Scandalous Intentions (17 page)

He moved within her a little at a time, waiting for her body to acclimate to his. The love and acceptance in her eyes sent his heart hammering as much as the heat of her around his length.

He kept his pace unhurried, allowing her fire to build. Lowering his head to one breast, he pulled a rosy nipple into his mouth, teasing and sucking it. A moan erupted from her, and she rocked her hips beneath him. Her inner muscles constricted around his shaft, threatening to send him over the edge.

Sweat glistened on her pale skin as he kissed his way back to her lips. The sweet sounds she made intensified his need. He thrust faster, and she moaned, wrapping her legs around his hips.

“Sarah…” He rumbled into her ear, and she thrust up. They went over the edge as one. His hot seed spilled into her on a final thrust. Her cry echoed in the room.

He rolled off her and pulled her to his side with a sigh. No man could possibly have more perfect a wife then he. She laid her head on his chest while trailing her finger in small circles over his skin. Never could he have imagined a joining so intense, so perfect. Surely their souls had fused. No doubt remained, he was a lucky man.

“How often do you desire to have me in your bed?” Sarah lifted her head and gazed at him.

He had forgotten all about their bargain. His heart grew heavy. She had not married him for love. He opened his mouth but closed it again. A wave of disappointment swept through him. He would not say the words until he knew she felt the same way for him. Perhaps someday, she would grow to love him.

“Every night. But now that our marriage is consummated, whether or not we make love is your choice, wife.”

She smirked up at him. “Very well, husband, but do not forget our bargain. You are forbidden to have a mistress.”

Bargain
. His chest constricted at her words, pain wrapping around his heart. She clearly did not care for him at all.

“My word is as good as the crown’s jewels. I will honor our deal.” He moved to get up, and she lifted her head off of his chest, positioning herself against the thick pillow. He could not stay in the bed with her, knowing she only cared for her freedom.

“What would you like to do for the remainder of the day?” He tossed the words over his shoulder as he pulled his trousers up. He retrieved his shirt from the floor, avoiding eye contact with her.

“Can we remain here in bed?” Her voice shook.

His heart tugged at the timidity there as he worked his cravat into place. Part of him wanted to take the garments off and join her, but his wounded pride would not have it. “It would be best if we did not. How about a tour of the estate? As lady of the house you need to know your way around. You must meet the staff as well.”

The bed creaked as she rose. He straightened his waistcoat, still not looking at her. Something unfriendly unfurled in his belly.

“I will send your maid in to assist you, Lady Luvington.” He strolled out of the room leaving her alone.

* * * *

Sarah inhaled and headed for the door leading to Julian’s office. Her feet felt leaden on the cool marble floor. After the way he treated her, she was in no hurry to spend time with him. Alas, she had no choice. Straightening her spine, she marched into the office.

He glanced up at her over a stack of papers from his large leather chair. “Have a seat.” He indicated the straight-backed chair opposite him.

“I would rather stand. We shall not be in here long. You did promise me a tour of the house and grounds.”

“I thought we could go over the necessary documents to put you in control of your dowry first. My solicitor drew them up, and I have already signed off. All that is left for you to do is read them over before you sign under my name.” He held the documents out for her.

She moved to stand in front of his mammoth carved desk and picked up a pen. “I have no need to read them. I trust you. Just show me where to sign.”

He laid the papers on the desk and pointed to a signature line. “Here.”

She glided the pen across the bold line, then he flipped through the pile stopping on the next one. “And here.” He pointed again, and she signed.

“I will leave these on my desk. Should you choose to read them, they will be here.” He glanced up at her, and a warm smile softened his features. “Thank you for placing your trust in me. It means a great deal.”

The coolness he showed her before seemed to have vanished. Perhaps it had not been his intention to mistreat her. Perhaps he genuinely thought it a bad idea to stay in bed. Nonetheless, she was glad to see him acting like himself again. “You are my husband. I would not have married you if I did not trust you.”

He stood and moved to her side, pulling her into his arms. “Accept my apologies for being so short with you earlier. My pride was injured, but I should not have taken it out on you.”

His pride?
Sarah furrowed her brow at him. “I assure you, there was no reason for you to doubt yourself. I rather enjoyed our coupling.”

“Then we shall make love often.” His deep throaty chuckled wrapped around her.

Sarah resisted the urge to shake her head, befuddled. She did not know what to make of him.

SCANDALOUS INTENTIONS

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Sarah lay with
her head on Julian’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Their lovemaking the night before left her deeply satisfied. She had slept the night away curled against him, her body pressed to his and found herself reluctant to break the connection.

The now familiar throbbing between her thighs urged her to touch him. She reached under the covers, feathering her fingers over his shaft, but pulled them back when it jerked under her touch.

His hand caught hers, bringing it back to his hardness. “I like when you touch me.” He guided her hand over him, applying more pressure. “Wrap your fingers around me.” His words came out a husky whisper.

She followed his instruction, marveling at the way he turned to stone under her stroking. Courage mounting, she let her hand explore the rest of him. His body arched beneath her. A deep moan erupted from him. Her hand stilled at the unexpected intensity of the sound.

She glanced up at him. “Does that not please you?”

“Come here, wife, before you undo me.” He reached for her and guided her mouth to his. Their lips meshed in a scorching kiss.

Sarah pulled back. “I do not understand.”

He gazed at her through heavy lids and grinned in the roguish way only he could. “If you were to keep touching me like that I would have spent myself. I would rather bring you pleasure as well.” He pulled her head back down to his and trailed kisses across her neck and collarbone until she panted. “Let me teach you, my pet.”

Without thought, she climbed onto him as he indicated. She brought her lips back to his, allowing her tongue to dart out and twine with his. He ran his hands down her back to her hips, then guided her until she slid down on his erection.

As though on instinct, she began to rock her hips while he guided her up and down, building a rhythm. She kissed his neck the way he kissed hers, sucking and nipping as she rode him. The tension built in her, begging to be released.

He thrust up, increasing their tempo. She tossed her head back and cried out. Pleasure erupted through her, sending her over the edge as his seed pumped into her.

She collapsed on his chest, panting. Her entire body tingled as he softened inside her. To think, she once worried if they would be compatible in such an intimate way. She lifted her head to stare at her husband.

“Good morning.”

“The best morning I have ever experienced.” He smiled at her, his chestnut hair mussed, green eyes sparkling.

“You jest. Though it is a splendid way to begin a new day.” She rolled off him, laughing as she settled against his side. He held her close, and she rested her head on his chest.

“It was not a jest.” He squeezed her waist. “If I could choose to wake up in the same way every day, I would.”

She turned her head and placed a kiss on his arm. Part of her wanted to savor this moment for as long as possible. The rest of her needed to discuss Scotland with him. She needed to see Amelia. Now, with her freedom and personal fortune, she could.

“What is on your mind, my pet?” He trailed his fingertips back and forth across her abdomen.

“I… Will we be taking a wedding trip?” She closed her eyes, inhaling the spicy scent of him.

“Indeed, I have one planned.” His hand stilled. “We depart tomorrow at noon.”

“And where is my dear husband taking me?” She batted her lashes.

“It is a surprise.” He rolled her onto her back, and his lips brushed hers. “Let us ready ourselves for the day? I have some matters I must attend to before we embark on our adventure.”

She pouted her lips and gazed at him. “I suppose if you must, I will not try to stop you.”

His roguish chuckle filled the space around her as he ran his finger across her bottom lip. “And what has my dear wife planned to occupy her time?”

“Do not worry your head over it. I shall be perfectly content keeping company with myself while you work.” She grinned. “Now ready yourself and go before I change my mind.”

He smiled then nipped the side of her neck before kissing it. “As you wish.”

* * * *

Sarah spent the morning going over the household accounts and speaking with the staff before having lunch. With her feet worn out and her stomach filled, she retired to her private sitting room to read. Julian’s library proved to be expansive, positively bursting with educational materials.

Soon her eyes grew too tired to read, and she rested the leather book in her lap, looking out the window. Dusk would be upon them before long. She should seek Julian out. At the least, he could break from his work to take supper with her.

She set the volume aside with a sigh. The day’s activities wore her out. A cursory glance at her skirts revealed a wrinkled mess. She stood and shook them out, trying to smooth them with her hands. Not perfect, but it would have to suffice.

On her way through the residence, she would need to stop at a looking glass and check her reflection. Pray, do not let it be in as poor a condition as her skirts. She took her leave of the room intent on finding her husband. If she had too, she would bring the meal to him.

The normal patter she had come accustomed to in her parent’s home when she walked evaded her. Here, the plush carpet of the hall absorbed it. She dipped into their room and made haste to correct her wayward curls before pinching color into her cheeks. Then she continued on her way.

Having reached the curved staircase, she paused to run her hands over her skirts one last time. A female voice drifted down the hall. Sarah froze. She strained to make out the words. In no way had she prepared for visitors. What lady would interrupt them the day after their wedding? She moved down a few more steps, trying to place the voice.

A tall woman with auburn hair stood alone in the foyer.
Who was she?

Sarah ducked low on the stairs, not wishing to be seen in her current state but too curious to leave. A primal need held her there.

“Lady Claudia, Lord Luvington will be out directly.”

The words hit like a jolt. Was this the Lady Claudia Julian had ruined so many years before? No. Surely many ladies carried the same name.