He was going to be her husband, wasn’t he? Why should she deny him anything—especially when she didn’twantto deny him anything? And wasn’t it possible that his attitude toward their marriage would change if they…? Well, wasn’t it?
How conveniently the mind works to get what it wants. And how predictably the body reacts to pleasant feelings, wanting more and more. Her mind and her body conspired against Reggie, and soon there was no fight left in her. She wrapped her arms around Nicholas in surrender.
He carried her to a bench, sat down, and cradled her in his lap. “You will not be sorry, love,” he whispered, and then his warm mouth claimed hers again.
Sorry? How could she be when she was so excited and happy?
He supported her back with one arm while his other hand moved slowly along her neck, then lower, making her gasp as it passed over her breasts. On it went, over her belly, down her thigh. He was feeling her hesitantly, as if he couldn’t quite believe she would let him. But as his hand began to trace that same path upward, he became bolder, more possessive.
Through the thin silk of her gown, her skin began to burn. The gown was in the way, a nuisance. He thought so too. The button at her throat came undone first, then the tie that held the gown beneath her breasts. In another moment they were standing and he had it removed completely.
Nicholas gasped at the sight of Regina in silk underclothes that clung, molding her gentle curves. She looked right back at him, unashamed, which fanned the flames licking at him. Her eyes were black in the shadowy light, her young breasts straining at the lacy chemise. She was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.
The small bruise at the base of her throat drew his gaze and he smiled. “So I did put my mark on you. I suppose I should say I’m sorry.”
“You might be sorry if you knew how difficult it has been to conceal. You won’t give me any more like it, will you?”
“I can’t make any promises,” he whispered hoarsely.
Then he looked at her shrewdly and asked, “You aren’t frightened, are you, love?”
“No—at least I don’t think so.”
“Then let me see all of you,” he persuaded gently. She let him come to her again, and he began removing the rest of her clothing until she was naked. His eyes explored her slowly, hungrily, and then he pulled her close to him and fastened his mouth on her breasts. His tongue, his teeth, his lips all came into play, making her gasp and cry out again and again. She wrapped her arms around his head, holding him to her. Her head fell back as he began kissing her belly. Good God, she couldn’t take much more….
“Shouldn’t you…Nicholas…your clothes, Nicholas,” she finally managed.
In seconds he was bare-chested, and Reggie’s eyes widened, so amazed was she at what his clothes had concealed. She had known his chest would be broad, but now it seemed so huge. He was darkly tanned all over, the mat of hair on his chest golden brown.
She ran her fingers over his muscular upper arm. Her touch scorched him, making him groan.
“The rest now,” she pleaded softly, wanting to see all of him, as he had seen all of her.
She moved away and sat down to watch as he undressed. She didn’t feel at all awkward, naked though she was. She feasted her gaze on him, a man in all his glory.
When he was finally naked, she went to him and touched him, first his narrow hip, then his long, thick thigh. He grasped her hand, stopping her.
“Don’t, love.” His voice was harsh with passion. “I am near to exploding now, yet I must go slowly.”
Then she saw what was near to exploding. Unbelievable. Beautiful. Extraordinary.
Slowly she raised her eyes to his. “How am I to learn what pleases you if I can’t touch you?”
He cupped her face between his hands. “Later, love. This time it will please me to please you. But I must hurt you first.”
“I know,” she said softly, shyly. “Aunt Charlotte told me.”
“But if you trust me, Regina—if you relax and trust me—I will prepare you. There will be only a little pain, and I promise you will enjoy what comes after.”
“I have enjoyed what comes before.” She smiled up at him.
“Oh, sweet love, so have I.”
He kissed her again, his tongue parting her lips to plunge inside. He was on the very edge of losing control. Her eagerness inflamed him, made him fight for precious time. He caressed her belly, then drifted lower to her parted thighs.
She moaned as he touched the warm essence of her. And then she jerked in surprise when he thrust a finger deep inside her. Her back arched, breasts pressing against his chest. She tore her lips away from his.
“I am…prepared, Nicholas, I swear I am.”
