Page 72 of Ironvine

“Charles, I would like to ask you a question concerning our relations.”

“Our relations?” He tilted his head, and his features fell into shadow.

“What I mean is how often and where and what time of day will you be requiring congress?”

His eyes narrowed. “Requiring congress?”

“Yes. I would like to be aware of your needs. If you have a particular programme for when you would expect me to attend you in your chamber, or if you prefer to come to mine, and how often per week?”

ChapterThirty-One

Georgina

“A programme?”Charles repeated, his brow furrowing.

“Well…yes. Isn’t that how a marriage works? I would like to know in advance what you expect of me so that I may…”

“Fulfill your obligations?”

“Yes, and be prepared to do so properly.”

“Properly? There is no proper anything when it comes to you and me in that bed. None at all.”

Her brain stuttered. “Oh, I—”

“And how does one prepare?”

“Um…”

“Where did you get this notion of a programme?”

“My sister. Philippa does this with her husband, and they both find it satisfactory. My mother did so with her first husband, and she said it was the best way. They did tell me not to ask directly, but I would like to know so that—”

“I am not a man for programmes in my bed.”

“I see. I thought you might find it agreeable—”

His lips curled in aversion. “Furthermore, I do not find the terms “agreeable” or “satisfactory” satisfying in the least.”

“Indeed, I shouldn’t think a man of your great experience would. That is why I asked as I only thought as to your needs and appetites, which are most likely quite…”

“Quite what?”

She licked at her bottom lip. “Advanced. Perhaps yours are greater or different from Mr. Holyfloke’s.”

His eyes blazed as he approached her, and her heartbeat kicked up. She could feel the heat flaring off his body as he grew closer and closer. His warm fingers cupped her chin, tilting it upwards toward him. “I have a very great appetite, my sweet one. Women have appetites as well.”

“Yes. Yes, we do.”

“I’m finding that I would like to discover yours and fulfill them one by one. Especially as our first time was cut quite short.” He spoke slowly, his words an ominous drumbeat on her heart.

“That is quite fair and gallant of you, my lord.”

“Fair, eh? You have been told otherwise?” His warm hand slid down her silky throat, cuffing her there, applying the slightest pressure.

Her eyes widened at the possessive nature of the gesture, the all-encompassing claiming of his hand. “Y-Yes.”

“You have been told to be obedient to your husband?”

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