by Cecilia Rene
A deep chuckle sounded from his chest, “What is your first?”
She squeezed her arms around his hard middle. “In your arms,” she whispered, closing her eyes.
Silence followed for a few moments before he released her, forcing her to open her eyes to look up at him. Wordlessly, he took a step back, taking her hand in his.
Remington bent down to one knee, never taking his gaze off her. Happiness threatened to burst inside of her as she gazed down at this glorious man.
“Livie … From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I was completely and irrevocably yours. You captured me—body, and soul—and I never want to be freed from you. Please do me the great honor of becoming my wife and my duchess.” His voice was rich and filled with emotion, his eyes watering.
He took her hands and pressed his lips against her fingers, waiting for her answer.
Livie opened and closed her mouth several times unable to speak. She nodded emphatically, letting the tears fall freely, her reply was a small whisper. “Y…yes.” She swallowed excitement coursing through her belly. “Yes!” she repeated louder.
Remington rose to his feet, sweeping her up in his arms and sealed their fate with the sweetest kiss known to man.
The Bachelor Duke was in town for one day. I’m sure all of the available young ladies would like to know what he was preparing for at his solicitor’s office.
Should we pull out the handkerchiefs yet?
Remington was happy. He couldn’t recall ever being as happy as he was in that moment. There had been small moments in his life, of course, when he’d felt happiness. When he finished school. Annually, when he celebrated his birth. His mother and him picnicking in the very spot he asked Livie to be his wife. His life was filled with small bits of happiness, but this feeling of being blissfully and completely joyous was new to him.
“Did you plan this all along?” Livie broke their kiss briefly.
They had retired to the house when a light rain descended upon them, finding shelter in the parlor with a pot of tea in front of them. Their lips only parted for seconds at a time, so incredibly content were they. She found a home on his lap, and he was happy to accommodate her there. Remington would do anything, be anything she needed.
“Yes,” he said at the base of her neck, halting his kisses momentarily.
“Father knew?” she asked in wonderment.
“Mmhmmm,” he hummed against her neck, lavishing it once again with attention.
Kissing a trail back up to her lips, he captured the bottom one in his mouth, seductively teasing it with his tongue. He felt her body melt in his embrace, as his hands roamed her body. He absolutely loved the feel of her in his arms and could not wait to feel her completely.
Breaking their kiss, Livie tried to rise off his lap, but he refused to release her. “Neither one of us can think like this, and I want to know everything.” She pouted at him, her lips swollen from his kisses.
Remington leaned in, pecking her lips, happiness seeping out of him. “I can think perfectly well like this.” He settled back on the sofa, giving her a challenging look, as one of his hands trailed up her back to massage gently at the base of her neck.
“Good. Now, as I was saying, Your Grace, who was aware that you were proposing?” Her eyes closed, the more he touched her.
“Your father knew, of course. I informed him before I left for my estate—”
“What? You knew you were going to propose before you left for Norwich?” she asked, bewildered.
“Yes, I had to get my grandmother’s wedding band. My mother wanted my wife to have it.” He lifted her hand, peppering her wrist with kisses, unable to contain himself. She was going to be his wife, and he would spend his life worshipping every part of her.
“Your grandmother’s ring?” Tears pricked her storm-gray eyes.
Remington slowly pulled her closer, his lips trailing up her bare arms, her bosom, then the long curve of her neck, until he reached her lips, offering her a slow sensual kiss. “I wanted you to have my grandmother’s ring, not some gold band purchased on Bond Street.” His hand cupped her face, stroking the silky skin with the pads of his thumbs. “I need you to become my wife as soon as possible.”
The nail of one of his fingers trailed down her cheek, causing her to bite her bottom lip with desire.
Livie sat up straighter, her eyes wide. “When would we be married? I don’t want a large wedding; all I really need is you and our family.” She leaned in, pressing a kiss to his lips.
Adoration soared within him for this beautiful woman in his arms. “I have requested a special license. We can be married in a fortnight. Will that be enough time to prepare?” Remington continued to caress her cheek with his lips.
Footsteps and happy chatter in the hall alerted them to the end of their time alone. They stood and straightened themselves.
“I also mentioned to the mothers that I had something important to ask you.” He gave her a teasing smile.
The door burst open to reveal their mothers and Julia, all with expectant looks upon their faces.
“Well?” Mother Di rushed over to Livie, who was turning a bright red color.
Lady Hempstead went to her daughter’s other side, taking hold of her free hand. Both she and Mother Di anxiously looked from Remington to Livie while Julia vibrated where she stood.
“Well, what?” Remington tilted his head, trying to hide his amusement at the appalled look on all their faces.
“Don’t tease them.” Livie’s voice was a playful warning, her eyes sparkling with joy, and he wanted nothing more than to ravish her once again.
Remington gave a hearty chuckle, so happy at this moment that she was going to be his. “Lady Olivia has agreed to be my wife.”
“How wonderful!” His mother wrapped her arms around Livie, tears springing from her eyes.
“Livie, we’re getting married!” Julia rushed to her cousin, squeezing in between the other ladies, all thought of decorum out the window.
“I can’t believe my daughter is going to be a duchess!” Lady Hempstead cried into Livie’s neck.
Remington watched the entire scene with amusement as Livie cried her tears of joy.
“Have you set a date yet?” Julia pulled Livie to the chaise to have a seat.
Mother Di walked over to Remington, her hand cupping his face in a motherly fashion. He fought away his own tears at the sight of her in front of him.
“I wish your mother were here,” she whispered before pressing a kiss to his cheek.
He cleared his throat several times, unable to speak from the longing he suddenly felt. His mother had been gone for so many years, Remington was used to not having her around, and rarely felt her absence because of Mother Di’s constant love. But in that moment, Remington wished she was there to share in his happiness and meet his future duchess, because he knew she would love her just as—
He blinked several times, his heart pounding and sweat forming at the back of his neck.
“We are getting married in a fortnight.” Livie’s cheery voice interrupted his train of thought, halting him from spiraling out of control.
“That will be sooner than Henry and I.” Julia looked wide-eyed at her cousin.
“Yes, not by much. You two will marry a sennight after us. I saw no reason to delay and requested a special license.” Remington spoke casually as he took a seat in an armchair.
Mother Di rang the bell that was on the table. The butler came in immediately, giving her a bow. “Yes, Lady Diana?”
“Horace, please have champagne sent in. We are celebrating His Grace’s and Lady Olivia’s engagement.”
“Right away.” Horace turned to Remington, his eyes brimming with affection. “Congratulations, Sir.”
“Thank you, Horace. I am truly a happy man.” He looked over at Livie, who was now patting her mother’s hand, and for once in his life, he truly felt it.
Livie couldn’t breathe. She knew what she wanted to do but didn’
t have the courage to open the door that stood between her and the man she loved. She loved him; it had come to her like a summer breeze, fleeting, and reassuring.
Taking another deep breath, Livie tried to calm herself. She only wanted a kiss goodnight. One kiss, and then she could sleep. Surely, that wouldn’t be too scandalous between an engaged couple. They hadn’t been alone since earlier that day, and after that, there was a flurry of activity to celebrate their pending nuptials. They discussed the wedding and the breakfast, and finalized their return to town. When they finally all retired for the night, she and Remington were forced to say goodbye at the doors of her room because of their audience.
Livie smiled to herself, thinking that they would be married in a fortnight. Tomorrow they would return to London and start making the arrangements for their wedding.
She took one last stuttering breath, squeezing the doorknob tight. Before she could open it, there was a brief knock and then the door swung open, causing Livie to yell out in surprise.
“Goodness!” She clutched her chest, startled by Remington standing in front of her, wearing nothing but a shirt and breeches.
The top buttons of his shirt were unbuttoned, showing off his cravat-free neck and chest. Thin, curly hairs peeked through the opening, begging for her to run her fingers through them.
“Darling, are you well?” He entered the room, closing the door behind him.
“Yes, I wasn’t expecting you.” She giggled nervously, looking down at his bare feet.
He reached out and combed his fingers through her loose silky hair, his eyes glistening in want. “I wanted to say goodnight properly.” One of his hands slipped around her waist, pulling her closer to him.
“So did I.” She stood on her tiptoes, wrapping her arms around his neck. He made her feel so bold, wanted, and adored.
“Great minds think alike,” he whispered against her lips before taking them in a slow sensual dance.
Livie moaned in pleasure while his tongue caressed hers and his hands gripped her behind. Lifting her off her feet, she dangled slightly off the ground as he walked them over to the waiting bed.
Placing her down on her feet, they kissed passionately, his hands roaming her body in slow, deliberate movements. She gripped the nape of his neck, wanting to feel more of him against her.
Never in her life had she experienced such a feeling; it was like a thousand nerves had awakened inside of her. She needed to know what it felt like for him to touch every single one.
Their kiss slowed as his lips slid deliciously against hers. He released her, causing her to open her eyes to look up at him in question.
“Do you wish for me to go?” His voice was husky, the desire to stay evident in his intense blue gaze.
Her hands slipping from around his neck, Livie felt bold and empowered by his presence. Turning around, she crawled onto the large bed. She settled in the center and looked up to find Remington staring at her hungrily.
“Stay.” Her voice was strong as they locked eyes.
Completely mesmerized, she watched as he slowly moved to the bed with a predatory look on his face. Biting the corner of her bottom lip, she suppressed a wanton moan, desire dancing in her belly. The bed shifted beneath his weight as he put one knee then the other and crawled toward her.
A strong hand gripped her neck, pulling her to him in a searing kiss. The weight of his body on top of hers made her feel secured and cherished. Guided by his expert hands, she moaned in desperation as he trailed fire-inducing kisses down her neck to the opening of her nightdress.
“Remington,” Livie sighed out, her voice needy and breathy.
His lips on her aching bosom felt like heaven. When he took her nipple into his warm mouth, she cried out in pleasure. Remington’s free hand found the triangle of curls underneath her dressing gown and let out a deep throaty moan. She was wet and eager for him, and in that moment, she did not care about propriety.
“May I remove your gown?” Remington asked, before kissing her lips. “I assure you, darling, I will not take you until you are my duchess. I wish only to explore you tonight.”
A small smile graced her lips when he called her “his duchess,” and the only thing she could do was nod her head in consent. Livie wanted to allow him the liberties due to him as her future husband; she wanted to be with him, more than anything.
Removing her gown over her head, he placed it to the side and sat up to gaze down at her. Her gaze shifted around the room, nervous she would see disappointment in his eyes.
Her middle was not as firm as other ladies, her breasts were too large, hips too wide and curvy.
Firm hands guided her gaze back to his. “You are exquisite, Livie.”
Remington kissed her, putting every ounce of what he felt for her in that one kiss. Her back arched off the bed. His hands roamed and caressed every part of bare skin that was revealed to him. Soon his lips followed the same path, stopping to nip playfully at her sides.
Every piece of her that was touched, kissed, and sucked by him was scorched and forever changed.
Tender touches in her most sensitive area, caused her heart to stop, she watched wide-eyed as Remington buried his face in her curls, slowly licking up her center. A wanton sound escaped the back of her throat, as he repeated the movement continuously until he found a particularly pleasant spot that led her legs to open wider of their own accord.
Remington let out an animalistic groan and pulled her roughly to him as he devoured her.
Livie pressed her head further into her pillow, her body quivering in need as he inserted two fingers inside, while his tongue swirled her sensitive nub. His free hand massaged her heavy breasts, and she rejoiced in ecstasy, unable to control herself as emotion and feelings crashed through her body.
She took hold of a free pillow and placed it over her face as a wave of the sweetest feelings took over. Her body stiffened, her toes curled, and her back arched practically off the bed.
“Oh God, Remington!” she called out, trying to muffle her sounds in the pillow.
Kissing up her body, he stopped to ravish her breast before lying beside her and removing the pillow. His hands continued to move about her body as if he needed to touch her.
Livie opened her eyes to find a smiling Remington staring at her. “Am I no longer a maiden?” she asked, for surely such an act would rob her of her virtue.
He chuckled, before bending down to kiss her. “You are still a maiden. There is a little more involved in the act.” His eyes twinkled, yet desire darkened the blue depths.
“More?” she asked, her eyes widening at the thought.
He picked up her discarded dressing gown, helping her into it before he stood and lifted the duvet. Livie crawled under the cover as he slid in beside her. His arms enveloped her, and she felt so at peace, so at home within his arms.
“I’m sure your mother will explain everything, but now you have an advantage. When I truly take you as my wife, you will know it, and you will be mine forever,” Remington whispered, his lips caressing her forehead.
“I’m already yours forever.” She nuzzled his chest, taking in his scent. Sleep was quickly taking over. Her lids lowered, and her limbs were numb.
“Sleep, my duchess.” His voice was thick and sensual.
Livie drifted off, but before she fully succumbed to sleep, she swore she heard him whisper, “Sleep, my love.”
Prepare the smelling salts! Take out your handkerchiefs! Put away your best gowns! The Bachelor Duke is engaged!
The days leading up to her nuptials were a whirlwind. While Remington secured the church, Livie sent out the invitations.
Madame Beaumont’s assistant buttoned up the back of Livie’s dress. She guided her fingers down the silky blue fabric, loving the feel of it. She couldn’t wait to see the look on Remington’s face when he caught sight of her. The fabric hugged her curves and the blue matched his eyes.
“You’re all set, my lady.” Agnes, Madame Beaumont’s assist
ant, took a step back and smiled.
Livie returned the smile before she walked out into the now-closed shop where her mother stood along with Mother Di, Madame Beaumont, and Julia. They were all happily chatting about the upcoming weddings of both St. John ladies and turned at the sound of her approach.
“Gorgeous!” Her mother was the first to speak, tears pooling in her gray eyes.
“You look stunning, my darling.” Mother Di clapped her hands together and brought them to her lips.
“You look ravishing, Livie.” Julia gave her a playful wink.
Madame Beaumont led her over to the floor-length mirror. Livie had no words at the sight of herself in her wedding gown. Her mind traveled to her wedding night, and she could not wait to be with him intimately. If what happened in Essex was any indication of what was to come, then she could not wait
The thought of his lips against her most sensitive flesh kept her awake every night days after they returned to London. Now every time they were in each other’s presence, she wished they had more time together, but soon they would have forever.
Madame Beaumont tugged on different parts of the gown. “It is a perfect fit, but maybe I can make some adjustments in the bosom.”
“I was thinking that as well.” Lady Hempstead came to stand beside her daughter and pushed on the fabric at one of Livie’s breasts, causing her to blush profusely. “Unfortunately, everything she consumes goes straight to her bosom and rear.”
“Mother!” Livie shouted, turning to glare at her mother.
“What? You know it’s true. As a married lady, try to control your consumption of biscuits and pudding.” Her mother patted her shoulders, giving her a loving smile.
“As a married lady, I shall eat whatever I like.” Livie gave her mother a matter-of-fact nod.
“I wouldn’t worry about what you eat. The duke looks at you as if you were something to devour. I don’t think he would mind one bit.” Julia teased from behind her.