Page 75 of The Duke’s Rejected Mate

Groaning, I slip into the hot water and lay my head back against the metal lip as the maids take their sponges and slide them over my arms and legs. The abrasions of cloth against flesh feel far better than they should. Arousal gathers at my lower lips as I squirm, somewhat regretting already putting the dilator inside me.

The maids continue to work, completely unaware of the battle that rages inside me. I grip the edge of the basin, clutching it for dear life as they continue to wash me down. As the pleasure builds, so does the heat engulfing my body.

“Pray, do you mind giving me a moment to myself?” I finally ask. “I know time is limited, but I would like a small bit of time to simply lie here. It will become hectic once I’m out, and I just need a bit to myself.”

They give a sympathetic smile and head out the door. “We will knock before we come back in.”

I let out a large breath and lie there, doing my best to keep my heart at a normal rate. It’s nearly impossible. Sliding my hand down, I caress myself, touching my body in a most intimate manner.

Pleasure, like fire, races through my body, making me bow up. I continue to touch myself, moving my fingers at a rapid pace back and forth. All I have to do is picture Charles there, coaxing me, guiding me, commanding me to find my release.

It slams into me, stealing my breath as I bite down on my other hand, using my fist to stifle my screams. My back entrance clenches with every spasm, making the pleasure feel as if it comes from both ends instead of just the one I’m touching.

It’s filthy. It’s erotic. It’s more than I ever anticipated. Perhaps Charles wasn’t wrong. Will it feel this good when it’s his cock?

The very thought makes everything clench up as my release continues to cause me to gasp. Despite already achieving release once, the pleasure rolls through me without an end. One release goes into two, then three until I fear I’ve lost count.

I keep the pace, rubbing my clit until every last bit is wrung out of me, and I lie in the tub, limp as I do my best to catch my breath. As if fate itself steers this day, the maids knock again as I lie there, depleted for the moment.

As they finish their task, I find myself able to breathe and simply enjoy the day without the nagging need to find pleasure. I’m sure that will wane the moment I’m in Charles’s arms, but for now, I can just be.

Once I’m dried off and put into my shift, I look at the dress again, a soft smile twisting my lips. At least it will be plain enough to show off the jewels to perfection. I reach out to touch it when there’s another knock at the door.

Teresa comes inside with a large box and an even larger grin. “This has arrived for you. I dare say the delivery boy was quite beside himself. It should have come hours ago. I told him all is well. We have not left yet.”

I look at the note on the top. Charles.

To my bride on her wedding day. Wear this as we pledge to be one. I cannot wait to see your eyes, those beautiful green eyes, as you declare your love for me before the Ton.

Ever Yours,

Charles

Curiosity eats at me as Teresa places it on the bed. What else could he possibly have for me to wear? And at this size.

When the lid opens, I gasp and stand back. Tears prick my eyes as I simply stare at the dress nestled there, waiting for me. Such a perfect shade of green. Green to match my eyes.

“Oh, Cynthia,” Teresa whispers. “It will look stunning on you.”

I dare not even look at myself as the maids go to work, pinning me in the dress and jewels before doing my hair. Teresa is nowhere to be found. No doubt she prepares for the wedding as well.

When they finally step back, I barely recognize the girl in the mirror. It’s as if I’ve transformed into the woman who would be duchess. The soft, muted greens mirror my eyes as they hug my body to perfection. It’s a miracle. Nothing less.

Nodding to the maids, I give them a soft smile. “I am ready.”

Joseph and Teresa accompany me to the carriage waiting outside, their lips moving into smiles but quickly hiding them away. They know something. It’s evident in the mirth and mischief they try so desperately to conceal.

I long to ask them about it, but do not wish to ruin any other surprise Charles might have for me. It wouldn’t be fair for him to put in this much work only to have it dashed by the time I arrive at the town house. Only… as we pass the streets, I realize we are not going in that direction.

“Do you mean to kidnap me?” I ask.

“So silly,” Teresa laughs. “If we were to do something so nefarious, Norhaven would have our heads. Friend or not.”

I sit back in the seat as Teresa and Joseph look at each other, exchanging those maddening smiles.

“It must be nice for your mother to be in town, Your Grace,” I say to change the conversation. “How do she and little Thomas get along?”

Teresa smiles and places a hand over her heart. “They are best of friends. I promise you. The young lad, even at his tender age, seems to have a fondness for her over me.”