Pretty words whirled around in my mind. I chose honesty instead. “I have been neglecting you shamefully, and I am sorry. I let Parliament take precedence over you and that is wrong. You are my wife. I love you.”
Her features softened, eyes glistening with emotion. “I love you too.”
The dance floor became more and more crowded with married couples. While younger people did dance, the waltz was still considered taboo in certain circles. It was my favorite dance,and she was my favorite dance partner. “I know you told me you don’t want me to fix your problem, and I understand now.”
Her jaw tightened a bit, and she looked over my shoulder before meeting my gaze once more. “I’m glad you finally came to that conclusion.”
I could feel the flush rising to my cheeks, but I needed to be honest with her. “Olivia actually explained it very bluntly to Flynn and me.”
“What exactly did she tell you?” Suspicion narrowed her eyes, and I had to tread carefully.
“That I needed to listen to you, so here I am, ready to listen.” I wanted to encourage her and prayed she’d trust me with her innermost secrets. If I disclosed our entire conversation, then it would put her on the defensive.
“If I tell you something, I want your solemn vow you will listen and not try to influence the outcome.”
“Let us go somewhere quiet and talk.” I kept my expression serene and nodded, twirling her to the edge of the dance floor. Once on the sidelines, I kept my grip on her hand and exited through the servants’ entrance. The music became muted, the utilitarian hallway dimly lit by a gas lamp. It was close quarters, and I pressed her against the wall, my lips finding the sensitive spot on her neck.
She draped her arms around my neck, her hips pressed into mine. “I thought we were about to talk?”
“I thought we were too.” I lifted my head and met her sultry regard. I couldn't resist kissing her tempting mouth. She angled her head, pressing her lips tighter to mine.
Whispers sounded from behind us before someone cleared their throat.
I met her amused regard and, taking her hand, exited through a different door. My brain carried a fog of passion, and I was disoriented. “I am all turned around.”
We landed in the hallway and moved to her personal sitting room across the hall.
Moonlight streamed inside, the strains of music from the ball serenading us. I drew her into my arms once more, pleased when she slipped her hands up my lapel and linked them behind my neck. We were standing next to the grand piano, and I lifted her onto the shiny surface. Our eyes locked as I pushed her skirts over her knees, the musky scent of her need drifting between us. My lips finding hers, I slid my hand between her legs. She dipped her tongue into my mouth in response, the need between us rising. Her curls were damp with her essence, and I swirled my finger over her inflamed nub. Tongues dueling, I continued my seduction, my cock swelling with need for her. I hadn’t felt this much of a frantic desire to bed her since we first married.
She clutched at my shoulders, moaning deep in her throat. “I need you, Rex.”
“Soon, but not quite yet.” I wanted her to reach the zenith of pleasure before I sank into her tight heat. I pulled her bodice down with my free hand until her nipples popped out. My time with Flynn had opened my eyes to more than simple intercourse. Eleanor and I had been virgins on our wedding night, neither one knowing what we were missing until Flynn showed us.
Mouth parted, she licked her lips, her color high. I moved my fingers over her with more speed, pleased by the increased strength of her breath. Her fingers curled into my shoulders, tiny moans emanating from her throat. I spread kisses along her collarbone and trailed my mouth to her breasts. Her nipples were tight, and I swirled my tongue over the puckered flesh before I drew one into my mouth. She cried out, her legs jerking, chest pushed out. With a shudder, she dropped her head, panting.
Pleased to have brought her pleasure, I pulled her to the edge of the piano. Freeing my cock, I slid into her wet heat.She wrapped her legs around my waist, her mouth finding the underside of my chin. My hands gripping her hips, I pumped into her sheath. I wanted to lose myself and spunk, yet I refrained. I slipped my hand between us, teasing her nub once more. She gripped my hips tighter with her legs, our bodies moving in a frantic rhythm.
“Eleanor?” I asked on an airy laugh. “How are you faring?”
“Faster, please, I...” She gasped, her inner muscles tightening on my cock. “Oh my!”
I stared at her for a long moment, waiting for her quick breathing to calm. She had pretended to find fulfillment in the past, and I wanted her truly satisfied before I ended this encounter. “Did you reach gratification?”
She licked her lips, her irises retracted, and her pupils a velvety black. “Indeed, very gratified.”
“You will tell me if you haven’t, won’t you?” I had to find out for my own peace of mind.
“Yes, I am well gratified.” She cupped my jaw. “Very gratified. Let go, my love.”
I angled my head and caught her mouth in a loving kiss as I allowed the sensations to wash over me. My hands gripping her bottom, the pleasure shot through me. So many years wasted, and I wanted to make up for them all.
Legs weak from standing, I slumped over her. Our gazes locked, her sultry grin inviting. She lay back on the piano, and I followed her lead. Contentment washed over me as I slid my elbows onto the surface of the instrument to hold my weight, my head dropping next to hers. The scent of sweet roses and earthy woman enveloped me as I tried to catch my breath.
“I think we need to have much more of these types of conversations.” She threaded her fingers into my hair, playing with the strands.
I laughed at her quip, my love for her growing deeper daily. “Indeed. You said you wished to tell me something.” Although I was certain I knew what she was about to disclose, I pretended ignorance. This was her story to tell.
A long moment passed, the music in the background lulling me into sleep. I resisted the urge. I stood upright and righted my clothing, handing my handkerchief to her to clean herself after our rousing play.
