Virginia began to shatter, crying out, clawing his shoulders.
“Oh, little one, wait for me,” he gasped, and suddenly she felt his massive length sliding deeply into her.
But it was too late and she wept with the greatest pleasure she had ever known.
He surged more deeply, crying out hoarsely, instantly spilling himself into her, his huge body racked with pleasure, convulsing over her. When he was done, he moved to his side, pulling her close.
Virginia smiled as she came back to the earth and their bed, turning onto her side, her cheek against his hard chest. He held her tightly there, kissing her temple repeatedly. His kisses were not all that gentle. She instantly realized that he remained huge and hard, ready to take her all over again.
She kissed his chest another time and boldly held him in her hand. “What is this?” She was sly.
He laughed, the sound raw. “I think you know.”
“And if I have forgotten?”
He grinned wickedly. “Then I shall have to remind you, darling.” And he rolled her over, swiftly entering her at the very same time.
VIRGINIA SAT BEFORE HERdressing mirror, fully dressed, pinning up her coiled hair. Devlin’s reflection appeared in the mirror as he moved onto the threshold of the dressing room. He was also fully dressed, but in civilian clothes. Virginia felt herself blush.
It was the following morning and they remained at Harmon House. The only reason that they were not in bed was because she had insisted they go downstairs before they irrevocably scandalized the entire household. In the mirror, Devlin smiled at her and came forward, pausing behind her.
Virginia tucked the last hairpin into her coiffure. “I very much feel like a wife today,” she said softly.
He placed his hands on her shoulders. “I should hope you still feel like a bride.”
She watched herself blush. “A very happy bride,” she breathed.
He leaned down and kissed the bare nape of her neck. “And a satisfied one, I hope.” It was not a question.
She turned around on her stool. “You know just how satisfied I am.”
“You are such a bold minx,” he said with a laugh.
She stood and found herself in the circle of his arms. “And it pleases you, I hope?”
He hesitated. “I am very pleased, Virginia.”
Her heart burst into song. Did that mean what she thought it did—could it mean more? Did it mean he was coming to love her—just a little?
He reached into the interior breast pocket of his coat. “I have something for you,” he began.
Her eyes widened with surprise as he produced a jeweler’s velvet box. “What is this?”
“It’s your birthday present.”
Her heart stopped. Trembling, she met his steady gaze. “But…you know it’s my birthday?”
“Tomorrow, is it not?” He smiled slightly. “All of nineteen, a true woman of the world,” he said, his tone teasing.
She smiled, wanting to cry with happiness. “How…how did you know?”
“I made it my business to know. Open it,” he said gently.
“Shouldn’t I wait until tomorrow?”
“I am sure you will be deluged with gifts tomorrow, as I have no doubt my mother has planned some kind of extravaganza for you.”
“No, I asked her for a small family affair. Rex is back in Spain and Sean at Askeaton, so it will be but two-thirds of our family.” She wished they could all be present. She lifted the box lid.
