Page 179
Mad took her in his arms, with only the thin layers of her chemise and drawers between them. Her body recognized the feel of him, all that heat and strength, the steady thump of his heartbeat. He kissed her, ravishing slowly, while his hands began to move over her. It felt so good that she couldn’t hold still, arching into his touch, quivering whenever he touched a sensitive place.
His hand slipped into the split crotch of her drawers, exploring softly, caressing the intimate shape of her. The teasing fingertips stirred up more and more sensation until she gasped, “Bloody hell . . . all those finger exercises paid off.”
He made a sound of amusement and nibbled at the tip of her breast through the thin cotton of her chemise. “Might practice my alphabet on you,” he said. “All down one side and up the other.”
She’d never imagined it could be like this. He undressed her fully, taking his time, praising every newly revealed part of her. She wouldn’t have expected him to be so tender and playful, discovering what she liked and delighting in her responses. There was no room for modesty in this bed with him—he kissed, stroked, fondled her everywhere. “I love the feel of you against my tongue,” he whispered. “I love this sweet part here . . . and this little bit . . .”
Desire burned through all caution, until she dared to reach down and guide him into place. He was so careful with her, exerting gentle pressure, working slowly inside. Before he’d even entered her all the way, the feel of that silky hardness pressing so deep, holding her open, loosed a flood of intense sensation. She cried out against his mouth, her inner muscles throbbing and tightening as she was overcome by a pleasure that was nearly too much to survive.
There was no knowing how much time passed before she was able to open her eyes. Mad held her close, his lips brushing over hers in a sweetly restless kiss. His hips pressed more firmly over hers, and she realized he was still hard inside her.
“You didn’t . . .” she began, blinking in surprise.
A smile flicked at the corners of his lips. His eyes glowed like moonlight as he stared down at her. “I ain’t done with you yet.”
June reached up to tangle her fingers in his thick dark hair. “I ain’t never going to be done with you,” she said, and pulled his head down to hers.
Chapter Forty-Three
In This Whole Wide World
Feeling drained and yet on edge, Reina retreated to the parlor with a stack of reading materials, including the latest price sheets from the London Stock Exchange and the most recent reports on foreign exchanges and commodity markets. But as soon as she lowered into an upholstered chair, she found herself springing up as if the seat cushion had been sprinkled with tacks.
Why was the house so quiet? Where was everyone?
As she walked restlessly from room to room, she saw Norman carrying a light portable writing desk from the library.
“Mr. Goodluck, what are you doing with that?”
He paused in the hallway, giving her an innocent glance. “I’m assisting Mr. Pembroke, ma’am.”
“With what?”
“Maintenance of the wine cellar.”
“Wine cellar? But . . . but . . .” Reina spluttered into indignant silence. John was supposed to be solving the problem of the Kingsleys. Couldn’t this have waited? Wasn’t custody of Benjamin more important than wine?
“A well-run cellar reflects on the entire household and our reputation for hospitality,” Norman said reasonably.
“Why does Pembroke need your help to count wine bottles?”
“Maintaining a wine cellar is more complex than that, ma’am. We have to ensure the corks are sound and no bottles have slipped their seals, and the bin numbering must be accurate.”
“And for that you need a writing desk?”
“Some of the bottles have suffered label deterioration, ma’am. These are supplies for writing and pasting new labels.”
Reina folded her arms and scowled. “Tell Mr. Pembroke I’m glad he has his priorities in proper order.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Tell him I’m relieved to know that when Benjamin is taken away from us, at least my wine will be organized.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Tell him I expect he’ll look quite fetching while he’s climbing the Alps in lederhosen.”
“Ma’am?”
