Page 86 of The Duke of Fire
“W-what happened?” Amelia asked.
“She absconded with her lover and is now abroad but quite penniless.”
Sebastian felt his bride stiffen. He rubbed her arm to comfort her and asked Cassian, “What about Finch?”
“Ruined,” Benedict replied somberly. “He has sold most of his things to pay his debts. Thetonshuns him now.”
Sebastian remembered how the man had hurt Amelia, not just once. He also did it in different ways—financially, emotionally, and physically.
“That is a fitting punishment for him,” he muttered. “He is now a pariah.”
“While they certainly made me suffer, I still wish that it had ended differently for them,” Amelia said.
Sebastian took his wife’s hand and kissed it. “We cannot save those who do not want to save themselves. You have already saved me enough, Amelia. Without you, I would still be wallowing in self-pity and hiding it in vice.”
The dowager stood up and watched everyone. She cleared her throat to call the attention of those who were still not looking at her.
“Everyone, enough whispering about scandals. We are not trying to fill a society column. This is a wedding day,” she said, her eyesglittering with mischief and approval. Sebastian was beginning to truly appreciate his grandmother. “I merely want to reiterate just how glad I am that my grandson has finally woken up and found himself a lovely bride.”
Everyone cheered and raised a toast to that. Soon, everyone had forgotten about gossip and enjoyed each other’s company, just truly being there for each other.
When another tune began after their meal, Sebastian leaned toward his wife. “Come,” he whispered. “I have had enough celebrating with everyone else today.”
She smiled and quickly followed him through the maze of corridors until they reached their adjoining bedchambers.
“So, what did you think of today?” he asked Amelia in their bedchamber.
“It was perfect.” She sighed happily.
It felt like a different kind of intimacy to see her there, knowing that she could stay without either of them trying to hide it. She had quickly rid herself of her gown and sat in her chemise in front of her dresser. Her brown curls tumbled down her shoulders, gleaming. He longed to touch them and thread his fingers through the strands.He groaned at the thought of getting work done in his study now that he knew that she lived under the same roof.
It would be torture.
He reached out for her, his hands trembling. He would not admit this to his friends, that even as a man, he was easily undone by his wife.
“Let me do that for you,” he offered, taking her brush gently from her hand.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “I like this. Being with you like this.”
She might not have been able to explain herself clearly, but he knew what she meant. They did not have to say anything. They were just there together.
“Know this, Amelia. I would never harm you,” he said, fully aware of how this woman had gone through so much to even think of being someone’s wife.“I will live my life trying to make you happy.”
“I know, Sebastian,” she said, as she stood up and faced him.
That made him smile—seeing her look at him with trust shining in her eyes. Their bodies had a way of getting closer and closer without them truly realizing it. He brushed his lips against hers, and it was the only thing they needed to start the fire.
The kiss deepened, and she melted into him. Sebastian had to hold her against him, his tongue sweeping first her lower lip and then seeking entry. She parted her lips for him, moaning as their tongues finally met.
While waiting for their wedding, they had stayed away from each other. They had waited so long to make love once more. This time, they would do it without uncertainty. This time, they would do it to seal the vows they made.
They fell on the bed, a tangle of lips and limbs. He left a trail of kisses down her neck while Amelia let out a cry of surrender, letting her head fall back against the pillows. Then, finally, he found the hem of her chemise and pushed it upward.
Sebastian took a look at his wife, bare before him. She was slender but luscious in all the right places, with full breasts and hips, pink nipples, and a flat stomach. Even if she grew out of this youthful beauty, he would love her. He would love her in all her forms.
“You look delicious,” he praised, drawing out a surprised giggle from her.
He bent to prove it by taking one taut nipple in his mouth. He savored and teased the bud with his tongue and teeth. Then, he suckled hard while she writhed beneath him. She was losing control, but so was he.
