Page 102 of A Little Bit Dangerous
“As I’m standing here, it means I’m willing to grant you anything.” She came up on her toes and kissed his lips. “I understand the need to test my resolve. I love you. I mean to spend a lifetime showing you just how much.”
He released the dog and took Isabella in his arms. “I love you. I’ll spend forever making sure you’ve no reason to run.” He captured her mouth, though she deepened the kiss, their tongues sliding together in a primal dance.
Lust and love made a heady combination.
Soon, they were panting as their need spiralled.
“Marry me, Isabella?” he said when she pushed him onto the sofa.
“In a heartbeat.” She was gathering her skirts, waiting for him to undo the buttons on his trousers, for his erection to spring free.
“When?”
“As soon as you can procure a licence.” She came to sit astride him, pushed her hands into his hair and kissed him like he was the air she needed to breathe. “In your letter, you said I’m free to pursue my deepest desires. I want you. I want you now.”
He was so damn hard for her.
He pushed inside her wetness. “God, yes!”
Their groans of pleasure echoed throughout the room.
The moist sound of their joining was a potent aphrodisiac.
“Will you still want me when I’m heavy with child?” she said, sliding down onto his cock again and again. “Will you still make love to me when we’re old and grey?”
Her questions proved reassuring. She spoke of raising a family, of a lifetime together. His heart rejoiced at his good fortune. “Have no fear, love. You’ll be the Queen of Diamonds, and diamonds never lose their lustre.”
* * *
One month later
Ludgate Hill
Daventry sat in Christian’s study, grinning at Isabella like a proud parent. “It’s a small token to celebrate your new position at the museum, Mrs Chance. My wife felt it was an appropriate gift. She’s keen to see you rise to the position of curator.”
“Thank you. It’s extremely kind, but I’m quite content being Mr Purton’s assistant.” Dressed in a prim blue dress, Isabella sat in the chair opposite the desk and opened the velvet box. She gasped, much like she had an hour ago before their responsibilities forced them out of bed. “Christian, it’s a pretty fob watch on a chain.” She showed him the generous gift.
“It’s beautiful.” Not as beautiful as her.
They had been married for a week. A wave of emotion welled in Christian’s chest whenever he pictured her reciting her vows. She had agreed to obey him, but he’d been quick to reassure her this was a partnership. A wild and passionate partnership. Indeed, he could not get enough of his wife.
Christian felt his smile broadening.
The lady wore his gift strapped to her thigh.
It was only right he examine the item before she left for work today. And he would if Daventry would drink his damn coffee and bugger off.
“My wife says a professional woman should always know the time.” Daventry merely sipped his beverage. “Oh, I almost forgot. My agent found Nancy Jones working at the Nag’s Head in Cheapside. By all accounts, she would rather deal with drunken louts than irate lords.”
Isabella clutched her chest. “Oh, thank heavens.”
“The landlady offered her food and board in exchange for extra duties. She was shocked to hear of your position at the museum and is keen to have a tour of the exhibits.”
To make amends for his behaviour, Lord Oldman had taken a more progressive approach to women and had approved Isabella’s appointment at the museum. She was strong enough to deal with the handful of objectors.
“You and Mrs Daventry must dine with us.” Isabella slipped the watch chain over her head and examined the blue enamel case. “I should very much like to thank her myself.”
“Sybil would like that. She enjoys intelligent conversation and is a keen advocate of women’s rights.” Daventry gripped his coffee cup like he had no intention of ever leaving. “You’d get on well.”
