“Devil and damn, I can feel you coming.”
His eyes lightning-bright, he plunged inside her again and again, then threw his head back on a guttural shout. He flooded her insides with hot, vigorous blasts that prolonged her tremors and added to her feeling of completion.
Afterward, Hawk hung over her, breathing harshly. The air was humid, rich with the scent of their lovemaking. Their bodies still connected, they gazed at one another. As if they were seeing each other for the first time.
Fiona took in the details of her husband: the softened lines of his face, the sated glow that mellowed his gaze. Upon his forehead, a dark, silver-threaded lock hung like an upside-down question mark, and she brushed it away with trembling tenderness.
Her throat suddenly thickened.I’ve never been this close to anyone before.
Hawk grazed his knuckles against her cheek. “How are you feeling?”
Knowing what he was asking, she regained her self-composure. Reminded herself that he did not like unnecessary sentimentality. Besides, she was no watering pot; she was a woman in command of herself.
She managed a smile. “I feel like a wife.”
“You may be sore in the morning,” he said gently.
“It was worth it.” Overcome with sudden shyness, she said, “I…I enjoyed being with you.”
His gaze soft as smoke, he rubbed a thumb over her bottom lip. “I enjoyed being with you, too, my sweet wife.”
Thirteen
Fiona woke up alone in her bed the next morning. The lingering trace of Hawk’s woodsy male scent made her feel giddy.
She hugged a pillow to herself.I am truly Hawk’s wife.
She felt an unaccustomed twinge between her thighs. After their lovemaking, Hawk had taken tender care of her. He’d soothed her aching flesh with a warm towel and coaxed her into taking a dose of willow bark. Then he’d tucked her into bed, giving her a lingering kiss before returning to his own suite. Alone, she’d experienced a brief longing to feel his arms around her, but she’d soon slipped into a sated slumber.
Unused to sleeping so deeply, she felt refreshed and full of energy. She sat up, glancing at the closed door between their chambers. She wondered if Hawk was awake…if he would come into her room to bid her good day. She realized that she did not know the protocol for the morning after one’s wedding night. Nor had she and Hawk discussed their respective schedules. Given that she’d delayed their wedding trip, he might be carrying on with his usual routine.
Getting out of bed, she rang for Brigitte. The maid told her that the earl had departed for an early appointment. The note he’d left snuffed Fi’s flicker of disappointment.
Dear Fiona,
I have engagements today, but we could sup at home this eve if it suits your schedule. Leave word with Weatherby. I shall be home by six.
Your servant,
Hawk
Reading her husband’s boldly penned lines, Fi had a swoony feeling. Others might think his message was brusque; to her, it was better than any love letter because he’d acknowledged her autonomy. He did not assume that she would be at his beck and call. He’d invited her to spend the evening with him, yet the choice was hers.
Could my marriage be any more perfect?
Inordinately pleased, she met with the cook to design a romantic menu for supperà deux.
She spent the next few hours getting the house in order. She began by meeting with the staff. Mr. Weatherby and Mrs. Lawson seemed overjoyed at her willingness to take charge of domestic matters. She did not blame them; the state of the house made it obvious that Hawk’s varied interests did not include household management. Luckily, he had her now. Consulting the servants, she made a list of concerns and prioritized them.
The most urgent problem was the drawing room; with holes in the ceiling and walls, the space was a bona fide disaster. Mr. Weatherby confided that the problem had begun with a leak and rapidly spun out of control. Fi asked him to summon the carpenter. It took Fiona five minutes with the shady fellow, a Mr. Sheeve, to figure out why.
She dismissed Sheeve on the spot. Then she sent for the carpenter and plasterer patronized by her family and, indeed, many fashionable members of society. Mr. Weatherby nearly jumped for joy when both arrived that same afternoon to assess the problem. Fi also set up appointments with various tradesmen, from furniture makers to drapers. She was not about to waste the carte blanche Hawk had given her.
Having made significant inroads into her wifely duties, Fiona set off for Charlie’s.
There, she found Pippa already in a male disguise. Over the last week, the Angels had methodically searched theatres and music halls for clues to Lillian’s whereabouts. Pippa was about to head off to the next venue on the list; after a quick costume change, Fi went with her.
As the carriage jostled off, Pippa asked, “Are you certain you wish to accompany me, dear?”
