Page 26 of Celestes Forever Marquess
“Always, sweetheart.”
He joined her on the bed and ran his hands down her body. His fingers deftly unhooked the corset, starting from the bottom and ending at the top. With the last hook, the corset popped open, and her breasts spilled out. His eyes devoured her hungrily. She ran her hands down her front, swirling her fingers over her nipples, still somewhat hidden by her chemise. Celeste was teasing him, but she didn’t care.
Caleb grasped the front of her chemise and yanked it down, tearing it partly. She gasped.
“You are all I have thought about,” he said huskily.
Celeste shimmied her drawers down and then said, “I want you in me now. I need to feel you joined with me.”
With one thrust, he slid into her as one of his hands became wrapped in her hair at the back of her head. His hold was a mingling of tenderness, want, and devotion. He held her in place and kissed her as if he wanted to permanently connect them forever. The meeting of their mouths was a mixture of playfulness, hunger, and love.
Needing more, Celeste began to rock her body against his. Caleb withdrew and thrust into her again. He did that over and over again, keeping up a tempo that was slow, demanding, and meant to inflame her being.
Her lower region throbbed with want. Celeste was so close. Caleb pulled out and then pushed back into her before swiveling her hips, causing friction against her feminine nub. She let out a guttural moan. He did it again, still keeping his pace slow and deliberate.
The ache in her was on the edge of shattering. She urged him on with her hips. His pace became more frantic, and she could tell he was close as well. “Let me see you fall apart, Celeste.”
As if he could command her body with words, she climaxed, letting out a gasp of breath. Her core pulsated, and she tightened her legs around Caleb as he continued thrusting into her. Celeste couldn’t believe she’d almost lost this man or that she’d lied to him. He slid into her one more time and pulled out before spending. She smiled as he brushed his lips across hers before cleaning them up.
They lay in bed on their sides facing each other. She placed her hand on his cheek. “I’m so sorry I lied.”
He smiled softly at her. “I can’t believe all this time I’ve been jealous of a damn cat.”
“It was a ridiculous lie.”
His hand slid up and down her side. “Starting now, I’m going to court you openly. I do not care what anyone in London says. My mother is hosting a ball in two days; you need to be there. We will begin sharing our plans publicly.”
Nerves filled her, but she wanted Caleb too much to argue. Thoughts about her past swirled in her mind, but she pushed them away. Caleb said he loved her no matter what. There was time to get into everything later. Right now, Celeste just wanted to enjoy this and not worry about any of that. Perhaps it didn’t matter.
No one really knew who she was. Well, except for Lord Burrows, and he’d never been willing to claim her. Maybe, she could forget it all. Start fresh. Caleb cupped her face, kissing her, making all her thoughts disappear.
Chapter 11
Caleb watched as Celeste entered the foyer of the Haven Townhouse with Sebastian Devons and his wife for the ball he and his mother were hosting. He couldn’t prevent himself from smiling. She was a vision and pure joy expanded through his chest that she was to be his wife. They hadn’t discussed dates, but he hoped they would soon.
She wore a cream gown with some type of floral design, and her beautiful blonde hair was swept up in a bun, giving her a sophisticated appearance. He greeted those in the receiving line, but his gaze always made its way back to her. Cordell chuckled. “Are you paying attention to anyone but her? She’ll reach us soon enough.”
He’d told Cordell yesterday that he planned to wed Celeste but was waiting until after the family ball to share the details with their mother and Courtney. Another couple stopped before the family, and Caleb did his best to focus on them. Still, his gaze found its way back to Celeste. Their eyes connected this time, and she gave him a small smile.
Once the couple departed, Courtney whispered, “What are you talking about?”
His mother looked at them all sternly. “More guests are arriving. You can talk after we have received everyone. Our guests will think we don’t have manners.”
He, Cordell, and Courtney all sighed. His mother flushed, but they didn’t have time for any further conversation as anothercouple arrived. After they left, finally, Celeste and the Devons reached them. Celeste smiled at him, and he couldn’t stop himself from grinning back.
He was in love with this woman, he realized. Caleb always thought that when he fell, he would be terrified, but no, this feeling was different. It was an excited acceptance. He hadn’t told her yet, but he would soon.
His mother said, “I love your gown, Miss Hathaway. Later, you must tell me who your dressmaker is.”
Celeste smiled back at his mother. “That isn’t a problem at all.”
Caleb couldn’t prevent the adoring gaze he sent her. Courtney looked at Celeste and then back at him. Her eyes widened, and Cordell nudged her with his elbow. Her expression became shuttered, but Caleb suspected she knew his secret already.
Devons smiled at him but leaned in and said, “Remember my warning.”
He and Derry filled the role of protective brothers for his love. Caleb was glad she had them. He nodded solemnly before greeting more guests. Caleb hoped it would end soon, but he did smile again when Lord Burrows reached him. He really admired the man. His wife and mother were with him, but Lady Eloise, it seemed, decided to miss the event. He wished the Dowager Lady Burrows hadn’t attended. The woman wore a pinched expression that seemed so odd compared to her son’s normal, affable demeanor.
“I’m thrilled to be at your ball,” his wife said.
