Page 69 of A Bargain with the Rakish Duke
Her insides still throbbed and clenched around him, sensitive and raw from their animalistic lovemaking.
After sighing once, Kenneth pulled out of her and collapsed next to her on the blanket, pulling her skirt down her bottom.
Beatrice turned onto her side, and he pulled her to his chest.
“That was…” she trailed off, still speechless.
Kenneth nodded with a lazy smile, his thumb rubbing small circles on her cheek.
Beatrice rested her head on his chest. He watched her, admiring the way the light caught the golden strands in her hair, the way her skin seemed to glow with contentment.
“Thank you for this,” he said softly, his hand finding hers on his stomach. “For getting me out of that stuffy study and… helping me get some fresh air.”
Beatrice lifted her head, lacing her fingers through his. “You’re welcome.” She giggled. “I think we both needed a… break from our daily routine. And what better place to find respite than here with the sea and the sky and the soft breeze?”
Kenneth’s eyes met hers, a tenderness in their depths that made her heart skip a beat. “Indeed. You bring a lightness to my life that I didn’t know I was missing.”
Beatrice felt a blush creep up her cheeks, a warmth that had nothing to do with the sun overhead. “I feel the same way.”
They lay there for a moment, hands intertwined, the sound of the waves a gentle backdrop to the beating of their hearts.
Then, with a sudden burst of energy, Beatrice jumped to her feet, pulling Kenneth with her.
“Come on,” she said, a mischievous grin on her face. “Let’s go for a walk along the shore. But first…”
She bent down, unlacing her boots and pulling them off, along with her stockings. Kenneth watched as she wiggled her bare toes in the sand.
“Your turn,” she said, nodding towards his boots.
Kenneth hesitated for a moment, the propriety ingrained in him warring with the desire to follow her lead. But as he looked at her, at the joy radiating from her, he found himself bending down, removing his boots and stockings.
Hand in hand, they walked along the shore, the cool water lapping at their bare feet. They talked and laughed, splashing each other playfully as they went.
“You know,” Kenneth said, his eyes twinkling mischievously, “I think I’ve discovered your weakness, my dear.”
Beatrice raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? And what might that be?”
“Your inability to resist my charms,” he replied with a wink, pulling her closer.
Beatrice laughed, her eyes sparkling. “Is that so? I think you might be overestimating your allure, husband.”
“Am I?” Kenneth challenged, his voice lowering seductively. “Shall we put it to the test?”
Before Beatrice could respond, he scooped her up in his arms, spinning her around. She shrieked with laughter, the sound carrying across the empty beach.
“Put me down this instant, you rogue!” she squealed, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
Kenneth grinned, tightening his hold on her. “Not until you admit you enjoy being in my arms.”
Beatrice feigned a pout though her arms tightened around his neck. “Never! I’m quite content to walk on my own, thank you very much.”
“Are you certain?” Kenneth murmured, his lips brushing her ear. “Because I find holding you like this to be utterly intoxicating.”
Beatrice’s breath caught, her cheeks flushing. “Well, perhaps it’s not entirely unpleasant.”
He chuckled, setting her gently back on her feet but keeping her close. “High praise indeed, Duchess. I shall treasure your grudging approval.”
She smirked, brushing a lock of hair from her face. “You, Sir, are incorrigible.”
