Page 57 of Treating a Sinful Earl
This caused Jasper to pause and sit back in his chair, never taking his eyes off of her. “Do you speak the truth?”
“I do. I wish to be your wife, Jasper. I shall not hold back any longer.”
He presented the largest grin that she had ever beheld. Yes, he was beaming with happiness, as was she. There was no more sense in stalling. She wanted to be his and his alone for the rest of her days.
“Catherine, you do not realize how happy you have made me.”
“Surely, it cannot match how happy you have already made me. I want to hold onto you…hold onto this. I cannot let my fear get in the way.”
Jasper took a sip of his wine. “Then it shall all be arranged. Your father shall approve. I will convince him of my love. This business with London shall halt, and you will acquire everything that you desire in life.” He reached across the table and took her hand. “I will take care of you now, Catherine.”
The appetite that she previously had was gone. All that she wanted was to be entirely alone with Jasper again, for the footmen to disappear so that they might smile into one another’s eyes, enjoying every last moment of their love. Yet still, the meal was divine, and she enjoyed each course, delighting in conversation. Was this what each night would be like? Would she and Jasper look forward to each of their meals, each of their nights alone, sharing the same bed?
That last bit was never far from Catherine’s thoughts now. Since it was confirmed that they would wed, it was certain that they would inevitably consummate their marriage, and this was something that she looked forward to. But still, that lingering fit of nerves remained. What would it be like? She knew so little about it.
After supper had concluded, Jasper led Catherine into the parlour where she was pleased to be alone with him yet again. “The meal was superb,” she remarked.
“Indeed. I have a most skilled cook. You can instruct her as to what your tastes are. She can prepare almost anything.”
Oh, it was all becoming too real! Catherine was going to be the lady of the house. She would instruct the cook and the house staff. Would she be good at any of these tasks? Surely, there was much to learn.
“I look forward to that. I hope that I fulfil my role satisfactorily.”
As they were seated beside one another on the sofa, Jasper turned to her. “Please understand, whether you fulfil that role well or not is not of any concern. I merely want to be with you, and I wish for you to be happy.”
She beamed yet again. No, she felt very little pressure from Jasper in this regard. She knew that he was telling the truth and that he only wished for her happiness. “I shall grow a garden for my tinctures,” she said with assurance. “I will heal you, Jasper.”
He came in close. So close that she was convinced he was about to press his lips against hers. “You have already healed me, my wife.”
Just when she thought he would be the one to kiss her, something primal took hold within her, and she flung herself at him, kissing him with a hunger that she had never known before. Jasper positively growled in response, and Catherine moaned, feeling an unbearable heat cascade through her whole being. He pulled her close, and Catherine fell upon his chest as his back rested against the sofa.
His strong chest heaved, and Catherine felt impossibly tiny against his massive frame. For the first time in her life, she felt a firm, rod-like object under his trousers, and instinct instructed her as to what this was. Jasper was aroused; this much she already knew about the male sex. She herself felt a dampness between her legs as she melted into him, wishing that he might never let her free.
The kissing continued, and she pressed herself against him firmly, delighting in the powerful sensation that sprung from between his legs. This was it. There was certainly no turning back. Catherine knew that their passion must be extinguished lest they die that very moment from desire. His hand came beneath her skirt and between her legs, feeling her moistness.
“My love,” he said with a strangled whisper. “This is all that I have ever wanted.”
Chapter 27
The following morning, Jasper awoke with Catherine in his arms. The rising sun poured through the window, and he considered that everything that he ever hoped to obtain in life was lying in his bed…fully clothed.
It had been a rather trying event. The evening before, he had wanted nothing in the world so much as to consummate his future marriage, but to do so would be a blow to Catherine’s honour, and he would not have it. Before they could even make the decision, she had come to his room with him, and there they fell into a blissful sleep, holding one another all night long. Never had he slept so well, but it was clear that now they had an even bigger challenge on their hands because she had stayed too long and would need to sneak back into her house.
“What is the hour?” Catherine asked, looking impossibly beautiful in her sleepy state.
“I would imagine it is seven, from the height of the sun.” He stroked her red hair as he spoke. “We must get you home. I shall summon Felton to assist.”
“That is most kind of you.” She leaned in and kissed him upon the lips softly, only reminding Jasper of everything that they had shared the evening before, and how he had wanted so much more. He had craved all of her.
“Come.” Jasper got up from the bed and put out his hand to assist her, but before she took it, she did a groggy stretch, arching her back as she did so. “You are making this rather difficult for me,” he said seductively, still holding out his hand.
Catherine finally took it, and he hoisted her up to her feet. Once she was standing there, Jasper looked down on her with deep affection and hunger in his gaze. She examined his eyes, and this made it feel as though she were peering into his soul.
“I wonder if I will be discovered. Selina is still in my room.”
“Do you feel no fear?” Jasper asked.
She shook her head. “I cannot regret anything that is to happen. I shall be your wife. One day soon, we can enjoy these mornings and not have to rush.”
