Even so, he was glad to leave when it was time to do so. He could scarcely wait to have Emily all to himself and to truly make her his.
As if sensing the direction his thoughts had taken, Caleb caught him by the elbow as they headed toward the foyer and quietly said in a mischievous tone, “If you need any pointers, I’m happy to offer advice.”
Griffin coughed. He glanced at Emily, who was busy chatting with Mary and Cassandra, just to make sure she hadn’t overheard. “I’m glad to know you’ve figured out the mechanics of things after all these years, Caleb, but I do believe I can manage.”
Caleb barked with laughter, causing the women to look in their direction. “You truly are a rogue, brother.”
“I love you too,” Griffin said with a smirk before moving closer to where his wife stood. He waited for Mary to finish speaking before asking Emily, “Are you ready to go?”
Emily shifted her body so she leaned into his. “Yes,” she said, the soft sensuality of her voice flooding his veins with liquid heat.
Trying not to look too eager by picking her up and running outside to the waiting carriage, Griffin took the appropriate time to bid his brother, Mary, and Cassandra farewell. He then linked his arm with Emily’s and led her toward the door. He’d almost managed to step through it when his progress was halted by the sound of Laura’s voice calling to her sister.
With a sigh, Griffin braced himself for another delay and released Emily so she could turn back.
“I just wanted to wish you well one more time,” Laura said in a rush. She wrapped her arms around her sister in a tight embrace before letting go.
“It will be your turn to walk down the aisle next,” Emily said.
“And all because of you.” Emotion caught hold of Laura’s voice and caused it to crack. “Thank you.” Her smile wobbled a little before managing to regain its balance. She looked at Griffin. “Promise me you’ll take good care of her.”
“Of course.” He took a step forward and dropped a kiss on his sister-in-law’s cheek. “I will do everything I can to make her happy.”
Laura nodded and stepped away, allowing Griffin to finally escort Emily down the front steps of Camberly House. They would spend the next week at Mivart’s Hotel, after which they’d return to his brother’s home until they purchased a house of their own.
Asurgeof excitement raced through Emily’s body as Griffin handed her up into the carriage, for as lovely as the wedding had been, she looked forward to what came next. He slid in beside her a second later, and then the door closed with a click, blocking out everything else buthim, the man she’d married. A sudden shyness assailed her now that they were completely alone. Hoping to quash it by busying herself with something, she leaned past Griffin and waved to her friends and family until the carriage rolled forward and they vanished from sight.
Before Emily could lean back against the squabs, Griffin looped one arm around her and pulled her against his side. She tipped her head back and gazed up into his gorgeous brown eyes.
“Happy?” he asked with an adorable hint of uncertainty.
“Extraordinarily so,” she whispered, earning herself a slow kiss so perfect and precious it made her toes curl.
“I plan on making you even happier once we reach the hotel,” he whispered against her ear, the brush of his breath causing frissons to sweep down her spine. “Happier than you’ve ever been before in your life.”
Her breath caught in response to his low husky tone and the wicked suggestiveness of his words. “I can hardly wait.”
“Me neither.” His teeth scraped her skin and she helplessly arched toward him. A chuckle rose from his throat and vibrated through her. “You and I are about to have a very long night, Emily.” He sat back, eyes darker than before and filled with the sort of intensity that threatened to make her catch fire. Raising her hand to his lips, he placed a tender kiss upon her knuckles, then pulled her close once more and simply held her until they reached their destination.
By the time they arrived in the bedchamber where they would be staying, Emily’s anticipation was such that she could scarcely stand still. So she paced around the space, studying everything from the en suite dressing room complete with a tin bathing tub, to the view of the street from the window. Hands trembling, she began removing her gloves, then turned and sucked in a breath when she saw Griffin leaning against the closed door. He was watching her closely, with the sort of predatory interest that made her pulse flutter rapidly.
The edge of his lips drew upward into a knowing smile, as if perfectly aware of how viscerally he affected her. Pushing away from the door, he crossed to a small table where a pair of glasses and a bottle of something she believed might be champagne stood waiting.
“You seem nervous,” he said while filling one glass with the bubbly liquid.
Emily’s heart raced faster. More so when he locked his eyes on hers and began walking toward her. Tall, handsome, and incredibly elegant for a man his size, Emily could only stare since she’d apparently lost her ability to speak.
“This will help.” He held the glass to her lips and tipped it slightly so she could drink.
A burst of fruitiness fizzed on her tongue and flowed down her throat like sparkles falling from the stars. Griffin eased the glass away from her lips and took a sip too while holding her gaze. He then set the glass aside and lowered his mouth to hers in a deep, impassioned kiss that allowed her to taste him.
Every nerve in her body relaxed in response to his skillful distraction. She forgot to worry about what he expected from her or how he’d react when he saw her undressed or if she would make a mistake that he wouldn’t approve of. Instead, she allowed sensation to sweep her away and let instinct guide her. So she didn’t even notice that he’d unbuttoned her gown until it slipped from her shoulders and by then she did not care. By then she just wanted more – more kissing, more touching, more Griffin.
“So pretty,” he murmured against the edge of her stays while running a finger across the embroidery. “You’re like a present for me to unwrap.” He went to work on the laces until he was able to free her from the restraining garment. His breaths deepened as he stepped back enough to admire his work. “The most tempting present I’ve ever seen.”
The gleam of desire in his eyes made Emily’s mouth go dry. So she swallowed and licked her lips, prompting him to release a low growl that produced a thrill in the pit of her belly.
“I need to see you,” he murmured. “Take off your chemise.”
