That sweet bliss neared, but Anna began to crave more, different. “Colin,” she moaned, clawing his shoulders. “Colin, come up.” When he did not, she squirmed and cried his name, punctuating it with a curse.
He laughed and came up. “Yes?”
Anna reached for his breeches instead of telling him what she wanted, and the instant he was free, she took his member in hand and guided him into her. He kissed her as he began to move inside her, slowly at first, then with the exact speed and power she needed.
Something primal stirred inside her, and she held onto his shoulders. She loved him. It had taken her some time to understand it but she was certain of her feelings now. Anna had only one way of showing him that love, and that was helping him establish his legacy. Her body convulsed, and he slipped an arm around her waist and lifted her to him, his other hand wrapped her leg around his hip.
He reached deeper and deeper into her, touching her where she needed him most. Unbearable pleasure coiled inside her, then snapped and sent her into a realm of blessed chaos. He followed her there with one final thrust, swelling inside her, releasing, and filling her. Colin smoothed her hair from her face and stared at her as if in awe.
“Heavens, Anna!” he panted. “You stole my mind.”
She smiled and kissed the underside of his jaw, wrapping her other leg around him. She was not yet ready to let him slip out of her. “I shan’t give it back.”
He rolled onto his back, taking her with him. “I do not want you to.” These were the rare moments when he spoke freely, and she thought he was not entirely aware of what he had just revealed. Anna rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes, a satisfied sigh gracing her lips.
She fell asleep there, and no matter how deep her slumber was, she felt him near her. His soft caress, the beating of his heart, the kisses he placed in her hair, she felt all of them.
When she opened her eyes a while later, she did not find him. Anna sat up and swept her hair from her face, squinting at the first rays of dawn that streamed into the room. She felt a dull ache in her belly, which she ignored until she felt unusual wetness in her core.
She pulled back the covers and shifted to reveal the stain of her courses.
No! It is not supposed to come.
Anna clapped her hand over her mouth to cover a sob, but it was not enough, and soon, she could not keep the tears away.
Chapter 21
He is leaving me—for at least three weeks. How can I fulfill his needs when he is leaving? I am outraged, both at him and myself. I have to convince him. I must make him understand how important it is for me to be a good wife. It is the only way I can ensure that I will be a good mother.
“It will get better, Your Grace, you’ll see.” Mason gently touched her shoulder.
“You must eat, Anna,” Catherine said, patting the back of her hand and gesturing at the tray that contained her breakfast on the table.
She had cried upon seeing her courses because she feared failing Colin, especially now that she was in love with him. He would be gravely disappointed in her if she could not give him one of the first things he had asked for when they married.
“I truly thought I was…” She shook her head and reached for a buttered toast from a plate.
“Such things happen, Anna,” Catherine reassured her. “There was a time I thought I was expecting, too.”
“How disappointed you must have been.” Anna knew how her sister wanted children.
“I was, but I had Marcus’ kindness and understanding.”
She would have to tell Colin about her courses, but she did not want to see the disappointment she was sure she would find in his expression. Her heart squeezed and she held back a wince, biting into her toast.
“Do not worry,” her sister continued, “you have ample time.”No, I do not.She had to give him an heir quickly. It was what he wanted. “To cheer you up, I have asked for the carriage to be readied for us. We can ride to the village.”
Anna quickly shook her head. “I do not think I can leave the manor at this time. I fear I will be dire company.”
“Very well. A walk in the garden perhaps?”
“Yes, a walk might be good for me.”
“Good.” Catherine stood. “Now eat. I have a letter to write. I will return momentarily.”
Anna finished the toast in her hand and drank some tea but she could not eat the rest of the food. Then she had a bath. As she was getting dressed, she decided to follow her sister’s advice. Instead of wallowing in disappointment, she could concentrate on conceiving. After all, there was a great pleasure to be had from the time she would spend with Colin.
When her hair had been styled, she left her bedchamber to find him. He would eventually find out her condition, but she could tell him now.
