Page 40 of The Gentleman's Seduction
The thought of her leaving made him want to growl and block her escape. “You areexactlywhere I wish you to be.”
A delighted smile flashed across her lips. “Good, because my legs are as unstable as a newborn foal’s, and I’m not sure I could’ve walked back to my room.”
“I’d be more than happy to carry you anywhere, but right now I want you here.” He climbed under the covers, tucked her body against his, and sighed in contentment. He’d never felt so calm and at peace in his entire life. She tangled her legs in his and gazed up at him with half-lidded eyes.
“I should hate you,” she murmured. His heart sank, but then she continued. “I should, but I don’t. I like you…far too much.” Her confusion stunned him, but before he could say anything, her lashes fanned down and she sank into an exhausted sleep. Martin held her tight, afraid she might slip away like a phantasm after uttering the words he’d been too afraid to hope to hear.
She likes me, far too much. And I like her far too much. What was he to do?
He couldn’t keep her, even though he wished to. He’d vowed never to love, never to care except when it came to his sister. Helen was the only one he could safely let into his heart.
Martin brushed a lock of hair from her face and smiled as he watched her sleep. Would she dream of him? From her content and relaxed expression, he hoped she would, because he knew he would dream of her. Dangerous, wonderful, tempting dreams that made his chest tighten with an emotion he never thought he’d feel again after his parents died.
Hope.
13
Livvy wasn’t sure how long she slept, but she woke to a possessive yet gentle hand caressing her hip and felt a little kiss upon her lips. She opened her eyes, noticed Martin’s own eyes were closed, and she let him continue to kiss her. It was still dark outside, and she ought to go back to sleep, but she was amused at Martin kissing her.
Was he dreaming? It seemed like it. A blend of warmth and lust filled her despite her soreness. ShewantedMartin to be inside her again. The first time had been a little frightening, but once the pain had passed, she’d given in to her urges, overcome by the power that her desires gave her. She stretched a leg over his lower body, hoping to convey her interest. He made a soft sound of delight as he cupped her bottom and gave it a light smack. She giggled and wiggled over him, kissing him more heatedly.
He opened his eyes as their lips briefly broke apart. “Do you wish to learn how to ride a man?” he asked. His eyes burned like blue diamonds lit by firelight.
“Is that…how is that possible?” She raked her nails down his chest, and he hissed out a groan.
“Let me show you.” He shifted her so that she lay fully on top of him. “Hips up, darling.” He tapped her hips with his hands, then reached between their bodies and gripped his shaft. It stood at attention, and she finally understood. She could ease down on top of it and—he thrust up into her, pulling her hips down, and she squeaked in surprise. The new position made her feelimpaledupon him, so much so that for a moment she struggled to breathe.
“Oh Lord,” she panted, shifting a little as he filled every inch of her.
“Still sore?” he asked.
“A little, but it’s not bad.” She laid her palms flat on his chest and leaned forward to steal a kiss. He gripped her backside and lifted her up, then pulled her down again, showing her the rhythm to set. She sat back, arching her back to find the most comfortable angle, and he gazed up at her, her breasts bouncing as she rose up to ride him.
It really is a bit like riding.The thought was so scandalous that she knew later she would be blushing violently.
“That’s it,” he encouraged in a low growl. His hands moved from around her breasts, pinching the hard nipples and rolling them between his fingers.
She hissed and rocked on him faster and harder, desperate for that surge of blinding pleasure that only he could give her. When he lowered one hand to stroke his thumb over her tight bundle of nerves, she came hard, and his gruff shout told her he’d come as well. Passion burst between them, and Livvy felt tears blur her eyes as she sank down on top of him. Their skin shimmered with perspiration, and he slowly ran his hands up and down her back. She laid her head on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.
“It’s after midnight. Are you hungry?” he asked.
“I am. May we get something to eat?” She slid off him, hating to separate their bodies, but they needed to be able to move.
“Yes. Stay here. I’ll fetch something.” Martin slid out of the bed and retrieved his dressing gown. He wrapped it tight, and with a wicked grin he exited the bedchamber.
Livvy lay back on the bed, watching the shadows cast by the firelight. Her fantasies of being Cleopatra had certainly come to life. She bit her lip and hid a smile. A few minutes later, Martin returned and set a tray beside her. Then he stoked the flames and added a few logs to the fire.
She sat up and pulled the sheets up to her collarbone, waiting for him to join her. He let his dressing gown drop, and she had a chance yet again to admire his lean, strong body. Once he was in bed, he set the tray between them and gestured at the food.
“Please, eat.”
She picked up a bit of cheese and a few slices of apple, and he did the same. They ate in silence, and for a moment she was able to forgetwhyshe was there. She was not Martin’s mistress, nor was he the man who’d purchased her in lieu of her father’s massive debt. She was just herself, in bed with a man she loved.Loved. The word was there, easy upon her lips. She was in love with him and had known from the start it was a risk.
“I wish it could always be like this,” she said softly. Martin stilled as he reached for another piece of cheese.
“So do I,” he finally replied.
“But it can’t, can it?”
