“She is too tiny,” I say at once, but when his eyebrow arches in silent reproach, I duck my head.
Violet looks up, her eyes traveling to-and-fro between us. “Horse? Mama? Papa?”
“When you are old enough, as Papa says,” I say, pressing another kiss to her feather-soft cheek. “Good night, dearest. Have only the sweetest dreams.”
I have been so enraptured with my perfect daughter I did not see the nurse step into the room. I take no notice until she is reaching for the child. I give Violet one more squeeze before I relinquish her into her nurse’s tender care.
Gregor turns to watch them depart, then closes the door behind them. When he looks at me, there is a somber authority in his eyes I have come to know well. “Are you ready to speak, my lady?”
My stomach flutters and my throat constricts, but I nod.
“Our guests will be here soon,” he reminds me, “so we must see this dealt with quickly.”
“Yes, my lord,” I agree.
He has already crossed the room in long-legged strides, and bends so that his lips catch my words. “I see you are quite agreeable tonight,” he remarks after he has kissed me.
“Yes, Daddy,” I whisper.
“Good lass. Remove your gown.”
I take it off, but I am not in haste, for as my husband circles me, I know his eyes are drinking in every movement. His eyes make it known he likes no moment more than the one rightbefore I am completely bare and exposed to his hungry gaze. And in truth, I enjoy it quite well, too.
“You were a good lass while I was away,” he praises, his words soft as his eyes move up and down my body.
“You were gone far too long,” I say, my tone and countenance sulky.
“Do not pout, it is unbecoming a duchess,” he scolds, his finger flicking the hard, stiff peak of my nipple.
“I am told you took very good care of our children, and you were an excellent mistress.” He moves to stand behind me and kisses my nape, his arms drawing me close when I shiver. “So there is but one matter to deal with.”
I go still in his arms. “Whatever can you mean, Your Grace?”
A swift, sound smack echoes throughout the room and my right hindquarter smarts. “Daddy!” I correct myself. “Whatever can you mean, Daddy?”
“You did not wait for me.” He moves to stand in front of me I can see the way his dark eyes gleam. “Did I not tell you I should know if you were naughty?” His smile flashes, and he resembles a hungry wolf. He slides his hand down my body and cups my hot, quivering sex, and I am overtaken by desire. “You promised,” he says, his words a reminder and a chastisement all at once.
“You were gone… very long,” I say, whimpering at his firm, commanding touch. How I long to feel him—tongue, fingers, or his shaft! Any part of him!—inside me.
“As you knew I would be. That does not change the fact you are forbidden to take your pleasure when I am not here to watch.” His face is a perfect study in contradiction—solemn, yet fierce. Amused, yet stern. “Do you deny it?”
I shake my head at once. Nearly two years of marriage has taught me the benefits of swift confession. “I do not, my—Daddy.”
He tuts his tongue, but there is a devious fire in his gaze that tells me he is pleased. “We must be in haste. Our guests will be here soon, and I do not think you wish to explain our tardiness to the Crown Pricne, do you?”
It is our first ball, and we will be honored by the presence of many members of the royal family, but I can think of no one save the duke just now. “No, Daddy, I do not.”
“Good—then recall that and do as I bid you, lass.” He cannot seem to resist trailing his hand along the curve of my body. “Whatever shall I do with you, my lady?”
I shake my head, for I know nothing except that I cannot wait to find out.
Duke Gregor
“Ah, Your Grace! At last!”
I bow. “Your Highness, how marvelous to see you. Thank you for attending—I know this evening is made the richer for your presence.”
James looks at me and laughs. “Dodispense with the formalities, Gregor, and have a seat.”
