Page 32 of Her Duke at Midnight
More than wanting to please her, he wanted to make her forget that sex could ever be anything other than this. Not just two bodies coupling, but two hearts, two minds melding as one. Communicating not only in words, but in breath and touch. She trusted him to show her, to be this close to her, and that felt like a gift.
Her tongue snaked out, stroking into his mouth, tasting him deeply as he slid his body into hers.
“Oh,” she breathed into his mouth, and then he felt her, the arch and tension of her body and then the moment the waves of pleasure took her again. She cried out this time, a raw, sensual sound that he felt in his body and deeper, in some hidden part of him that was full of life now because of her.
One final thrust and he let out his own primal groan as if the waves of her release rushed through him, as if they were connected in this moment in a way that was profound. A way he’d never felt truly connected to anyone.
He kissed her lips, stroked her flushed cheeks.
“That was extraordinary,” she whispered.
“Youare extraordinary,” he told her, and it wasn’t some whispered pleasantry in the sedated moments after release.
There was something about her—her strength, her determination, the fact that she was still curious and kind after whatever hell Bissenden had put her through—that made him feel very lucky to know her. Even more so to be close to her, to have gained a bit of her trust.
A protective urge welled up in him, and then a more possessive one.
He’d told her he wanted more than this night with her, and that was true.
Now, he found he wasn’t willing to contemplate an end to what was between them at all. His mind rejected any measure except the prospect of a future with Cecily in it.
CHAPTER9
Moments later,just as Cecily felt herself drifting into a peaceful sleepiness, Adam spoke.
“We should probably put in an appearance.” He murmured the words absently, as if he’d just remembered something he should say.
Cecily felt his words as much as heard them, since she was nestled against him, her head resting on his chest.
“I know you’re right, but not a single bone in my body wishes to comply.”
He laughed, and that was even sweeter to feel against her cheek.
“I don’t want to move either. In fact, I’d bottle this moment if I could.”
“Me too.” Cecily had never known such pleasure in her life. Not just the lovemaking, but the sense of contentedness and safety she felt when she was with Adam. And she no longer doubted that he enjoyed it too. But she knew it couldn’t be quite as special for him. There’d been many women in his life. Many moments of feeling sated after a satisfying coupling.
“This is different,” he told her as if he could read her thoughts and doubts.
“Is it?”
“Yes.” Adam stroked a hand down her bare back, curling a finger around a strand of her hair. “I’d like to continue this. Us. Not for weeks or a few months. For much longer.”
“What are you asking?” Cecily arched up, folding her arms over his chest, searching his sea-blue gaze.
“I can’t imagine a future without you in it.”
“That’s not a question.”
“Marry me, Cecily.” The earnest intensity of his tone made her heart ache.
But the shock of his words caused her mind to blank—as if the sentiment was too much for her brain to absorb.
Cecily froze, and the second Adam sensed it, he lifted his hands to let her go. Perhaps he understood her need to move, because he shifted while still offering her a hand to help her off the sofa.
“That’s quite a question.” Cecily knew her voice sounded hollow, emotionless. Her chest felt the same way, her body almost numb. She put on her chemise with thick, fumbling fingers, couldn’t find her drawers, and began the tedious job of fastening her corset.
“Not one you wished to hear.” It wasn’t a question, but a certainty he seemed to have feared.
