Page 17 of The Duke's Christmas Scandal
The second timeshe awoke within the safety of Ian’s arms, Tavi found him watching her. What could have been strange instead felt comforting.
“Good morning.”
“Thought you were going to sleep until noon.”
“What time is it?”
“Around eight. My pocket watch is on the chair. I checked it a little while ago when you starfished me out of bed.”
Tavi poked him in the ribs. He flinched, chuckling.
“I do not sleep like a sea creature.”
“Do so. You make a beautiful star, too.”
Ian pressed her into the pillow with a lingering kiss.
Her heart melted. She couldn’t have conjured a more perfect man than Ian Harkness. How cruel of fate to send her the man of her dreams and then give her a single night with him.
If she was only to have this one time, Tavi wanted to experience it to the fullest. She knew how to mitigate the risks.
In theory.
She was the one who told Grace it wasn’t so terrible to anticipate your wedding vows, as long as you were careful about it. After all, she’d done it and come away with no one the wiser.
But Grace hadn’t been as lucky. Or, perhaps she and Solomon hadn’t been quite as careful.
Tavi would exercise caution, though. Once shouldn’t pose a great risk.
“Ian.”
“Hm?”
“I changed my mind.”
He went still. His cock was rampant against her thigh. He shifted restlessly against her. Tavi skimmed her hand down his naked arse, finding an odd bump on the left buttock. She traced the shape absently. It reminded her of a crown.
“About?”
“Would you promise not to finish inside me?”
Ian kissed her temple. “I would do anything you asked for the privilege of being inside you, Octavia Dawson.”
She brought her hands up the broad planes of his back. Ian made quick work of removing her nightgown and kissed his way down her body. Her nipples peaked into hard points. He closed his teeth around one. Tavi gasped and arched into his mouth. He soothed it with a gentle lick, then moved to the other side.
He nipped her inner thigh. She yelped. The sting faded into a pleasant warmth.
“That’s retaliation for taking up the whole bed,” he informed her. “Now be a good girl and open for me.” Banked heat came into his eyes. He draped her leg over his back. “That’s it. You’ll come for me this way, and then again on my cock. Right?”
Tavi managed to nod, her hair scratching on the pillowcase. She was already so wet and ready for him. He didn’t need to do this, but she greatly enjoyed his efforts and wasn’t inclined to stop him.
This time, he took his time teasing her. Keeping her right on the edge. No matter how much she squirmed and sighed, or tugged his hair, he refused to give her satisfaction.
“Ian,” she demanded. “Stop tormenting me.”
He grinned wickedly. A shocking thrill coursed through her at the sight of his chin dripping with evidence of her lust.
“You want to come, Tavi? Say it. Beg for it. Then I’ll make you come so hard you see stars.”
