Well, no matter. Being husband and wife excused their misbehavior.
The wedding breakfast was enjoyable and probably lasted longer than expected because everyone was having too much fun to leave. But it finally came to an end, to Gideon’s obvious relief.
Berry was relieved as well, for that kiss in the carriage had felt wonderfully different and she was eager to experience more under Gideon’s guiding hand.
They had decided to spend the night at the Denby Arms, since it was one of London’s finest hotels and also provided them privacy. While she adored her friends on Duchess Square, she preferred to put a little distance between them for one night. Not to mention, having poor Mrs. Garland in the bedchamber only a few doors down from her own would have put a decided damper on their wedding night. Horace and Harriet had packed an overnight bag for each of them, and those were already sent up to their room.
It turned out to be an exquisitely appointed bedchamber, no doubt the fanciest guest room available at the Denby Arms, perhaps at any hotel in London. Gideon was sparing no expense.
A steward brought up a bottle of the finest French champagne and a tray of fruits and cheeses, among other delights.
Berry’s heart beat faster now that they were finally alone.
Gideon’s smile was wickedly appealing as he approached her and took her in his arms.
And then it was as though a dam had burst and all their feelings flowed out in a rush amid sighs and moans and ardent kisses.
She had never experienced passion before, but it all came naturally and without hesitation under Gideon’s guidance.There was no shyness between them, for it felt as though they had known each other forever and perhaps even beyond forever.
Their clothes flew off. She studied Gideon’s body, surprised by how closely it resembled those Greek statues in the British Museum, for it was firm and finely chiseled, every muscle and sinew magnificently sculpted, including that male part of him that ought to have put her delicate sensibilities in a dither.
She was eager to see what he would do with that male organ.
Of course, she was not completely naïve and knew the basics of how a husband and wife coupled.
Gideon unpinned her intricately styled hair and ran his fingers through it as it tumbled down her back. “Beautiful. Silky,” he murmured, kissing her deeply while carrying her to the bed.
He laid her down on it and then stretched out beside her, the solid length of him warm and reassuring.
She traced her hand over the dragon depicted on his arm, almost expecting it to come to life and breathe fire on her. There was something beautiful about the broadness of his shoulders and the masculine power of his arms.
And when he held her, she felt cherished.
He introduced her to passion that night, a feeling that tore through her body like an inferno as Gideon touched her, licked and teased her, first with his roughened hands, which always caressed and stroked her with gentle precision, and then with his lips and tongue, which left her with a yearning ache that only he could quench.
This was his prowess, this ability to slowly claim every part of her body, to scorch her and seduce her into surrendering herself and hungering for more.
He was no less affected. Whatever he took from her, he gave back of himself.
He rested his head against her bosom when they had both sated their burning urges and collapsed in a joyful but exhausted heap entwined in each other’s arms. “Your heart’s beating wildly,” he murmured, and then glanced up to smile at her, no doubt feeling the pride of a conquering hero.
She ran her fingers lovingly through his hair. “That was quite some ride we just took.”
His laughing breath tickled her breast. “Berry, it was the best. I love you, sweetheart.”
Dear heaven.
She was having that urgent feeling again, that need to be enveloped by him, to feel his hands and lips on every inch of her as he led her to pleasure.
Apparently, he felt it too.
Groaning, he moved over her once more and resumed their feasting love. It was a deep hunger, a craving for each other, their senses heightened to such a point of sensitivity as they breathed each other in, tasted each other, and saw an infinitely happy future when gazing into each other’s eyes.
“I love you so much, Gideon,” she whispered as passion overwhelmed her, and she cried out his name again and again while coming undone.
They shared the bottle of champagne and the fruit and cheese after their second coupling, after which they spent the night in each other’s arms talking. Well, she talked, and he did not seem to mind listening or answering her questions, because this experience was new and fascinating to her.
She woke up before he did, opening her eyes shortly after the break of dawn, and looked upon his face in repose.
