxicating scent of their desire and the sound of their heavy breathing. Beads of sweat glistened on their foreheads as they surrendered to the overwhelming sensations coursing through their veins.
When their breathing had slowed, Kenneth collapsed next to her. He turned to her, his eyes softening as he reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face.
“Are you all right?” he asked, his voice tender.
Beatrice nodded, a serene smile playing on her lips. “Yes, I’m more than all right,” she replied, her fingers tracing gentle patterns on his chest.
He leaned in. “Good,” he murmured, his lips lingering against her skin. “You are extraordinary, Beatrice.”
She looked up at him, her heart swelling at his words. “And you, Kenneth, are not as brutish as you pretend to be.”
He chuckled softly, the sound vibrating in his chest. “Don’t let that get around,” he said, his tone light and teasing. “I have a reputation to maintain.”
Beatrice laughed, the sound like a soothing balm to the tension that had always seemed to hang between them.
“Your secret is safe with me,” she promised.
Kenneth pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, savoring the sweetness of her response.
After he pulled away, Beatrice hesitated for a moment, her eyes searching his, and then pulled back slightly.
“I should go back to my room,” she murmured softly, her voice trembling.
Kenneth gripped her hand softly and squeezed as excitement simmered inside him once again.
“Oh, you’re not going anywhere, my dear,” he said, his voice firmer, his grip on her tightening slightly. “I’m not done with you yet.”
Beatrice slowly awakened the next morning. She lay awake with her eyes closed against the sunlight that was peeking through the curtains.
She stretched languidly and reached over to touch Kenneth, only to find the space beside her empty.
She finally opened her eyes, disoriented and unable to remember how she had ended up in her bed. The memories of the previous night flooded back in a rush, and her cheeks flushed with the recollection. She must have fallen asleep in Kenneth’s arms, and he had carried her back to her bed.
Her maid, Anna, stood by the window, pulling back the curtains to let in the late morning sun.
“Good morning, Your Grace,” she said, placing a breakfast tray on the table next to her bed. “I’ve been trying to wake you up for some time now, but you seemed quite determined to sleep in. It’s almost lunchtime.”
Beatrice sat up quickly, the covers falling away as she realized how late it was.
“Oh no, Lady Bernmere!” she exclaimed, swinging her legs over the side of the bed.
Anna smiled at her reassuringly. “The Dowager Marchioness left early this morning. She didn’t wish to disturb you or His Grace. She asked the servants to convey her gratitude for hosting her.”
Beatrice sighed in relief though she felt a pang of guilt for not seeing Lady Bernmere off. “Do you know where the Duke is?” she asked, trying to keep her voice casual.
“His Grace left for the village of Dunford early this morning to meet with the tenants and see to some estate matters,” Anna replied as she helped her out of bed and began to prepare her for the day.
Beatrice nodded. The events of the previous night had left her with a whirlwind of emotions, and she wasn’t sure how to face Kenneth just yet.
As Anna helped her dress, Beatrice remembered the commission from the Dowager Duchess of Newden.
“I need to spend some time in the morning room,” she said, choosing her words carefully. “There’s something I must attend to.”
Anna smiled and nodded. “Of course, Your Grace. Shall I bring your breakfast there?”
“No, thank you, Anna. I’ll eat here and then head to the morning room,” Beatrice replied, taking a deep breath.
