Fanny was finding it rather difficult to think when he was performing such wickedness. “How did you find out about—” She broke off with a sigh as he found the sensitive spot behind her earlobe.
“The town’s subterfuge?” he asked huskily, his breath warm and inviting next to her ear. “I returned to Killigarth Manor earlier this afternoon. Elliot had just found out that Mr. Linneman and his officers were setting a trap for your father and the others. He was at a loss of what to do, so he finally confided in me and enlisted my help.”
“Why would you do that when we...had lied to you?” Fanny’s lungs hitched as he freed her breast and caressed her flesh, his thumb flicking over her nipple.
“It turns out that I had a personal interest in the matter.” That glittering gaze returned to hers. “You.”
“Me?” she asked breathlessly, as he began to undo the row of buttons at her back, as efficiently as any ladies’ maid.
He smiled, and her heart melted. “If you don’t know by now that I love you, Fanny Grouseman, then I don’t know what else I might do to prove it.” Her dress fell to her feet in a whisper of silk. His gaze was pure wickedness. “But I fully intend to try.” He lifted a brow. “I have already procured a special license and plan marry you at the earliest opportunity. Unless you object, of course.”
He reached down and found the slit in her drawers, his fingers slowly driving her to madness.
“No,” she sighed.
“No?” He worked her faster. “Well, that is unfortunate—”
“I mean yes!” she moaned. “No... objections.”
“Then that’s all I needed to hear.”
He kissed her soundly on the lips as she came apart in his arms.
She was still drifting in the aftermath when he picked her up and carried her limp body to the nearby settee. He quickly divested himself of his clothes. As he positioned himself at her entrance, he nuzzled the side of her neck. “You know, you never did say you loved me.”
Fanny’s memory was hazy at this point. “What?”
He nuzzled her neck. “Do you love me or not, woman?” he growled.
“Of course I love you, you aggravating man!” she huffed. “Now, are you going to finish what you started or not?”
He looked at her and grinned in the manner that turned her knees weak. “As my lady commands.”
He pushed inside of her, and Fanny closed her eyes in bliss.
Her world was complete.
