Page 61 of A Duke's Scandalous Obsession
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Dominic couldn’t remember the last time he slept so soundly. He knew why that was so. He felt that a new chapter had just opened up with Catherine.
Cate…
He smiled. She didn’t say anything when he called her Cate or my dear. Yes, there were still many things left to sort out. Annabel and Rosie were still missing, but Dominic was optimistic. Now that he had Cate by his side, he felt invincible; he felt like he could take on the world.
He quickly got dressed, descending the grand staircase, his steps light with the anticipation of a new day. He entered the dining hall, only to see that Catherine was already sitting at the table, a delicate porcelain teacup cradled in her hands, her eyes alight with mischief.
“Good morning,” he greeted her with a warm smile, crossing the room to press a tender kiss to her cheek. Much to his delight, she tilted her head a little, making it easier for him.
“Good morning, Your Grace,” she replied playfully, her voice a soft melody that danced through the air.
“Your Grace?” he repeated mischievously. He liked that.
“Of course,” she nodded. “Isn’t it a glorious day? The sun has risen with such promise.” She paused there to take a sip of her tea, not taking her eyes off of him even for a single second.
She had that same look from the previous night, when she grabbed his hair and kept him in place, between her thighs. He could still remember her moans, the way her body trembled when lost in the throes of ecstasy. He couldn’t wait to feel himself inside of her wet heat, to take her and make her his completely, in every way possible. The thought awakened his manhood with a thundering roar. That night, he wanted to take it one step further.
“It is a glorious day indeed,” he agreed, taking his seat opposite her at the table. “Though I must confess, the true radiance of this morning lies in your presence.”
A playful glint sparkled in her eyes as she raised an eyebrow in mock disbelief. “Flattery, Your Grace?”
He loved this little game they were playing. He chuckled. “Only when the inspiration strikes. And last night’s inspiration lingers still.”
A fervent blush painted her cheeks as she hid her smile behind her teacup. “You do have a way with words.”
“And you have a way of making every moment unforgettable,” he murmured, his gaze filled with adoration.
They both seemed to be lulled into the safety of their blissful morning, as the rest of the world faded away into oblivion. He felt as if he could remain there with her, without any need to venture out beyond the confines of those four walls. However, reality had a way of intruding in the most blissful of moments and now was no exception to that rule.
Just as she was about to say something, a knock on the door made them both turn in that direction.
“Yes?” he called out, as they both awaited.
His butler, Jones, appeared, bowing as he stood in the doorway. “I beg your pardon, Your Grace, but Lord Stanhope is here, and he asks to be admitted urgently.”
Catherine’s eyes widened in shock. “Reginald?”
“Do show him in, Jones,” Dominic nodded, feeling a sudden and unexpected wave of concern. Something must have happened for Catherine’s brother to appear so early in the morning, without calling ahead.
Jones disappeared, closing the door behind him. Dominic locked eyes with Catherine.
“Do you think something happened?” she asked, her voice trembling. She had forgotten all about her tea at that point.
He knew that she wanted him to be honest with her, but that would only concern her further. Besides, they would find out what her brother wanted to tell them shortly. Why make her even more agitated than she already was?
“I don’t know, Cate,” he said softly. “But whatever it is, we will deal with it together… as a family.”
He could see the look of gratitude in those beautiful eyes and he knew that he had made the right choice in telling her exactly how he felt about this sudden intrusion into their peaceful morning. Several moments later, the door opened again and Reginald Stanhope entered, looking disheveled, as if he had not even combed himself, but rather got up, got dressed and headed straight over there.
Catherine got up instantly, rushing over to him. “Reggie, is something the matter?” she fluttered like a bottled butterfly around him.
Dominic followed suit and got up as well, waiting to see what Reginald would share with them.
“I… I’m sorry that I’m interrupting your breakfast,” Reginald said, raking his fingers through his hair nervously. “But I wanted to come straight here, without delay.”
“Of course,” Dominic took over, his voice a peaceful harbor for both his wife and her brother, as that seemed to be exactly what they needed. “Why don’t you sit down and tell us what happened, so we can sort it out?”
