Well, they weren’t technically in bed but on top of the counterpane, not that it mattered to her.
She had finally experienced passion, desire, and intimacy, which was so much better than she had ever imagined.
When she had first seen his manhood, Eliza nearly backed away from this opportunity. But she was not one to let fear dictate her desires and discovered there was no reason to fear.
As his breathing returned to normal Eliza wondered what to do next. She assumed that now that the act was complete that she should probably leave. Lovers did not remain in bed for long together, did they? Husbands and wives did not even share a bedchamber so it was likely Lucian was waiting for her to leave.
At one point she’d lost her embarrassment of being naked in front of him, but now she was acutely aware of her state of undress and wished to cover herself, but her clothing was on the floor in the middle of the room.
When Lucian sighed and rolled away, his back to her, Eliza took the opportunity to get off the bed. Maybe if she crawled, he would not see her and she could quickly dress and be gone.
She dropped down to all fours and started to make her way along the side of the bed but was halted by a stinging slap to her bottom and glanced back to find Lucian grinning at her.
“Where are you going?”
“I need my clothing,” she answered slowly, her face heating at her position, her bare arse angled at his face. This was even worse than standing naked in front of him.
“Why?” he asked.
“I thought you would want me gone now that we have...” Her face began to burn. Nobody told her that the aftermath of intimacy would also bring such embarrassment. “You moved away, and I assumed…”
“Eliza, get back in bed.” Lucian held the covers up. “We will be warmer underneath instead of on top.”
“Are you certain?”
“Unless now that you have taken your pleasure, I serve no other purpose.”
Eliza turned around and gaped at him. “I am not a rake.” That is what they did, wasn’t it?
“Then get back in bed.”
“Do you not wish to sleep?” she asked.
“Maybe I do not want to sleep alone,” he suggested.
A warmth came over her. She’d never slept with anyone and didn’t think anyone did, but it sounded quite pleasant.
With a small smile, Eliza crawled back into the bed then quickly brought blankets up to cover her nakedness.
Lucian wrapped an arm around her, bringing Eliza close until she rested her head on his chest, her arm across his stomach this time and leg over his. This was very nice.
“You slapped my bottom,” she said after a moment and even though she should be outraged, she was not.
“I did and will do so again if I find it necessary.”
“Why?” She had never been struck before and was not certain if she liked worrying about being struck again.
“Two reasons,” he said. “No doubt there were many times in your youth that you should have gotten a spanking.”
Eliza gasped, though he did speak the truth. Nobody had every truly disciplined her except for her teachers and that was just being sent to her sleeping chamber.
“The other?” she asked.
“Because you are now mine.”
Despite being a very independent woman, a thrill still ran through her at his declaration. Though, she did wonder to the extent of his meaning. Was she his for the night, or the rest of her stay at Wyndhill Park, or a longer duration? How long did a gentleman keep a lover?
Chapter30
