“Far from it,” he returned huskily. “But unless you wish to be disappointed tonight, you need to stop.”
He crawled over her on the bed, and she lay back down. She thought he might enter her now, but instead, he kissed her, touching and loving her until she was pleading for more. When she was sure that her body could withstand no more ofthis sensual torture, he positioned himself at the apex of her thighs and began to push forward.
Alyssa’s eyes widened slightly at the strange sensation, a fullness that she hadn’t expected, and when he thrust forward, she tensed slightly at the sting of pain. He paused, allowing her to recover, and when he started towithdraw, she clutched his shoulders. But when he returned, she gasped, an entirely new feeling taking over the initial foreign intrusion.
As Travell began a rhythm of advance and retreat, she shivered in delight, anticipating each movement as the discomfort receded and she began to embrace this carnal dance.Her bodythrummedand as Travell’s movements became more fervent, she found that the tension he’d brought back uncoiled in a shuddering wonder that sent her soaring back among the heavens. With a guttural groan, Travell gave one last thrust and stilled.
***
Travell opened his eyes and it was as if he was seeing the world for the first time. He’d had lovers in the past, and even a mistress or two on occasion, but nothing had ever compared to what he’d just experienced with Alyssa. It was as if she’d taken over control over his entire body and soul. Words had failed him, coherent thought had fled,for the moment he’dentered her he was lost.
He glanced down at her and saw that dark hair spread across his pillow, her green eyes filled with wonder, and it made his cock instantly stir with interest. But rather than give in to the urge, he withdrew and laydownnext toher, propping his head on his bent arm. He reached out and caressed her cheek. “I…tried to take things slow.”
Sherolled onto her side and reached out and touched his cheek. “It was only a brief discomfort, but one you quickly mended.”Her smile was infectious, causing his lips to lift at the corners as well. Sheallowed her hand to slip downward,to run her fingers along his chest.Her nose wrinkled.“I had no idea you were so…furry.”
He chuckled at the description. “You make me sound like some sort of animal.”
“Well…”She looked up at him through her lashes rather coyly, and he had to clench his teeth to keep fromresponding. “I believe youdidgrowl at one point.”
He couldn’t resistthe temptation she presented. “Saucy wench.” He grabbed her wrists and rolled her over onto her back, pinning them above her head. “I haven’t even begun to growl yet.”
Shelicked her lipsand he had to wonder exactly who was in charge here, for she was quickly making him lose control. “Is that so?” she said rather breathlessly. “In that case, perhaps I should get on top to restrainyou.”
The noise that erupted from his throat certainly resembled a growl when he said, “Alyssa Breyton, you are going to be the death of me.”
She smiled slowly, as she withdrew her hands from his grasp and wound them around his shoulders. As she brought his headdown for a kiss, he whispered against her mouth, “But then again, what a way to depart this earth.”
The next time he withdrew from Alyssa, he was breathing heavily and stars danced in front of his vision, but he wasn’t sure if it was from a lack of oxygen, or how this woman made him feel inside. She had definitely unlocked something within him, for a new warmth spread across his chestas his lungs slowly returned to normal.
He glanced at her to see that her eyelids were already shut, her breathing deep and evenin contented sleep. He yearned to draw her within the circle of his arms, but it wouldn’t do to scare her maid out of her wits in a few hours when she came in to check on her mistress and found a naked man there.Not only that, but he would have trouble sleeping if he remained. The sight of her flushed cheeks and perfectly curvaceous body was enough to tempt him back to her side.
Reluctantly,he rose from the bed and donned his trousers, and then he pulled up the covers, tuckingthe counterpanegently around her. She sighed but didn’t wake. He glanced at the mantel clock as he gathered the rest of his clothes in his arms. It was nearly four in the morning. He had a long day ahead of him if he intended to travel to London to gain a special marriage license, so it was best to get a few hours of rest.
He turned back to Alyssa once more and for the first time in his life he was looking forward to the future.
***
Alyssa raised her arms above her head in a long, satisfying stretch. Her eyes opened to closed curtains, although it was obvious with the sun shining brightlybeyond, that it wasalreadymidday. She couldn’t evenrememberthe last time she’d slept so late, but whenshe recalled the reasonshe’dstayedabed, she couldn’t help but hug herself.
The night beforehad been absolutely amazing, and while she’d tried to hold back fromgiving herself wholly over toTravell as long as possible, therehad beennohope ofdenying the inevitable.Her heart was too engaged to back down now. There would never be any other man but him.
She rang for her maid and donned her nightdress as she waited for Daisy to arrive. When she did, she held a tea tray in her hands. “Good morning, my lady. The duchess has been wondering if you were ever going to rise. But then, Travell told her what had happened and—”
Alyssa’s mouth fell open and she pressed a hand to her pounding heart. “Hetoldher?”
Daisy had begun to fix the tea the way Alyssa liked it, but now she paused and faced her. “Was it to be a secret that you assisted the earl last evening?”
Relief flooded Alyssa. “Oh. No, that’s perfectly…of course,”she stammered, feeling her cheeks warm with her error. Travell was a gentleman. He wouldn’t have gone downstairs first thing this morning and bragged to hissisterthat he’d deflowered her best friend. Instead of satisfying the curiosity on her maid’s face that she’d missed something, she asked, “How is Lord Trenton this morning?”
“He seems rather calm. Dr. Perimore told me that he was actually smiling at breakfast.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Alyssa returned sincerely.
Daisy walked over and set the tray across her lap. The steaming scent of freshly brewed tea tantalized Alyssa’s nostrils,and she picked up the cup to take a refreshing sip. Noticing that two scones had been placed on a saucer next to her cup, she picked up one and bit into the flaky, sweet pastry. Truly, had anything ever tasted so good? But then, after an evening spent in Travell’s arms, it was a wonder she was still on solid ground, her spirits still soared.
Hoping that it sounded like an innocent question and not a breathless query, she asked, “What is Lord Curdiff doing this morning?”
“He left just after breakfast for London, my lady.”
