Page 55 of A Countess of Convenience

“Who’s Judith?” She gazed into his eyes. “I’m Fanny if this is the reception she gets.”

John laughed and cupped her head, guiding her back to him for another blazing kiss. “This should be how I greet my wife every time she leaves.”

“Then I’d say she will leave you quite often.”

He sat up and took her hand. “Bedroom now, please. I’m aching with wanting you.”

Judith smiled and rose. “I am too. I missed you, John.”

“Next time don’t keep it a secret.” He grinned and pulled her toward the door.

“Does this mean we can now…have one another fully?” The hopefulness in her face added fuel to his own passion. That she desired him, had missed him, was a miracle. From such beginnings, love might grow.

Which made it much more difficult to disappoint her. “I fear not yet, love. I would have it certain in the eyes of Society that we did not lie together before our marriage. A small thing in this day and age, perhaps, but one I wish not to have to address.”

She poked her bottom lip out in a mock pout. “We shall never have any fun.”

“Let me see if I can change your mind on that, my lady.” There were a lot of things he was willing to bet she’d never experienced, certainly not the one he was thinking of. He started them up the steps, gaining speed until they were both panting as they reached the landing. They raced down the corridor then he slammed the door to his chamber open and dragged her inside.

“Your apartments this time?” She pushed him back against the door, shutting it. Then she was kissing his mouth, all the while tearing at his cravat.

“Bigger bed.” He threw off his coat then ripped the vest open, silver buttons flying everywhere.

Having finally loosened his neckcloth, she pulled it from his throat, the scrap of silk fluttering to the floor. She fastened her lips to his exposed neck, sucking at the tender flesh there. Making him mad to have her now.

He scooped her up and dumped her on the bed then ripped his fall open. God, he hoped he could last long enough to do this right.

“But my clothes—”

“No time. Lie back. You’ll understand in a moment.” He crawled onto the bed, facing away from her then raked her skirts up, exposing her tender nether regions in all their glory. The sight sent a surge of desire to his cock, now stiffened almost to bursting. “Are you ready, my love?”

“For what? Oh! Oh.”

He lowered his mouth to her just as she engulfed him. John groaned with exquisite delight as she set her tongue to work. He’d best get busy and produce a similar response from his wife.

A better homecoming he could not remember.

* * * *

Sometime later, they lay snuggled together, Judith’s head on his shoulder. “So who is Fanny?”

“You are like a dog with a bone. Always were, as I recall.”

“Don’t change the subject, if you please.” She nudged him with her knee in his side. “Who is she?”

“I pulled a name from thin air just to vex you.”

“Well, you succeeded. Tell me, John.” She dug her fingers into his ribs, tickling him mercilessly. “The name had to come from somewhere.”

“Oh, no, no.” He was extremely ticklish, and Judith knew all the right spots. Laughing, he tried to squirm away from her. “All right, all right, you win.”

Crawling on top of him, she crossed her arms over his chest and rested her chin on her hands. “Tell me.”

“Do you remember my mother’s little pug?”

Her mouth formed a perfect O. “Wretch!” She batted at him, and he flipped her over, so he sprawled atop her, laughing as she struggled beneath him. They had shed their clothes, and now lay skin to skin, so her movements were beginning to arouse him again.

“John, you are wicked.” But she now laughed along with him.