Trevor bent his head to kiss her cheek, but Meredith deliberately moved, and he kissed her on the lips instead. It was a kiss that was carnal and seductive, speaking of her needs as well as desires. It made Trevor catch his breath.
“I have thrown most of my wardrobe about the chamber and in the process made a total mess of my bed,” Meredith whispered when he finally pulled away. “I doubt we could even find the mattress under that mountain of clothing.”
The marquess smiled wickedly at the invitation in her voice. All would be well. Though he suspected it would always haunt her to some degree, Meredith seemed willing to try and let go of the past.
“I recall achieving great success in my bed,” Trevor said. He kissed her again, discovering anew in the giving warmth of her embrace why he loved her, needed her, would do all that was in his power to keep her.
What they shared was rare and precious. Trevor vowed never to forget that, never to take for granted this remarkable gift.
Meredith shrieked in surprise as he swept her off her feet. With his wife held securely in his arms, Trevor retreated to his bedchamber, his delighted laughter mingling with Meredith’s and echoing through the entire wing of the house.
Epilogue
Hawthorne Manor
Six months later
“I’ve brought you some hot chocolate and toast, my lady,” Rose said.
Meredith glanced up from the small writing desk she was using as she reclined languidly against the many pillows on her bed and frowned. Her maid was practically cowering in the doorway. Her eyes, wide with alarm, darted nervously about the room.
“The marquess is shaving, Rose. In the other room.”
“Very good, my lady.” The maid heaved a big sigh and finally stepped into the chamber. “Shall I place your tray on the table near the window, or do you want it on the table by the bed?”
“By the bed will be fine. I am feeling lazy this morning.”
Meredith watched with amused concern as Rose practically ran across the room. She plunked the tray on the table, dropped a quick curtsy, and left even faster than she arrived.
Meredith sighed. Poor Rose. She had obviously not yet recovered from the incident of last week when a fully aroused, naked Trevor, interrupted while trying to seduce his wife back to bed in the late morning, had a less than gentlemanly reaction to the maid’s sudden appearance.
“Was that Rose?” Trevor asked as he emerged from the small dressing room they shared.
“I believe so,” Meredith replied. “Yet she came and left in the blink of an eye, so I could not be certain.”
The marquess sat on the edge of the bed. Meredith shifted to the center to allow him room. He was freshly shaven and smelled deliciously of soap. “I was hoping for an opportunity to apologize to Rose again this afternoon. That is, if she stands still long enough for me to speak with her.”
Meredith raised her hand to hide her smile. Trevor had been trying since the incident to make amends with the maid, unsuccessfully. It was rather lowering for such a sought-after rogue to now have a woman turn tail and run from him in terror each time he attempted to speak to her.
“I think it might be best if you say as little to Rose as possible.” Meredith moved her small writing desk to the side so she could get closer to her ruggedly handsome mate. “She will eventually adjust to you.”
Trevor snorted. “I have my doubts.”
Meredith smiled. He resembled a petulant child, in a temper because he was being unjustly scolded for doing something he felt was right. And yet there was nothing boyish about his square jawline or wide shoulders or muscular chest.
“Rose has no choice in the matter. For you see, sir, I have decided to keep you.”
He raised his head and met her eyes. Meredith’s breath caught at the stormy, sexy look he gave her. They reached for each other at the exact same moment, as if the pull of their love and desire was too strong a force to resist.
In their passion, they denied each other nothing, kissing and fondling with utter abandonment, touching each other with love and awareness. Nimble, knowing fingers were busy teasing, caressing, and seeking out all those mysterious places that would render the other weak with pleasure.
Their bodies joined together slowly, but the measured pace soon quickened. Their hearts seemed to beat as one as they neared completion, each urging the other to savor the sensations of ecstasy when it at last shattered over them.
In the aftermath of the moment, Meredith could think of nothing but her absolute satisfaction and total love for her husband. A single tear trickled down the side of her face, wetting the hair at her temple. She moved her head to brush it away, then felt Trevor’s warm breath against her ear as he murmured her name and his love for her over and over.
More tears threatened, but she blinked them back. At times it was difficult for her to believe how far they had come in their relationship, and each day Meredith could envision an even better future. With Trevor’s love and devotion, she truly felt anything was possible.
She tightened her arms around his broad back and hugged him fiercely. He stirred lazily. “Am I crushing you?”
