He stood, removing his trousers. Her hungry gaze riveted on his chiseled body, the magnificent view unlike anything she could have imagined. She reached out for him, silently begging him to join her once again. When his manhood sprung forward she spread her legs in invitation. She did not fear their coupling, she longed for it. Longed for him.
He settled himself next to her and their lips came back together in a hungry kiss. She feathered her fingers over his hard appendage. When he latched onto her nipple she gasped softly. The sensation was more blissful than she imagined possible.
“Are you certain?” He looked into her eyes.
“Yes, I want you.” She angled her head to kiss his salty skin.
He slid a hand between her thighs, rubbing her feminine folds before slipping a finger inside. She arched her back and moaned, pressing herself closer to his palm.
He nudged her legs farther apart and sprinkled kisses upon her abdomen. She urged him back to her lips. He came over her, settling between her thighs. Gazing down at her, he asked, “Are you certain?”
She smiled saucily. “There is nothing I want more.”
He took her lips in another passionate kiss as he pushed his manhood into her. Her need drove her hips up, forcing him to fill her completely. A stab of pain caused her to freeze, a meek whimper radiating from her lips.
“Making love only hurts the first time.” His husky voice resonated through her as he began to move slowly inside her passage, quickly building her passion as the pain faded away.
Before long she matched his movements with her own. The fire inside her built until it erupted in a shower of divine sensations that radiated through her. She held onto him, panting for air, her limbs tingling with satisfaction while he found his own release.
He rolled off her, bringing her to rest in the crook of his arm, her head cradled against his solid chest. Her heart beat in unison with his as she drifted off to sleep, wishing he could be her forever.
When she woke, she found herself alone in the bed. The only light in the room came from the moonbeams pouring through the lead-glass window. A cursory glance around the room revealed Richard seated at the table. “Come back to bed.” She patted the space next to her.
He glanced away with a sigh. “Lady Amelia, I am sorry.”
Why did he speak to her so formally?
“I never should have touched you, let alone made love to you. I had no right.”
Her blood chilled at his words. She sat up, letting the sheet fall around her waist. “Do not regret what we shared. I am not sorry. I wanted you to make love to me, and I am glad you did.”
He peered at her, a painful expression on his handsome face. “Why is that, dear, because I played right into your little plan?”
She straightened her back and looked into his eyes. “No, that is not it at all. I meant--”
“You meant to ensnare an English lord and settled for me instead.”
His words, like venom, attacked her soul.
“Please let me explain. You have it all wrong. I have no intentions of trapping you.”
He grimaced before looking away. “Because I am not good enough. I am not an English Lord. What then, was I just practice for when you arrive back in London?”
Amelia shook her head, hot tears gliding down her cheeks. “I have decided--”
“You are done deciding.” He stood and walked to the door. “I ran into Lord Shillington and his sister when I went to get your gown. They have agreed to escort you back to London. Tonight, I will guard your room. Tomorrow you will depart with them.” He opened the door and stepped into the hallway.
“No, this is all wrong. You have to listen to me. I no longer care about England...” He shut the door, cutting off her words.
SCANDALOUS ENDEAVORS
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Lord Shillington andLady Jane were seated at a table in the inn’s great room, their meal in front of them when Amelia entered. Jane glanced up and grinned brightly at her, then smacked her brother’s arm. His gaze followed in the direction she indicated, lighting on Amelia. He stood and strolled toward her. It was a wonder he hadn’t knocked the chair over in his rush to reach her side.
“Lady Amelia, I am so pleased you are joining Jane and me on our journey back to civilization.” He offered his arm. “Come enjoy a meal before we depart.”
Amelia smiled halfheartedly out of obligation and took his arm, allowing him to guide her to the table. As they walked, she scanned the main room desperately hoping to spot Richard. Alas, with the entire room accounted for, she abandoned her search. She should have gone after him last night. With a heavy heart, she allowed Lord Shillington to pull out a chair for her, and then took her seat.
