Page 40 of A Wager With A Rake
Picking up the next missive, she saw it was from Rebecca.She and Harrison had since had three children, all beautiful little redheaded girls.Harrison joked about how outnumbered he was, but anyone who truly knew him was aware that he wouldn’t have it any other way.For as wild as he had been in his past, he was smitten with all of his girls.And Theodosia expected Rebecca to share at any time that she was with child again.
Breaking the seal, she unfolded the parchment and scanned the words on the page.Rebecca shared Eli was doing well at Eton and said in his recent missive that he couldn’t wait to visit during break.She also shared that June had given birth to a baby girl.She had married a tenant at Court’s estate, who was a wonderful man who treated Eli like his own son.Court had to command that she stop thanking him every time she saw him for how he had given them a new home and life.It brought them all so much joy to see their little family growing and doing so well.
She folded all of her correspondence carefully and tucked them away in the drawer, intending to respond later.Glancing over at the table where she and Court had spent hours playing chess and cards, she lost herself in the memories of how their love grew.She would be forever thankful that she was silly enough to place that wager with Court, which made her redemption and her life with her husband a reality.
The study door swung open, and Court strode in, his face alight with the roguish grin that never failed to quicken Theodosia’s pulse.“Harry is down for his nap,” he announced, crossing to perch on the edge of the desk.As much as Rebecca had wished to have their child named after her, Theodosia and Court had a son and named him after his uncle Harrison.Something Harrison adored teasing his wife about.“Which means, my darling wife, it’s the perfect time for that game of Piquet you promised me.”He arched a suggestive brow, then returned to the door and locked it.
Theodosia leaned back in her chair, an impish smile playing about her lips.“A wager, or should I just tell you what I want now?You already know how this is going to go.”
Court threw back his head and laughed, a deep, infectious sound that warmed Theodosia to her toes.“You know what your confidence does to me.And that is exactly why I shall be the victor.”
Theodosia’s cheeks flushed with pleasure, even as she tsked in mock reproval.“Believe what you wish, my lord.We both know I’m the superior Piquet player.”She made to rise, but Court caught her hands, pulling her flush against the solid plane of his chest.
“One game.Winner takes all, and our usual terms.”The wicked gleam in his eyes sent delicious shivers skittering down her spine.
“You’re on, Handsome.”Theodosia looked up at him from beneath lowered lashes.“You know what our terms do to me.”
“That I do.”Court’s hands skated down her back to cup her bottom, the heat of his touch searing her through the layers of her dress.“In fact, I’m suddenly feeling quite… motivated to ensure my victory.”
Theodosia’s pulse quickened in anticipation.“Then by all means.Let’s see what you have.”
“Are we still talking about the game, or are you admitting defeat already?”
She pushed him away playfully.“Get the cards.”
The next hour was spent in a flurry of playful banter and heated glances.They dueled with cards rather than swords, their playful rivalry only fueling the blaze that burned between them.Each hand brought them closer to the moment of reckoning, the tension mounting with every discarded card.
Finally, it came down to the last hand.Theodosia’s heart hammered in her chest as she examined her cards.A wicked grin curled her lips.This round, she would emerge victorious.
The hand progressed and Theodosia could practically taste the sweetness of victory, among other things, on her tongue.Just one more turn…
Court’s chair creaked as he leaned back, a cocky grin on his face.“I’m afraid this round goes to me, beautiful.”
“Damn,” Theodosia muttered under her breath.So close.She had been so close.Court would remind her of this win triumphantly for days until they played again so she could best him.Rising to her feet, she made her way over to Court.“I guess that means it is I who is at your mercy,” she purred, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Court held out his hand, helping her to her knees in front of him.“I’ve been waiting all day for this,” he growled, his voice thick with desire.Whomever lost their little wagers pleasured the other one first.An arrangement that always ended with both of them more than satisfied.
Theodosia’s heart raced as she unbuttoned his breeches, wondering what he would do to her after she gave him his winnings.Slowly, teasingly, she revealed her husband’s arousal, her thighs dampening as his heavy length sprang free.She leaned in, brushing a featherlight kiss just beneath the head of his shaft, relishing in his sharp intake of breath.
“Tess,” he groaned, his hands gripping the chair.
“Mmm,” she hummed, her lips finding his pulsing vein, her tongue tracing delicate patterns along its length.Up and down, she explored every inch of him, savoring his taste, his scent, his heat.She loved this power she had over him, the knowledge that she could reduce her strong husband, the man who had once been a notorious rake, to a quivering mass of need.
Closing her eyes, she took him into her mouth, her tongue swirling around his girth, her lips caressing him as if he were a cool treat on a hot summer’s day.Court’s groans spurred her on, and she increased her pace, bobbing her head faster and faster, her hands gripping and massaging his thighs just how she knew he liked.
“You are far too good at that,” he said, pulling her off him.“But I have plans for you.”
He rose from his chair and pulled her to her feet, dragging her with him to the desk.A low growl escaped his lips before he took hers in a searing kiss.His tongue invaded her mouth, mimicking the possession he sought.Pulling back from her, he swept his arm across the top, pushing papers to the floor.“Now are you going to be a good little wife and bend over our desk?”
Yes.Yes, she most certainly was.
She immediately braced herself over the desk, feeling the cool air reach her thighs and core from where he had lifted her skirts.Court slid two fingers inside of her.As his fingers worked their magic, her body ached for him, craving so much more.
“You are so ready for me.”
Wiggling her bottom to tease him, she glanced over her shoulder.“But are you ready for me?”she asked, knowing what taunting her husband would get her.
Court gripped her hips, pushing his entire length inside of her in a single thrust.He continued to take her hard, entering her as deep as he could, the way she always preferred.She loved when he wanted and needed her so much that he became primal and claimed her as his over and over.
