Page 45 of Never Second Guess a Lord
“Would you if I said I wanted to be your wife?” she wondered, blunt because that is how it was between them. Honest. How she always wanted it to be. “Would you remarry and try to produce an heir if I agreed to it here and now?”
“Without a second thought, if you said you loved me too.”
His swift answer and the tenderness in his eyes made it hard to think.
“Do you love me too, Prudence?” He cupped her cheek as though he thought her precious. “Setting all threat of marriage aside, do you feel how I feel?”
Though tempted to lie in order to keep him at a distance, she would not do that. Never with him.
“I am fairly certain I have loved you from the moment our eyes connected when in my golden gown.” Her voice sounded strained to her own ears. “But that changes nothing. Nor will it ever.”
“It does not,” he agreed, pulling her even closer, his strong arm a possessive cage whether he realized it or not. One that did not make her feel trapped, however. Rather she felt captured in the best way possible.
“If anything, it makes me want to try harder,” he went on, his voice gruff as he lowered his lips to hers without kissing her. Barely touching as his voice grew softer. More intense. His words were sensual. Vivid. “If anything, it makes me want to bury myself in you again until you whimper. Lose myself inside you until you have no choice but to be mine.”
Her eyes drifted, and her lips tingled at how appealing that sounded. Yet she found her tongue. Said what needed saying. “Even if that takes a lifetime?”
“Especiallyif it takes so long.” He brushed his lips across hers. “Over and over and over again.”
Before she could respond, he caught her lips with his and kissed her so intensely that her knees weakened, and she melted against him. Desperately wanted him inside her again.
Until another rap came on the door, and Agnus intruded once more. “Dinner is nearly ready, my lady. Your Grace.”
“Dinner?” she murmured against his mouth before she put a finger to his lips and mouthed that she would handle this.
She smoothed her hair, made sure her clothing was as it should be, and stepped out of the room, only to find her maid not looking at her sternly but with curiosity. Barely constrained, based on the way Fenwick vanished around the corner as though he had been waiting for news of Prudence and Jacob as well.
“Miss Agnus,” she said in greeting.
“My lady.” Agnus’ hands were clasped in front of her, and her gaze more on the door behind Prudence than on her mistress. “I hope all is going well between you and the duke.”
“Very well, thank you.” She narrowed her eyes when she swore Fenwick peeked around the corner, then pulled back. “Though I am sorry to say the duke is weary indeed after his travels. If you could see a bath drawn for him and food brought to both of our rooms so we might dine in private, that would be most appreciated. I will also not need assistance undressing and preparing for bed tonight, so you need not attend me.”
“Of course, my lady,” Agnus said. Fenwick cleared his throat from somewhere unseen, clearly finding the situation more inappropriate than it already was. “I will see to things straight away.” She tidied Prudence’s dress with a small, unexpected smile, and adjusted a portion which clearly had been pulled down a tad too far. “There are very few of us about this eve with the storm, and all will be below stairs, so if you need assistance, ring your bell. Otherwise, your home is very much your own tonight.” She curtsied. “I wish you both a lovely evening and hope the duke catches up on his rest.”
When Agnus’ eyes rose to her face, she knew her maid was well aware of what had transpired in the study. What would continue to transpire between her and Jacob. More than that, she approved of it. Wanted to see Prudence happy.
“Thank you,” she said softly and squeezed her maid’s hand because she knew they were beyond employer and employee now. Prudence had a good friend in Agnus. “As always, do not hesitate to enjoy a nice meal yourself.” She could not help a small smile. “And do be sure to extend the invitation to those traveling with the duke as well.”
“Of course, my lady.”
“Oh, and Miss Agnus?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Do see Mr. Fenwick joins everyone else below stairs.” She winked. “As I do believe he could use a bit of company and a good night’s rest too.”
Agnus chuckled and curtsied before she vanished. Just as Prudence did when she showed Jacob to his room.
“Do we have a connecting door then, love?” His amused gaze went from the obvious door between their rooms back to her. “Were you trulythatbold?”
Rather than respond, she assured him a warm bath would be brought up soon, and perhaps they could dine together in either of their rooms afterward if he so chose. Before he could reply, she stepped aside as a tub was carried in, then retired to her own room, only to count down the minutes until she saw him again.
Wind howled, and sleet mixed with snow, tapping against the windows, making for a cozy night. Having no interest in the food and drink left for her, she paced in front of the fire before drifting to the door between their rooms. She bit her lower lip. Wrung her hands. It had been long enough to heat water for his bath, so was he undressing at this very moment? If so, what did he look like beneath his clothes? Was his body as strong as it had seemed? His chest as broad? His arousal as sizeable as it had felt?
While curious, she wondered if it were any of her business. She could give him everything but marriage. With that in mind, she could hardly believe he had insinuated he strived for such with her. That he would want her that much. Loved her to that degree.
Love.
