She mimicked his bow, unable to stop the mischievous grin on her face. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace.”
“I thought we were to meet a half hour ago,” Evan said as he took his seat. “Perhaps I was mistaken.”
“Not at all, Your Grace,” she said as she took her own seat. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “I admit I’m surprised an overgrown enchanted snowman like yourself knows how to tell time.”
He grinned in response. “You should know. You’re the mischievous enchantress who bewitched me, after all.” He took her hand. He still delighted in being able to hold her hand in public. There was no need to worry about a scandal anymore. He quirked an eyebrow at her. “Have you read any books by Mary Wollstonecraft lately?
She giggled and ducked her head, unable to keep up the charade. “I behaved so scandalously, didn’t I?”
“You were adorable,” he said, smiling. “And before you ask, I’ve already ordered a plate of scones.”
Joanna poured herself a cup of tea. “Excellent! I do love them.” She looked around the shop with a soft smile on her face. “I believe this little tea shop will become a favorite of mine. After all, it’s where we met.”
“I personally prefer that art gallery,” he said. “Especially that funny little exhibit with the pear paintings. Perhaps we can stop there next.” He took her hand and pressed his lips against her knuckle. “I can finally kiss you the way I wanted to then.”
She giggled a little, a blush spreading across her face. Even after a month of marriage, she still blushed so easily for him. He hoped that would never go away. “I would love that.”
“Good,” he said. “Because I love you.”
She smiled softly. “I love you too, Evan,” she whispered. “I always will.”
Joanna had to admit that the scones were a bit bland. After a month of living at Blackwell Manor, she was beginning to get accustomed to more than just the watered-down stew she used to take as her single meal of the day. However, despite that, the tea shop would still be a favorite place for her because it was where she met Evan.
After they finished their meal, Evan said, “Where to next, my duchess? The art gallery, perhaps?”
“Another time,” she said. “I would like to return home. I have another plan for the night.”
He smiled, his eyes taking on a predatory glint. “Do you, now?”
“Yes, Your Grace. You will see.” She couldn’t help but giggle as they left the shop and got into their carriage.
As soon as they were inside, he pulled her onto his lap and closed the curtains on the carriage windows, shielding them from the outside world. She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck as he kissed her, roughly.
He hadn’t been able to keep his hands off of her since their wedding night. If he had his way, they would never leave their bedchamber. Joanna had to insist on going out and about in London now and then, just so they could catch their breaths.
“You look magnificent today,” he growled as he trailed kisses down her skin. “Perhaps we don’t have to wait for the manor. I could claim you right here.”
She blushed at the thought. “Someone would surely know! The driver–”
“I do not give a damn.” He kissed her collarbone as his hands went to the laces of her dress.
She had to reach behind her and grab his hand before he could undo them– she knew how fast he could undo her dress when he wanted to. “That won’t be necessary. We can have plenty of fun without messing up my dress.” She felt for the laces of his breaches and her hand brushed over his hard shaft in the process.
He groaned softly and captured her mouth in another kiss as she undid his laces and pulled out his shaft. Joanna moved her skirts out of the way as she straddled him. Slowly, she impaled herself upon him and her entire body shuddered as he filled her up.
He groaned. “Good girl,” he said, grabbing her hips to control her movements. “That’s it. Move up and down, just like that. You feel so good, sweetheart.”
She kissed her way down his neck, loving the way his pulse fluttered under her lips. Seeing him like this, knowing that she affected him this much, made her feel powerful.
His body shuddered and suddenly he was pulling her off of him. He set her down on the opposite bench as he laced up his breaches. The look he was giving her was dark and predatory. “Not yet, little mouse,” he said. “I want to keep playing with you when we’re home.”
She smiled, feeling a bit breathless. She knew her face was flushed from exertion. “Of course. I have plans for you as well.”
By the time the carriage pulled up to Blackwell Manor, they had managed to compose themselves enough to exit the carriage without making it too obvious about what they were doing.
Evan barely bid farewell to the driver as he got out of the carriage with Joanna. He grabbed her hand and all but dragged her into the manor, with her giggling as she followed him.
He felt like a man half crazed with need. All it took to make him addicted to Joanna was getting a proper taste of her. Now he felt like he was dying if he didn’t spend all of his waking time touching her, or at least seeing her.
