Though embarrassed that his mouth was but a hairbreadth from her, she pulled gently on his hair so he would look at her. When his gaze met hers, she felt her cheeks heat. “What are you doing to me?”
One corner of his lips lifted. “I’m loving you, sweet Mariel.”
Her nipples seemed to harden even more at his words and became almost painful. “I don’t understand. I feel as if I’m falling but floating. I’m so warm.”
He lowered his head to lick her hard peak, sending another shock of pleasure through her. He lifted his face again. “Does that make you feel warm and relaxed, yet tense at the same time?”
She nodded as it was easier than to try and talk.
“Then I’m doing it correctly.”
Before she could ask another question, he lowered her so she lay against the corner of the swaying coach seat. In the process, her other breast was exposed. She should care about that, but she didn’t. With Marcus, she felt safe.
As his mouth moved to her newly bared breast, she watched, holding her breath, waiting for his touch. He didn’t disappoint. His tongue shot out and encircled her peak before stroking is back and forth. As her limbs weakened, she let her head fall back again, unable to do anything but enjoy the pleasure of his kisses.
Her belly felt strange and she wanted something, but she wasn’t sure what. It was nothing like wanting a favorite dessert or a new hat. It was as if her body wanted to feel. It wanted Marcus! Her eyes opened just as he took her peak between his teeth. Arching despite her own will, she moaned, craving his touch. She wanted his mouth everywhere.
That thought shocked her, and she tugged on his hair. “Marcus, stop.”
Immediately, he sat up, hunger in his eyes as if she were a feast and he a starving man. “Did I hurt you?”
She shook her head. “I…I want…It’s wrong.”
He cupped her face between his palms and touched his forehead to hers. “Nothing is wrong between two people who love each other.” He pulled his head back to gaze at her. “I know this is all new for you, but there is so much more I wish to show you.”
“You do?”
He nodded. “I do. I want you to know love and passion. You deserve to feel the pinnacle of life. But I will always respect your wishes.”
She pondered that. “Do you mean there is more to these feelings I’m having?”
“Much more.”
It wasn’t the words so much as his look as he said them that sent tingles racing across her skin.
“But we are almost to our destination. Allow me to help you adjust your dress.”
Her dress?
As he moved off her, she gasped. The front of her dress was puddled on her lap. When had she slipped her arms from the small sleeves? Quickly, she pulled the material on and held it against her.
Marcus gazed at her as if he couldn’t look away. “If you move over, I can secure your clothing.”
Though heat filled her cheeks, she moved over and sat facing the side of the coach, while keeping one hand against the material over her chest.
He sat behind her and she felt her shift neckline tighten. Next her stays pulled against her and were secured before her dress no longer sagged. Without turning, she spoke to the coach wall. “How did my clothes loosen so much? Should I reprimand my maid?”
Marcus left the seat and moved to sit opposite her. “Not at all. It was I that released you from the bonds of so much fabric.”
That the man was pleased with his accomplishment was obvious in the small prideful smirk he wore.
“And is that what they teach at Oxford? Or is that part of your military training?” She wasn’t sure why it bothered her so much that he could relieve her of her clothing without her being aware, but it did.
Ignoring her pique, he smiled slyly. “Both.”
She opened her mouth, shocked that he would admit so much to her.
“If you like, I can show you how to release me from my clothing.”
