Page 55 of Seducing an Earl under the Mistletoe
She moaned his name loudly, grabbing him, gripping him, refusing to let go.
“That feels so good…” she told him softly as he kissed her with a groan, continuing to make her feel loved and wanted.
Her own body followed his rhythm, until she could think no more. Her mind was blank. Bliss exploded inside of her, filling her with warmth, with light, with ecstasy. They both finished at the same time, their bodies working together in unison, unraveling completely.
In the aftermath of their lovemaking, they found themselves embracing in bed, neither of them willing to leave the confines of each other’s embrace. Their fingers intertwined, their minds at ease, they discussed their future. The revelations about her father and the impending marriages had shifted the course of all their lives.
“So, your father is certain that he will sell the house after Virginie is married?” Arthur asked.
“Yes,” Catherine nodded sleepily. “Marcus thinks it’s a good idea as well, as he, too, wants a fresh start for himself. Once the sale has gone through, he will move somewhere on the Continent, where his financial missteps would be less known.”
“I can’t imagine what that must feel like, to be such a shame on your family name,” Arthur murmured.
Catherine sighed. “He is a man, and as such, he’s made mistakes. Many mistakes. But he is still my father. I want him to be happy.”
“I know, my darling,” he nodded, leaning in to kiss her forehead. “You have a soft spot for everyone.”
“Not everyone,” she smiled. “Just the people I love.”
“You know,” he said as if he suddenly remembered something. “I could buy your old home for you. I mean, if that is what you want.”
She gazed at him lovingly, caressing his cheek. “You are so wonderful, Arthur. I really appreciate the offer, but I don’t want us to do that. I want to save money so we can purchase a home of our very own, where we will fill it with our own memories of many things to come. I long to create a life with you, one that is uniquely ours, free from the shadows of the past.”
“Then that is how it will be, my love,” he whispered, pulling her even closer to himself.
As they cuddled in each other’s arms, the future seemed uncertain but full of possibilities. They were determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead together, as a united couple, and build the life they had dreamed of, free from the burdens of the past.
Chapter 26
On the last day of the year, Catherine found herself in a contemplative mood. Seated at her writing desk, she diligently worked on the opening chapter of a new serial. This time, her inspiration wasn’t fueled by the fiery passion of her previous works but by the gentle warmth of love. The characters in her story danced to the tune of a different melody, one of affection and devotion, reflecting the changes in her own life.
As she penned her words, Cate couldn’t help but smile, knowing that her own love story with Arthur was just beginning. The challenges and trials they had faced had only strengthened their bond, and the new year held the promise of a fresh start, filled with the hope and happiness that comes with true love.
As Catherine glanced out of her window, her eyes were drawn to the sight of Arthur, her betrothed, riding up to the house with Marcus in tow. A warm smile crossed her face as she hurriedly made her way to the courtyard, eager to greet them both. The fact that Marcus was with them was a hopeful sign that he was gradually returning to his old self, healing from the heartache and turmoil of the past.
“Marcus,” she gushed, embracing her brother. “It is so nice to see you with a smile on your face.”
Marcus returned the embrace. “Things are slowly getting better. In time, hopefully, we will all go back to our joyful selves. But I see you and Arthur are already there.” Catherine and Arthur exchanged a meaningful glance. “I’ll give you two lovebirds a moment alone and go see what they are doing inside.”
She couldn’t resist jumping into Arthur’s arms, who immediately wrapped them around her, pulling her into an embrace. They kissed tenderly, with the chilly air biting at their cheeks. But neither of them seemed to mind.
“I cannot linger long, my love,” he explained, putting her back down onto her feet. “I must head inside to set up all the details regarding your father’s debt and the eventual settlement.”
Catherine’s cheerful mood turned upside down immediately. “Are you sure that you want to take this on? I mean, it is so much. The amount is incredible, and I really think that—”
He pressed his finger to her lips to stop her from talking. His gesture made her smile, but she did stop.
“I told you already,” he smiled back at her, adoring her with his gaze. “I will do whatever it takes to help you and your family. My apartment in London is a small price to pay for our happiness. Besides, we won’t need it anyway. We’ll need to find a new home for the two of us, once we are married.”
“Yes, thatistrue.” Catherine beamed, clapping her hands in delight.
He chuckled at her childlike joy, kissing her forehead. “I’m heading inside.”
Catherine did the same, only her path diverged into the drawing room, where Virginie was driving their aunt Prudence and Amaury mad with wedding preparations.
“…yes, we’ve made the announcements,” Virginie was the one speaking while she paced about the drawing room, while their aunt and Amaury were seated on the chaise lounge, obviously exhausted from just listening. Still, Virginie pushed on. “Now, the guest list is very long, and I hope that everyone got their invitations in time. I have only received a few letters of reply, stating they will attend, so many more confirmations are due. I’ve already chosen the flowers. They will be white roses and lilies.”
“I have the rings,” Amaury reminded her.
