“Then I like that you trust me. I am honored by that.” He watched his thumb slide across her nipple and felt her hair around his other hand. “I like that I can make you blush or prompt your smile. I like that you respond to me, that you heed me, and that there is this wondrous camaraderie between us.”
“It is wondrous,” she agreed, flushing so that he wanted to devour her.
“I like that you chastise me,” he said, for it was true. “And I like that you surprise me.”
“There is much that you like then,” she said, her tone teasing.
“More than I ever imagined possible, and this in a matter of days.” He smiled down at her. “In no time, Patience, you will hold me utterly in thrall.” Even as he said the words, Arthur recognized that they were already true. He loved her, heart and soul. And if the way to capture her heart was with leisurely lovemaking, then he would spend every moment seducing his bride.
But on this night, he wagered he would surprise her.
CHAPTER13
Patience knew Arthur well enough to recognize that he had a scheme, and his fleeting smile indicated that it was a mischievous one. She did not doubt that it would also be a seductive one, and perhaps a surprise. He kissed her before she could ask and she kissed him back, wanting to show that she found encouragement in the passage they had just read. This time, she strove to abandon herself to sensation, no longer fighting against a loss of control, choosing to trust Arthur completely.
That he was as aroused as she made her capitulation simpler. She was thrilled at his incoherent groan of satisfaction, of the urgency she felt growing within him. He was taut and demanding, his kiss so possessive that it nearly made her swoon.
It seemed that she had a power to excite him that might even equal his ability to make her forget her usual reserve. The notion was a thrilling one and she caressed him, loving how he responded to her touch.
Wonder of wonders, her own body responded to him and she found herself clutching his hair, her mouth open as she kissed with as much savage demand as he showered upon her. She felt him swing her into his arms with purpose. In a heartbeat, she was upon the bed on her back, still kissing him, Arthur bent over her. She reveled in the warm strength of his hands in her hair, and the way he pressed her into the mattress, his solid strength holding her captive to his caress.
He broke their kiss and whispered her name, looking down at her with a marvel in his eyes that made her smile. She untied his cravat and cast it aside, then worked loose the buttons on his waistcoat. He moved to facilitate her efforts, a smile curving his lips as she tugged his shirt free of his breeches. She unfastened his cuffs and pushed the cloth over his shoulder, not hiding her admiration as she surveyed his bare chest.
She landed a fingertip upon the scar, which curled over his shoulder. She knew it was deeper upon his back. “A secret?” she asked.
He shrugged. “Souvenir of a duel. It was the sole time I was injured, and I vowed I would never be so again.”
“Do not tell me that you always win.”
“I usually do.” He stole a kiss. “Partly because I do not take a wager I am doomed to lose.”
She laughed, then he silenced her with a kiss that left her gasping with need. He rolled her over with ease and unfastened her dress, kissing her bared shoulders as he pushed it down along with her chemise. She rolled back, arching toward him for his kiss, and his hand cupped her bared breast. He teased the nipple to a taut peak with an ease that should have alarmed her but Patience found herself arching her back, wanting more and more and more.
When his mouth closed over that same nipple, she jumped in surprise. But then he flicked his tongue across the tight bud, sending sensation surging through her and she fell back against the pillow, content to let him do whatsoever he desired. She was on fire with need, but trusted him completely to guide her on this new adventure. The graze of his teeth made her gasp aloud, then he turned his attention to the other breast, his hands locked around her waist and pushing her garments steadily downward. She playfully lifted her buttocks off the bed to aid in his quest, earning herself a wicked upward glance that made her laugh aloud. Then Arthur swept her dress and shift aside, cupped her buttocks in his hands and kissed her most bewitching spot.
Patience fell back in astonishment at this caress and its effect. She gasped as he settled to teasing it with gusto and heard herself moan in unbridled pleasure. Indeed, she could not have stopped herself—and the last thing she wanted him to do was stop. As before, he took his time, making her blood quicken, then pulling back, teasing her repeatedly with the prospect of release then cheating her of it. Each time, the tumult built a little higher until she gripped his shoulders, almost incoherent in her desire. She entreated him to grant her release. She writhed beneath him. She seized a fistful of his hair and he laughed, the fan of his breath against her only increasing her agitation. The next time he drove her toward the summit, she was certain he would draw back again—but he continued, pressing onward, demanding more and more of her until finally, he cast her over the abyss and she shouted with her final release.
He drew himself up beside her, his eyes glimmering with satisfaction, and Patience reached for his chausses. “Now,” she urged and a flame lit in his eyes. He stood up and shed his remaining garb with haste, wiping his face with his shirt, then returned to the bed. Patience wrapped herself around him, welcoming his weight atop her and his heat within her. It was easier this time, smoother and simpler, more familiar and more wonderful. She rolled her hips beneath him and watched him inhale sharply, then he rolled to his back so that she was perched atop him once more. This time, she leaned down and kissed him, loving the wicked taste of him, driving him onward, then cheating him of release as he had done to her.
And when finally she ceded, pushing him to the climax he had earned, Arthur roared with satisfaction. His arms locked around her and he drove deep inside her, shuddered with the power of his release, then kissed her shoulder, her neck, her ear and finally her lips.
He whispered her name with a reverence that Patience could understand, and she found herself drifting asleep, still wound around his strength.
This union was a marvel indeed and one that improved each time. She smiled in anticipation of their next attempt, even as Arthur pulled the covers over them both. “I need a rest before I divest you of those stockings,” he murmured into her hair and she laughed before he kissed her to silence again.
* * *
Patience was perfection.
Arthur sat in the offices of Fanshawe & Parke the next morning, watching Patience explain the details of her venture to Mr. Fanshawe. The older man was clearly skeptical when they arrived, but Arthur deferred to Patience in the discussion. She spoke decisively and with conviction, showing a passion for her plan that Arthur found most compelling. Her discussion with her father had only buttressed the original notion so that she had not only a scheme but a reply to every question posed by the older gentlemen.
Arthur fought against his smile as he watched Mr. Fanshawe’s reservations be steadily overwhelmed, then a glint of enthusiasm dawned in the other man’s eye. By the time, Patience had answered all of his questions, he sat forward in his chair, apparently intent upon beginning the venture with all haste.
She cast him a glance, her eyes sparkling as if they were filled with stars, and he reached to take her hand. As Mr. Fanshawe and Mr. Sommerset retired to review Arthur’s offer, he kissed Patience’s hand.
“Was I too forthright?” she whispered.
“You were perfect,” he said with conviction, and held her gaze until she flushed with pleasure. He was glad to be fulfilling his pledge to her and excited about the possibilities of this new venture. The agreement was made, and Mr. Sommerset declared that he would draw up the necessary contracts. They would meet in a week to seal the partnership.
