All things considered, he’d scrubbed up well.
“Your father, the Duke,” she calmly answered Wells, “was the epitome of kindness and grace, my lord. He isquiteunlike you.” Her lips twitched before he pinched her through her dress, making her startle. He kept his arm snaked about her waist.
“Roland,” the Duchess disparaged, looking the very picture of a lady en route to a wedding, “I would prefer you refrain from manhandling your bride untilafterthe ceremony is complete.” She arched her brow at them both, making Charles blush and Wells simply squeeze her tighter.
He leaned in to whisper, “She has no idea what I intend to do to you after the ceremony, love,” which made Charles blush only more.
The Duchess of Allendale turned her gaze to the window, an audible sigh escaping the lady’s lips, while Cuthbert kept his eyes shut tight against the world.
And then it was done. Lord Roland Rutherford Wellesley carried Lady Charles Adelaide Wellesley over the threshold of his parents’ London townhouse and straight up to his room, where he locked the door behind them. It had been a simple church ceremony without guests, and he’d eschewed his mother’s invitation to throw them a celebratory dinner after, or even a wedding luncheon the following day. In fact, he’d informed her he was done courting London society and hoped the gossipmongers spun at least six months’ worth of lurid tales in all the papers regarding his scandalous kiss, dramatic exit, and hasty, post-fête marriage.
His mother had merely scowled her disapproval, though it was clear to Wells she cared less for society’s rumors and more for seeing Lady Wellesley provide the Dukedom with an heir.She grudgingly promised not to disturb the newlyweds for the rest of the evening, or the coming days for that matter, which had only thrilled Wells more. He wanted his Fox all to himself; he’d waited bloody long enough.
“Roland . . .”
“Yes, love?” Wells mumbled from her bosom, burying his face there and inhaling her scent as one hand played loosely at her delectable hip, caressing.
“Despite my behavior these past weeks I admit I missed you terribly.”
“You mean you weren’t the least bit tempted to run off with Redstocking?” he teased, his voice still muffled at her breast.
“How the devil did you . . . ?” She pushed him away even as he grabbed her to him.
“He’s a friend, Fox. A newly minted Baron, the Baron Milton. I sent him to spy on you; Li told me your name for him.”
“You didwhat?”
“Shh.” He kissed her silent. “I’d have murdered him if he’d taken advantage of you, love, and he owed me a favor, see, so you were never in any real danger while at Madame LeBrecht’s.”
“Well it certainly didn’t feel that way!”
“I know, darling, and I am sorry.” He could not seem to use enough endearments with her now. “I had to know if you loved me or if you merely meant to use some other man to?—”
“Roland.” She pulled away from him, frowning.
Ripe orbs, he thought, gazing at her breasts,twin fruitsbeneath a waterfall of strawberry silk tresses.
“How could you ever think I’d be another man’s mistress?” She looked appalled.
He tenderly traced her cheek. “Love, how could you ever think I desired Mowry’s dowry? Moreover, how could any man not laugh at a name like hers?” He chuckled over the assonance of those two words paired, seeing mirth return to Charles’s eyes.
It made him fall for her all over again.
“You alone, sweet chicken thief, satisfy my every desire for a wife, for you shall keep me on my toes and challenge my convictions. Demand I be a better man, not to mention exhaust me utterly in bed.” He grinned at her softening expression, his hands again roving, unable to keep from touching her.
“Oh I have not begun to exhaust you, Lord Wells.” She suddenly rolled atop him, pinning him beneath her to nip at his neck. “And I intend to punish you for wrongs committed.” She lapped his collarbone with her tongue. “I demand restitution in seed now, sir. Your seed.” She sank her teeth into his flesh. “So you’d best deliver,Your Grace, and service well my womb.”
And for once, Wellesley dared not argue with his Fox but did exactly as he was told.
When Charles awoke the next morning in her husband’s capable, strong arms, she suspected he’d been watching her sleep, for his face bore a strange expression, one she’d not seen before.
“Good morning, Lady Wellesley.” He kissed the tip of her nose.
She smiled. “Good morning, my lord.”
“There will be no moremy lord, Charles.” He pulled her closer.
“That might prove difficult, sir.”
