Page 106 of A Translation of Desire
He felt a twinge of uncertainty that she hadn’t immediately said yes. As if she could read his thoughts, she giggled. “You can’t really believe I would say no.”
“I would like to hear the words.”
She smiled and pulled him closer. “Yes, Augustus, the Duke of Sinclair, I will marry you today. I love you, and you are my forever.”
He started to dip his head down, but her father shocked them both by squeezing in between them. “That is enough of that. You must wait until after the I Dos.”
They both laughed but didn’t argue.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Rose and Augustusstumbled into the tent. They’d wed and then spent the evening celebrating with everyone at the site. It was clear Augustus had already charmed everyone. Most, she suspected, didn’t even realize he was a duke. Though they knew he was someone. His bearing made it unavoidable to detect.
They would eventually marry at some grand cathedral in London, but Rose would always cherish this ceremony as their true wedding—this moment in the sand and under the stars. Her husband was walking around the tent, humming. She smiled, enjoying that even internally, she referred to Augustus as her husband. It felt wonderful.
A kind person had laid out a spread of food for them. He didn’t look at her but crooked his finger, beckoning her. “Come enjoy some of this.”
Rose joined him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Don’t think you can order me about because I’m your wife.”
He snorted. “I would never try. All I can do is hope I’m around to help you escape from the trouble you cause.”
She kissed him lightly. “Are you calling me a troublemaker?”
“Yes, I am duchess. You have been the epitome of trouble since I met you months ago in the foyer of my house during my mother’s ball.”
He pulled her shirt from her skirt, and she lifted a brow. “What are you doing?”
“Making you my wife in every way.”
She huskily murmured, “You’ve already done that.”
Augustus pulled her shirt off her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. He palmed one of her breasts, still obscured by her chemise, and warmth started to pool between her legs. She’d miss this with Augustus—this closeness that seemed so right.
He unhooked her skirt, and it fell to the floor along with her shirt. He ran his hands along her sides. “I have fantasized about your form every night since the last moment I held you in my arms.”
She blushed at the ferocity of his words. Her core clenched, and she removed her chemise and drawers. “Good.”
He laughed at her one-word response, but his eyes glowed with ravenous desire. She reached for him, pulling his shirt open and helping him discard his pants. They fell onto the bedding, their bodies pressing against one another for more. She moaned as his shaft pressed against her stomach.
Augustus pulled back and studied her. A smile appeared on his face as he rubbed a black speck on her collarbone. The dot turned into a smudge. “I’ve missed these ink splatters.”
She smacked him on his chest, laughing. His eyes grew serious. “It is funny, but I truly did miss them. I would stare at ink and think of you. That is how much of a lovesick fool I am.”
Rose smiled softly. “I’m so lucky to be loved by you, Augustus. I love you.”
He kissed her and she murmured, “And, I promise not to become any neater, so you can continue to cherish them.”
Augustus chuckled and dipped his head down. Rose watched him as he kissed one of her nipples, gently biting and licking the hard pebble. She grabbed his head, both needing more and also feeling as if it was too much for her senses.
Still, she didn’t want him to stop. Instead, she hungered for more of it. Augustus ran his hands up and down her form,lingering at her core from time to time, teasing her. She frowned at him in frustration. He winked at her.
Two could play his game. She pushed him back against the bedding and ran her hands down the front of him before wrapping one around his shaft. He groaned and pumped his hips as she stroked him. Her hand slowed, and he whimpered, “Rose.”
She smirked at him. “You like to tease me. Why can’t I do the same?”
He rose up and pushed her onto her back. “No more games. What do you want?”
Her eyes met his, and all the need in her body flared. They had a lifetime to explore each other’s bodies. Right now, she just wanted him to be deep inside of her.
