Page 17 of The Duke’s Rejected Mate

“Don’t be shy now, love,” he chuckles as he turns my head back to him. “I’ve already memorized your form even if I haven’t seen it.”

“But suppose Henhaven should find out?” I whimper as fear and longing come together in sheer erotic terror.

“Then I suppose you simply must refuse to tell him anything. I can certainly keep this secret, Miss Campbell. Can you?”

My lips tremble as he leans in and captures them again with his, kissing me in a way that my soul has been begging for, has been longing for. It’s so easy to pretend I’m his. It’s so simple to just keep my eyes closed and pretend it’s all a dream. Only one thing determines to make it a nightmare.

Wrenching away, I gaze into his eyes as my entire being longs to melt into his arms. “Suppose you are unable to find a scandal? Suppose I am doomed to marry him? I will be touched, sullied, no longer pristine to be his wife. Won’t he be able to tell?”

“I understand your fear, my vexation,” he murmurs as he skims his lips down the side of my neck, pausing for a moment as he lingers at the point where it meets my shoulder. “For what he requires in a marriage, you will be untouched. No matter what I do to you tonight, or any other night, your virginity will be intact. Our secret will go to the grave.”

“And if he bonds with me?” My soul screams to the heavens at that simple question. I don’t want to know. I don’t want to think of any other Alpha’s claim on my body except Norhaven’s.

“By that time, you will already be wed. ‘Twould be more of a scandal to throw you out. Besides, any indiscretion we do, he will still have what’s most important. He will have your maidenhead and bond.”

Again, that bit of heat tinges my cheeks. “And we are sure I still have my maidenhead? It hasn’t fled at the insistence of your fingers?”

“Shall I check?” Gone are the traces of sorrow etched on his face. Now, there’s that hint of mischief he only seems to show around me.

As tantalizing as the promise is in his eyes, that bite of fear holds me hostage. “I would like to know. If I am no longer a maid anyway, then there is no reason to keep pretending I will be a fit wife for anyone other than you.”

He simply nods and slips from the bed to walk over to the mantel. After a few moments, a lamp roars to life, and he brings it over, setting it on the floor before motioning me forward.

“Slide down to the edge,” he rasps. “Then spread your legs so I may examine you.”

I have no choice but to obey. As much as I long to stay ignorant, such luxury will also bring more fear. Better I know now than to find out in bed with Henhaven.

Once the backs of my knees rest against the hard wood, Norhaven’s fingers skim up my calves and then my thighs before easing them apart. His hot, ragged breath washes over my inner thighs, making me squirm as need and arousal assault me.

“So wet,” he murmurs, dragging his fingertips around my entrance then up to my clit where he moves them back and forth, drawing a gasp from my lips. “I fear I shall never tire of seeing how you react to me. And this is even without me punishing you.”

“Oh, I do think this is more than punishment enough,” I hiss as he pinches the delicate skin, causing me to arch up into his maddening touch.

“Well then,” he teases, drawing his hand away. “If my touch is so uncomfortable, I will begin with the examination. Now, I am no physician, but I’ve been around enough during battle to know my way around the female anatomy. Am I to make this as clinical and professional as possible. Will that set your mind at ease, Miss Campbell?”

Chapter 8

Charles

Her body trembles at my touch as she whimpers her consent. No advanced learning is needed when ascertaining one’s virginity; however, it is indeed fun to pretend for the sake of her arousal. My lips twitch in the ghost of a smile as even more slick drips from her pretty pussy.

She likes this too. Despite her misgivings, despite the fear I can feel locked in her body, she rather enjoys it. Something to file away for future reference. If we are to keep playing these games, I have other, far more scandalous, treatments to apply to her body.

I do my best to give this the gravitas she demands, but unless she’s been with another male I don’t know about, she should have nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, just the thought of her spending her evenings with someone else makes my blood boil to the point where I have to clench my fists as I tamp down the explosive emotions. The irony is not lost on me, however. If Henhaven found out, I’m sure he’d be just as murderous as I am.

Taking in a deep breath, I bring my mind back where it needs to be. Miss Campbell lies there before me, a sacrificial lamb, just dripping as I watch the muscles in her inner thigh twitch. I touch her, taking my time as I skim my thumbs up the delicate skin of her legs, watching as she writhes there, desperation pouring from her body.

“First,” I murmur, “I need to make sure everything is as it should be.” Reaching up, I tap her swollen clit as she bucks up at my touch. “Can you feel that?”

“Yes,” she hisses. “I can feel it. Can’t you get on with it?”

“Such impertinence,” I tease. “I merely wish to do a thorough job. Should I tie you up so you can learn some patience while I explore you?” I nearly laugh as she pops her head up from the bed, a curious look on her face. “You like that idea, don’t you?”

“I didn’t know you were an expert at tying.”

“Do you keep forgetting my former occupation? Now lie back, my dear. I haven’t a bit of rope to restrain you, and I’d so rather tonight be a pleasant exploration wherein I can help you achieve release instead of a night where I pull away and make you suffer without the touch of my hands or tongue.”

The wayward chit crosses her arms and plops back down onto the bed. Heaven better be on my side in allowing me to find evidence against Henhaven. The poor viscount has no idea what type of hellion he’d be getting. Who knows if he can even handle such a girl?