Gabriel watched every seductive, deliberate movement that she made as she let the material fall to the floor with a light swish. Triana was instantly rewarded with the blatant flaring of his nostrils and the way his eyes smoldered with that rare silver, as desire became apparent in every tense muscle of his body.
But as he reached for her, she took a small step back out of his reach. Holding up a finger, she grinned playfully. “Not so fast, Your Grace. Wasn’t it you that taught me anticipation is all part of the seduction?”
“I think we’re way past seduction, my dear.” His voice was dry, but tinged with humor nonetheless. As he reached for her again, she quickly darted behind the settee, and he lifted a brow. “So this is how it’s to be, is it? The student wishes to instruct the master?” Eyes bright with challenge, he stood and shrugged out of his robe, allowing it to join hers in two pools of forgotten fabric on the floor. “If that’s the case, then it seems I’ve neglected to teach you the most important lesson of all.”
Triana was entranced by his male animal magnetism. The raw essence of his member protruded from his muscular body… wanting her… and she licked her lips in anticipation. “Oh? And what lesson is that?” She inched around the settee, reveling in his calculating, predatory gaze full of hunger as he followed her every move.
“Discipline,” he whispered, right before he pounced. She’d didn’t have a chance as he caught her easily. But then, she’d known all along that she’d wanted him to catch her. He hauled her against his chest, and punished her with a bruising kiss, one that caused her to press her legs together with the yearning that he would soon be between them. “For shame, wife,” he purred. “Taunting your husband like that.”
With a wicked glint of those dangerous eyes, he smacked her on her backside and then inserted a finger into her passage, beginning a rhythm that soon had her eliciting a pleasure filled moan. She moved against him in wanton abandon, but just when she was on the brink of release, he moved away.
“Gabriel…”
He lifted a brow. “Have you learned your lesson?”
“Yes…” Her lips were aching for more of his kisses. “Please…”
“As my lady commands.”
After that, there were no words, only action as their hands trailed anywhere — andeverywhere. By the time Gabriel finally leaned her over the back of the settee and entered her from behind in one, hard thrust, Triana sobbed his name and cried out as she exploded around him in wave after wave of unadulterated bliss. When he gained his release moments later with a satisfied shout, they collapsed in each other’s arms, completely sated.
Triana turned to Gabriel with a heavy lidded smile, still wearing the Chiltern jewels and nothing else. “Had I known such a punishment was so enjoyable, I daresay I would have been rather naughty long ago.”
Her only reply was a deep, rumbling chuckle.
***
Triana was finding it rather easy to fall into her role as lady of the manor, having been taught from an early age how to conduct a proper household, but as she made the final preparations for their celebratory ball, she still felt a little overwhelmed at times. However, the servants bowed to her every command, Hannity being a true Godsend and very efficient in his role as butler.
The pleasing nights she spent with her husband were even better, for nothing could compare to the passion that erupted between them. It was something she had never even hoped to experience in her wildest dreams and the fact she was living the reality kept a permanent smile on her face.
She was in the ballroom humming a merry tune as she made a few, last minute adjustments to the décor, having decided on a green and silver color scheme. She was in the process of arranging a set of white lilies in a massive, silver vase, when her brother arrived.
“You’ve truly outdone yourself, Tri.”
Upon hearing Travell’s voice, she grinned widely. “It’s all going so perfectly! I expected a problem from the baker, at the very least, but there hasn’t been a single hitch.” She tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, as they slowly walked around the expansive room. “It’s still so hard to think that I’m the mistress of such a glorious estate. At times, I wonder if I truly deserve to be so happy.”
“What kind of nonsense is that?” he chided gently. “Of course you do.”
She shot her brother a quick grin, and teased, “I can’t wait until I have my own sister-in-law someday. Have you never even thought of settling down?”
He seemed uncomfortable with the way the conversation was going. “I have, but my responsibilities come first. You know that.”
“I realize that, but I just wish you could be this happy.”
He gave her a boyish grin. “Your happiness suits me just fine,” he said in all sincerity. “And who knows? With you out of the house, I might just get some fishing done this summer.”
She gave him a playful punch in the arm. “What a horrible beast you are! That summer reallywasall your fault.”
They were interrupted by a mischievous voice. “Is this rogue bothering you, my dear?” The duke strolled over and put his arm around her, kissing the top of her head affectionately.
“Naturally,” she replied with a grin that belied her reply.
At that moment, a maid arrived and bobbed a curtsy. “Your Grace, the cook has a question about one of the items listed on the menu.”
Triana rolled her eyes with a fretful sigh. “I hope this isn’t the beginning of a disaster.”
“I’m sure it’s nothing.” Her husband said with a wink, giving her a quick kiss on the lips. “Travell? How about joining me for a drink in the study?”
