“Being charming isn’t your forte—”
“I know,” he said dryly.
“But you are honest, noble, and kind.” She touched his jaw. “And I’m so lucky that you’re my lover.”
“I’m the lucky one,” he said and meant it.
Her fingers trailed lower, tangling in his damp neckcloth. His breath quickened when she tugged it free. The glow of her smile lit his world.
“Then let’s show each other how lucky we are,” she whispered.
Pippa gradually awakened. Without opening her eyes, she smiled.
She rubbed her cheek against Cull’s warm, naked chest, his clean musk filling her nose. Their limbs were entwined, his burly arm holding her close, her top leg intimately wedged between his. This was thebestway to wake up.
And what they’d done before was the best way to fall asleep.
Dreamily, she took in her lover’s boyish yet rugged appeal. The tousled sweep of hair over his brow and the sensual curve of his bottom lip. She ran her gaze over his prime form, from the carved planes of his chest to the delicious trail of hair that disappeared beneath the sheet. She was intimately acquainted with where that hair ended, had worshipped that destination with her hands, mouth, and pussy last night. Cull had let her do whatever she wished.
And he’d made a few requests in return.
Taking her hand, he’d guided it down her stomach…all the way to her sex.
“Touch yourself,”he’d said.
She’d laughed nervously.“Why? You’re here.”
“I like to watch.”
His wicked desire had sent a hot spark dancing along her spine. She’d done what he asked, and he hadn’t lied: his member had grown long and hard as he watched her. Seeing her effect on him and hearing his sensual encouragement had brought her right to the edge.
“Frig your sweet pearl for me,”he’d ordered.“Do it harder. I want your fingers glistening with your pleasure.”
When she climaxed, he stretched atop her, thrusting deep inside. Her spasms were so lush and decadent that she didn’t know if he was prolonging her bliss or making her come again. Snagging her hand, he’d brought it to his mouth, sucking her fingers as he drilled into her.
“Christ’s blood, you’re delicious, Pippa,”he’d growled.
In between the lusty bouts, he’d cuddled her close. His whispered words of love were a balm to her spirit. With that last sliver of the past dislodged, she felt herself finally healing. Forgiving herself for her mistakes allowed her to see the future more clearly. To see what she wanted…and whom she wanted it with.
I love you.Cull had given her that gift as he had so many things, without strings or expectations. While the answering response had thumped in her chest, she hadn’t felt quite ready to give voice to it yet. When she gave her heart to Cull, she wanted it to be fully healed and whole. She wanted to be a woman who was secure in herself and her desires…because Cull deserved no less. A man like him deserved everything.
In time, she was certain she would be the woman to give him that.
Meanwhile, what she could give him was…breakfast. They’d been so busy devouring one another that they’d never gotten back to supper. He would be famished when he woke up, and she wanted to have a nice meal waiting for him.
Extricating herself, she donned a wrapper and slippers and went downstairs. The house was quiet; she’d given the staff the day off to have as much privacy with Cull as possible. Although she had work to do—Marg had sent her a note yesterday, with a list of actresses who’d performed inThe Grove of Love—she could at least share a lazy breakfast in bed with Cull before they went their separate ways.
In the kitchen, Pippa hummed as she rummaged through the larder for eggs, butter, and bacon. Her grandmama had taught her the culinary basics, insisting that a lady ought to know how to cook, even if she didn’t do it herself. While Mama didn’t have any interest in domestic matters, Pippa had enjoyed the hours in her grandmama’s kitchen. She put the skills she’d learned to use, frying the bacon and using the rendered fat to cook the eggs.
She inhaled the delicious smells, listened to the sizzle and pop of the eggs. The yolks were a bright yellow against the creamy whites, the edges a lacy golden brown, a beautiful contrast to the ruby-hued bacon and black iron pan. And it was then that she noticed it.
How alive she felt. Her love of the ordinary had returned. She had a sudden desire to dust off her brushes and paint again.
Smiling, she turned to get the bread for toasting—and let out a startled shriek when two figures blocked her path.
Pippa’s scream jolted Cull out of bed. He yanked on his trousers, grabbed his knife, and barreled out of her room. He took the stairs three at a time, smelling bacon… Pippa had dismissed the servants, so she must be cooking. He rushed down to the kitchen, his blood raging at the sound of a booming male voice.
Gripping his knife, Cull charged into the room.
