Page 70 of A Bargain with the Rakish Duke
“And you, Madam, are irresistible,” he replied, leaning in to steal a quick kiss. “Shall we continue our adventure? I’m eager to discover what other weaknesses you might be hiding.”
Beatrice laughed, “Lead the way, Duke. But beware, I may just splash you again. I have a few tricks up my sleeve as well.”
Kenneth raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge in his eyes. “Oh, is that so? Then I shall have to be on my guard. Though I must say, the prospect of you trying to best me is rather enticing.”
“My, my,” Beatrice drawled, running a finger down his chest. “Is the mighty Duke of Dunford admitting he might be bested by his wife?”
Kenneth caught her hand, bringing it to his lips. “In your case, my dear, I’d gladly admit defeat… if you can manage it.”
As he kissed her palm, sending shivers up her arm, Beatrice looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “I haven’t had this much fun in… I can’t remember how long.”
Kenneth brushed a windswept strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering on her cheek. “Neither have I. You bring out a side of me that I thought was long gone, a side that knows how to let go and simply enjoy the moment.”
Beatrice leaned into his touch, her heart full to bursting. “I’m glad. Because I quite like this side of you. The side that isn’t afraid to get his feet wet, literally and figuratively.”
He chuckled, pulling her closer. “Well, I have you to thank for that, my temptress.”
She smiled up at him, her arms winding around his neck. “You’re very, very welcome. Though, I must say, this temptress role is quite new to me. Perhaps I need more practice?”
Kenneth’s eyes darkened with desire. “Oh, I think that can be arranged, my dear. I’d be more than happy to assist you in honing your skills.”
“How very generous of you,” Beatrice breathed, her fingers toying with the hairs at the nape of his neck.
“What can I say?” Kenneth replied, his voice husky. “I’m a generous man.”
He bent his head, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, sweet kiss. The world around them faded away, the only sensation the feel of his lips on hers, the heat of his body pressed against her own.
As the kiss deepened, Kenneth’s hands began to roam, skimming along the curve of her waist, the gentle touch sending shivers down her spine. She buried her fingers in his hair, holding him close as their tongues danced and dueled.
Lost in the moment, Beatrice barely registered the fact that Kenneth was slowly lowering them to the sand, his body covering hers as they sank into the soft dunes. His lips trailedfrom her mouth to her jaw then down the column of her neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.
Beatrice gasped, her fingers clutching at his shoulders as he found a particularly sensitive spot just below her ear.
“Kenneth,” she breathed.
Kenneth hummed against her skin, the vibration sending a jolt of pleasure through her body. His hands roamed down her sides, his touch at once gentle and electrifying.
But just as Beatrice was about to lose herself completely in the sensations, a strange sound broke through the haze of their passion. It was a sort of barking, followed by a splash then another bark.
Kenneth lifted his head, his eyes heavy with desire but also curious. “Do you hear that?”
Beatrice blinked, trying to clear her mind enough to focus on the noise. “What is that?”
Together, they turned their heads towards the source of the commotion. There, on a cluster of rocks not far from shore, was a group of seals. The sleek, dark creatures were lounging in the sun, their fins occasionally slapping the water as they barked at one another.
Beatrice couldn’t help but laugh, the absurdity of the situation hitting her all at once.
“It seems we have an audience,” she snorted, nudging Kenneth with her elbow.
Kenneth looked down at her, his own laughter rumbling deep in his chest. “Indeed, we do. And as much as I enjoyed putting on a show earlier…” He leaned closer, his breath hot against her ear. “I much prefer a private performance.”
Beatrice shivered, her body instantly reacting to the suggestive tone of his voice. “Is that so?” she murmured, her own voice husky with want.
Kenneth pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his blue eyes dark with promise. “Very much so. In fact, I think it’s time we took this little interlude somewhere more… intimate.”
Beatrice bit her lip, her heart racing at the implication of his words. “What did you have in mind?”
He stood up, pulling her up with him. His hands remained on her waist, his thumbs rubbing tantalizing circles on her hipbones through the fabric of her dress. “I was thinking somewhere with a bed. Or a desk. Or a wall.”
