Everything.An agony of joy gripped him.She’s everything I’ve ever wanted.
He was still hard. Still wanting.
Fiona gasped when he scooped her up in his arms and lay her on the altar.
“Now it’s my turn to worship,” he rasped.
“Sweetheart, we need to talk.”
Sitting on her husband’s lap in their carriage, Fiona snuggled against his broad chest and said languidly, “Talk away.”
“Tupping really does make you agreeable.” Amusement threaded his deep voice.
“It behooves you not to forget it, my lord.”
His chuckle rumbled beneath her ear, filling her cup of contentment to overflowing. And not just because Hawk had worn her out with pleasure. After she’d sucked his cock and he’d marked her in that thrillingly depraved manner, he had laid her on the altar. Burying his head between her thighs, he’d eaten her pussy, using his fingers and tongue to make her spend so many times that she’d lost count.
Then he positioned her hands above her head, his large hand manacling her wrists as he’d stretched over her like a voracious beast.
My beautiful goddess,he’d growled.All mine.
He’d claimed her with a savage thrust that caused her spine to bow off the marble. He’d continued drilling into her, pushing deep into her core until she clenched helplessly around his huge cock. They’d come together, sweaty and panting and tangled.
“Such a naughty girl.” He tightened his arm around her waist. “Good thing I like your cheek in bed.”
“We weren’t in a bed.”
“Cheeky, as I said.” He tipped her head back, giving her a tender kiss that curled her toes. “Now stop distracting me from the lecture I’m about to give.”
“Lecture?” Dismay punctured her bubble of serenity.
“You did not think you could visit a bawdy house without repercussions, did you?”
His serious tone dispelled her good mood. She shoved herself off his lap. Sitting on the cushions beside him, she faced him with a scowl.
“What I do as part of my charity work is none of your affair. We established those terms before our marriage. You have your work,” she said pointedly, “and I have mine.”
“Terms can be renegotiated.” His voice was calm and irritatingly rational. “And should be, if they endanger your welfare.”
“I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself!”
“You are a lady. You had no business being at Swann’s. Even if one ignores the physical perils of you being alone in such a place, think of the scandal if you were to be seen there. You are a lady, Fiona. A countess, mywife,” he said with emphasis. “I would be remiss in my duty if I let you come to harm.”
Panic surged as she saw Hawk’s resolute gaze. She felt trapped, and this time not in a good way. All her life, she’d hated being dictated to—hated feeling fenced in by unfair restrictions.
This is exactly what you were trying to avoid,her inner voice warned.Your husband had a mere glimpse of what you’ve been up to, and already he’s bringing down the guillotine on your freedom. You cannot let him stifle you or try to change who you are.
She strove to remain composed. “Do I question your activities? Where you go at night, what you do, and with whom?”
“That is…”
He cut himself off—a testament to his intelligence or self-preservation, she didn’t know which.
“Things change,” he said finally. “Thingshavechanged between us. We began this marriage with both of us wanting a marriage of convenience. Now look at where we are.”
“Where are we, exactly?” She didn’t know if she was angry or hopeful.
“You matter to me, Fiona, and I will not let anything happen to you. With you, I feel things that I did not think I could feel again. That I haven’t felt since…” He broke off, frowning.
