“No, my love,” he said gently. He stood and undid the belt on his emerald green and black silk robe. Slipping out of it, he threw it on the bottom of the bed and stood naked before her.
Helen’s gaze roamed appreciatively over him. “You are very decorative, Lord Peyton.”
He laughed, pleased to find she wasn’t coy. He knew she wouldn’t be. But neither did she seem too nervous, and that reassured him.
He pulled back the bedcovers. “Shall we remove this?”
She helped him pull the nightgown over her head then lay back naked. She didn’t try to cover herself, but her eyes looked anxious as he gazed at her.
“I knew you would be beautiful.”
He braced himself on each side of her and leaned down to kiss her. “I’ll be gentle, Helen.”
“I know.”
When he settled half over her, she smiled. “I am so blessed, my darling.” Her fingers tangled in his hair then roamed across his back and down, as if exploring every muscle, bone, and sinew.
He cupped her head, and his mouth sought hers, tasting her and breathing in her aroused womanly fragrance with a gasp of pleasure as passion and a desire to join with her raged through him. He explored her full breasts and thumbed the pert brown nipples and, eliciting an excited gasp, lowered his head to suckle on each one.
His hand slipped down to the heated place between her legs as he explored her body. He ravished her with his mouth, nibbling and licking as she moaned and shuddered until she was panting and ready for him.
Then he slipped between her thighs and gently entered her with a loud groan.
***
They made love again during the night, and two hours after the sun rose, she wakened and saw him sleeping beside her, one muscled arm thrown over his head. She leaned close and traced a finger across his strong jaw, the beginnings of a dark beard rasping beneath her touch. How exquisite the lovemaking was. She never expected it could be like this. Jason had been gentle and forceful, lithe, and strong. Under his clever hands and mouth, she was all sensation, her body vibrating, enraptured, the joining of their bodies so profound it brought tears to her eyes. Before sleep claimed them, they had talked about all manner of things, from her love of cooking to his penchant for poetry. Finally, she’d fallen asleep, her body melting with pleasurable exhaustion and a peacefulness she hadn’t known in years.
He opened his green eyes and caught her hand, raising it to his lips. “How are you this morning, sweetheart?”
“I shall be fine after you kiss me.”
“Happy to oblige.” She giggled as he rolled her over and laid half on top of her. Skin to skin, as things grew heated, there was a knock at the door. Jason cursed and reached for his robe.
Mary entered with a tray of hot chocolate for Helen and coffee for him.
“Please tell your maid not to come until we ring for her,” he said grumpily after she’d left.
Helen laughed. “Daylight is streaming in through the break in the curtains. I’m eager to see more of my beautiful new home. The park and gardens looked extensive.”
“My grandfather planted a thousand trees, cedars, chestnuts, oaks, and pines, as well as some quite rare species. My grandmother created the rose arbor.” Jason took her empty cup from her and put it down on the table. As he gathered her up in his arms, a knock was followed by a shrill barking and scratching at the door. He sighed and called for the footman to enter.
A small terrier ran across the carpet and leaped into Helen’s arms. “Bertie!” She cuddled the excited dog. “Oh, Jason. That was so thoughtful of you. I always worry that he might be pining for me. I can’t thank you enough.”
Jason took the excited dog and dropped him gently to the floor. “I know of an excellent way to thank me.”
