Page 77 of Wagering for Miss Blake (Lords and Ladies in Love 4)

A slight smile played around her lips. “What?”

“I have donated the thousand pounds in your name to the orphanage.”

She threw her arms around him. “Thank you so much. They are dreadfully in need of the money.”

“Also, if you wish to contribute time to help at the orphanage when we are in London, you may. Just make sure you take a footman with you. ’Tis not the best of neighborhoods.”

Tears shimmered in her eyes. “You are truly the finest husband ever.”

…

Suzanna could not believe how nervous she’d been about tonight, but Giles’s generosity had certainly taken her mind off her worries and calmed her down. She loved Giles, he loved her. They had already been intimate, and she knew she would enjoy what was coming. However, the idea of her and him naked in bed did strange things to her insides. Good and bad things.

When he appeared at her door dressed in just the red and black silk banyan, she thought her heart would jump from her throat. His muscular calves, dusted with light hair, were visible below the hem of the garment, making her wonder what the rest of his leg—and beyond—looked like.

Her breath had hitched at that thought, while her hand had itched with the need to touch the golden skin peeking out from the top of the banyan—just as she’d done in the folly.

He nodded at the glass in her hand. “Drink.”

She took another sip and then realized the few sips she’d already had were warming her, making her feel even more relaxed. She gulped the rest of the drink down and was seized with a coughing fit.

“Easy, sweeting. I want you to relax, not make yourself sick.” Giles took the empty glass from her hand and placed it on the table alongside his. He rubbed her back as she continued to cough.

Giles drew her to his chest, still rubbing her back, even when she’d stopped coughing. “That’s it, my love, relax.”

She drew back and regarded him. “I meant to ask before now why Lord Hawkins was not at the wedding.”

Giles frowned. “I have no idea. I met him on the road when I was traveling to my estate a few weeks ago. He was headed to his cousin’s home for a visit. From what I understand, he disappeared from there, and no one is sure where he is.”

“How very strange.”

“Indeed.”

Suzanna did feel a lot better, and in fact the brandy had warmed her so much, her nightgown grew heavy, and hot. “I think I will remove the dressing gown. I’m feeling quite warm.”

The glow in her husband’s eyes, and the smile on his face, pleased her. She tugged on the end of the ribbon holding the garment closed and shrugged out of it, Giles watching her every move.

She rather enjoyed him regarding her with such intensity. Feeling a bit wanton, she flipped her hair over her shoulder and allowed the strap of her nightgown to slide down her arm, almost baring her breast. “Aren’t you warm?”

His eyes widened. “Oh, yes, my love. I am quite warm.” He turned, taking her in his arms. His kiss was soft, easy, gentle, then he covered her cheeks with his warm palms and tilted her head in such a way that her lips parted, and his tongue swept in.

Oh my. This was ever so wonderful. She placed her palms on his shoulders and slipped her hands under the flap of his banyan. His flesh was warm as his muscles rippled under her touch. She drew circles with her finger on the crinkly hairs on his chest.

Giles pulled back and flicked the other strap off her shoulder, the garment pooling in her lap. Instead of embarrassment she felt beautiful, loved.

The look in his eyes as he slowly reached out to cup one of her breasts and thumb the nipple brought tingles to her center, where moisture had gathered. “Perfect. You are absolutely perfect.”

Giles dipped his head and took her breast in his mouth, suckling like a babe, then scraping his teeth against her nipple. She moaned and fidgeted at the incredible pleasure.

“Stand up, sweeting, it’s time to go to bed.”

She stood, and the nightgown dropped to her feet. Giles sucked in a breath, wrapped his arm around her waist, and drew her body to his.

Feeling her naked skin against his robe, made her heart speed up, as she enjoyed the shameless desire washing over her. His lips took hers as his hands wandered to her bottom, where he cupped her flesh, and pulled her against him. His manhood was hard, swollen, and hot.

Without a word, and with their mouths still joined, he picked her up and strode to the bed. She was dizzy with need, clinging to his shoulders as he laid her on the bed, his large body covering hers. His familiar scent, and the brandy he’d drunk, swirled around her, adding to the giddiness his hands created.

He released her mouth and scattered kisses along her jaw, her neck, and the soft skin under her ear.