Page 73 of Stolen and Seduced By the Duke

He groaned, "Margaret."

She took control and unbuttoned his trousers. She wrapped her hand around his warm member.

Pierce inhaled a sharp breath.

"Is this alright?" she asked.

"Yes," he said.

Margaret watched Pierce move his hand over hers again, amusement lingering in his eyes as though he found her uncertainty particularly entertaining.

"Now," he instructed, "wrap your hand gently around it and move up."

Margaret obeyed, her fingers sliding up the firm warmth of him.

"Not so fast," he added, adjusting her thumb with a careful touch. "You are not attempting to restrain me, Duchess."

She gave him a look. "You make it sound as though I have a history of doing so."

His mouth twitched. "I have known you long enough to suspect you might."

Margaret ignored his teasing and concentrated on the lesson. She moved her hand slowly along his thick staff, using her fingers to rub it in gentle circles as he had shown her.

The warmth beneath her fingertips surprised her, as did the awareness that this strong, formidable man had allowed her to take him and instruct her without argument.

"Am I doing it wrong?" she asked, glancing up at him with a touch of concern.

Pierce's expression softened as he watched her. "You are doing perfectly fine," he assured her, his voice quieter than before. Then she slid her hand down and up again.

"Better than fine, in fact." He released a loud groan.

A pleased little smile escaped Margaret before she could suppress it, and she returned her attention to his staff with renewed confidence.

"I knew I had a talent for this," she declared, rubbing another slow circle with her thumb.

Pierce gave a low groan. "Naturally. You have only been doing it for a minute, yet you have already decided you are an expert."

Margaret lifted her chin. "Confidence is important."

"It is," he agreed, studying her face rather than her hands. "Though in your case, it may be excessive."

She laughed, and he smiled before adding, "Your hands are remarkable, Margaret. They are almost magic."

The compliment warmed her more than she cared to admit, particularly when he followed it with, "And you are very beautiful when you concentrate."

Margaret's cheeks grew warm, but she refused to let herself become flustered. Instead, she continued the massage with careful, measured movements, secretly delighted when Pierce grew louder and louder beneath her touch.

For once, she felt as though she had accomplished something he genuinely approved of, and the small victory filled her with unexpected pride.

She moved her hand faster and faster. His moans were her guidance as she learned quickly. Then he stiffened under her touch.

He released.

"There," she said at last, withdrawing her hands with a satisfied smile. "I believe I have done quite well."

Pierce looked at her for a long moment before nodding. "You have."

Margaret smiled even more broadly, pleased with herself despite the strange flutter in her heart.