Page 51 of Denying the Duke (Lords and Ladies in Love 3)

After a minute, she shifted slightly. “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

He groaned and began to move in and out of her body, causing all the tension of before to return to her core. His thrusts increased as he whispered into her ear, words of encouragement, of her beauty, of how much he wanted her, how ecstatic he was to finally make her his.

Patience ran her palms down his back, feeling his muscles move under her hands as he thrust into her. His buttocks were muscular, strong, just like the rest of him. A fine sheen of sweat covered both of their bodies, causing them to slip against each other as they continued the ancient dance of lovers.

Cupping her face, he apologized for not holding out longer. Not sure what he meant, she closed her eyes when a smaller wave of pleas

ure washed over her as Alex gripped her shoulders and pulled her close, groaning her name. The warmth of his seed flooded her body, and then, with a deep sigh, they both collapsed.

The sound of their erratic breathing filled the air. After a short time, Alex rolled off her and pulled her close against his side, tucking her head under his chin. The pounding of her heart drummed in her ear, Alex’s heartbeat doing the same under her hand where it rested on his chest. One thought ran through Patience’s mind: this was what she had been denying them.

Fool, her.

Chapter Sixteen

Alex lay on his side, his arm under his head as he studied Patience sleeping alongside him. Making love to her was everything he’d imagined, and more. The sweet, shy girl had turned into a seductive woman. It had probably not been a good idea to take her again during the night, but he would let her be for a couple of days since she might be somewhat sore.

A remarkable side effect of their lovemaking was the night of peaceful sleep he’d had. For the first time in years, he’d not been troubled with visions of war. Although those dreams had subsided slightly since he’d left the military, he’d never slumbered as he had last night. Like a babe.

Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, and her lips moved into a sleepy smile. God, he wanted her again, but he’d just made a promise to himself to allow her body time. Instead, he kissed her softly. “It is time for us to be on the road.”

He hid a groan as she stretched, the blanket covering her nakedness slipping down to reveal her plump breasts. She sucked in a breath and yanked the cover back up, a lovely shade of red rising from the top of the cover to her hairline. He couldn’t help grinning, but in deference to her embarrassment, he did not comment.

“If you will hand me my nightgown, I will rise and dress for the day.”

Alex tossed the nightgown to her and walked to the water bowl on the dresser, washing his face and cleaning his teeth. With Thomas busy supervising their leave-taking, Alex pulled on his clothes and tied his cravat in a loose knot. He turned to Patience who was still abed. By the look on her face, it was apparent she’d been watching him strut around naked. Her breathing was rapid and she had a lovely blush on her face. When she licked her desirable lips, he fought the urge to join her.

No, he could not make love to her again so soon.

He tamped down his lust and said, “Hurry up, sweeting. We will want a bite of breakfast before we leave.”

Patience pulled the nightgown over her head and shimmied into the garment. “Will you send Polly up, please?”

He left the room as quickly as he could, wishing there was a cold lake nearby he could dive into. He found Polly in the common room, speaking to Thomas. “Polly, Her Grace would like you to attend her.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” The woman hurried off as Alex took a quick look around the common room, then walked outside to check the area around the inn. No sign of Loverly. He strode back into the inn and to the private dining room where the innkeeper’s wife awaited him. “Shall I serve breakfast now, Your Grace?” The plump woman with the cheerful smile dipped a curtsy to him.

“Yes. My wife will be joining me in a little bit, but I will have some coffee while I await her.”

Alex sat and sipped his coffee, staring into the cold fireplace. Once the early summer months arrived, most inns stopped providing fire for their guests, but there was still a slight chill in the air.

His thoughts wandered to London, where they would arrive today. He would have to visit with the War Department as soon as they returned. He would also contact Hawk, Cam, and Templeton and warn them to be aware that Loverly was following him. He was concerned for Patience, and had to make sure once they arrived in Town that she was never alone when she left the house.

It would not be easy to do that and not have her ask questions. She was not an addlepated woman. His attention snapped to Patience as she entered the room. Her hair had been braided and wrapped around her head. Her blue traveling suit had been brushed and her boots shined. She looked the epitome of a lovely aristocratic woman.

He stood and pulled out her chair as the innkeeper’s wife carried in a tray loaded down with eggs, rolls, butter, fruit, and kippers. Once the food was placed on the dining table, he and Patience began their meal.

“I will need a few moments to use the facilities before we leave.” Patience wiped her mouth with her napkin and placed it alongside her plate.

“I will see you outside. I am going to check on the horses.”

Once again as he exited the building he looked for Loverly, but saw nothing amiss. Since the traitor had been riding a horse, chances were he was already in London. It was quite possible he’d ascertained their destination and no longer felt the need to track them.

With all his concerns, Alex was anxious to get on the road and finish the journey. Traveling was always troublesome at best, what with difficult, muddy roads, highwaymen, and the chance of breaking down along the way. With the added worry of Loverly tailing them, he would not relax until he had Patience inside four sturdy walls.

Just as he thought those words, she appeared from the door of the inn and joined him. “I am ready.”

Alex opened the door and assisted his wife in. He gave John Coachman instructions and climbed in after her. With a tap on the ceiling, the carriage began to move forward, to London, and the issue he had to deal with there.