She drew her fingertips along the line of his jaw. “So are you.”
“There is nothing quite as perfect as a beautiful woman snuggled in your lap on a rainy day.”
“I agree on all parts.” She grinned holding up her finger for emphasis. “Except, I believe there is nothing quite so perfect than being snuggled in the arms of a handsome man on a rainy day.” She sensuously stretched and snuggled more closely against his chest.
With a trace of humor in his voice, “It would seem we are perfectly matched then.”
“It would seem so,” she whispered, shaken by the penetrating look in his eyes.
Without taking his gaze from hers, he said, “Tell me more about you.” His green eyes crinkled at the corners. “Tell me more about Poppy as a little girl. I bet you ran wild, you have that look about you.”
“I fear I was a trial to my father. He fretted that I would never turn into a true lady,” Poppy said, amused. “I was going to be a pirate or possibly even a princess. I couldn’t decide.” She grinned. “Ahoy matey,” she softly cried, giggling as she play-acted raising a sword in the air.
“That must have been a difficult choice, pirate or a princess,” he softly chuckled.
“Oh, it most definitely was. To my father’s chagrin, I was more inclined to be a pirate. More adventure to be had as a pirate.” Looking up, “I don’t know if you have noticed, but I am not one to simper and preen as most princesses are supposed to act.”
“It is true; you do seem to be more the adventurous type and I cannot imagine you father would allow you to associate with unsavory characters.” His narrowed eyes roamed over her attire. “However, you also seem to take great pleasure in dressing so you could definitely pass for a princess. You are definitely a lady of contradictions.” His eyes smiled down at her. “What about all of the times you and your father played at the ruin?”
“Oh, well that was adventurous to say the least, especially when one is being rescued from a fire-breathing dragon.” She glanced back at him over the top of her head with a grin.
Seizing the moment, she turned, pulling herself up to straddle his muscular thighs.
The air sizzled as she slid her arms around his neck and speared her fingers into the thick black curls at his nape. Whispering enticingly, she pressed her softly curved body fully against the hardness of his chest. “Would you like to know what else I find to my liking, Your Grace?” Her warm breath wafted over his already heated flesh and she made no effort to fight the desire boiling up as she gently bit down on his earlobe.
He moaned as she swirled her tongue in the sensitive recesses of his ear. He deliberately held himself still as he ground out his reply, “Indeed.” His voice was deep with the desire that raged through him. “Please enlighten me at once,” he instructed, placing his hands at her tiny waist. His pulse raced as his arousal intensified, the charge of energy flowing around them.
“First, let me ask you a serious question.” She looked inquisitively into his eyes, sliding her fingers down his throat. His dark and potent look returned her gaze. “Why did you lock the door?”
“Oh, you noticed that, did you?” He practically purred, a wicked smile curving his lips. “I am unable to resist your immense charms much longer. I have reached my threshold,” he growled devilishly in her ear, drawing a deep breath.
“When I am near you I am in a constant struggle with my sinful side…” He nipped lightly at her neck.
“That is only when you are near me?”
He chuckled. “And because I was hopeful that our interlude today would progress to this…” Crushing his mouth to hers, plundering the depths of her mouth, their tongues tangled in a frenzied tussle, their breath mingled their need deeper than either had ever known. His arms locked around her pulling her more snugly against him.
He lifted her, his long fingers spanning her tiny waist, positioning her more firmly against his throbbing penis, eliciting a deep guttural groan from his throat.
Wiggling, she worked desperately to ease the ache that started to settle between her legs. Her lilac striped day dress ruched around her hips exposing her creamy white legs for his perusal. His avaricious stare took in her legs still covered with her silk stockings and matching lilac garters. Dragging in a shuddering breath, his hands slid over each snowy inch of her firm silky thighs, kneading their softness, feeling her tremble beneath his strong grasp.
“Be still little one,” he rumbled against her mouth. “I have no control when I am with you.” Smoothing his palms up over her thighs, he gripped her hips holding her tightly before molding her shapely bottom with his large masculine hands.
She gasped but did not pull away. Her fingers curled tightly into his lapel. Not wanting to let go as her skin heated as if on fire.
“I cannot,” she moaned, rocking against his hardness. “I never imagined it would feel so heavenly.” Reaching between them, she ran her hands over the soft material covering his heavily muscled chest worshipfully. Next, she impatiently loosened his cravat so that the neck of his fine lawn shirt fell open revealing the dark pelt of hair that covered his chest. Leaning forward she burrowed her face against the textured hair, rubbing back and forth across the curly thatch of hair, quivering as she inhaled his spicy scent reverently. “Hmmm…you smell divine.”
A slow flush spread across her already heated cheeks, sighing in pure bliss at the sensual pleasure spreading throughout her body. “I had no idea a man could smell so delicious.” She tried to open her eyes, but her lids were too heavy with desire.
She knew what she wanted, and it was him. She was no longer concerned with her virtue, not bound by any inhibitions. Poppy knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was hers because she definitely belonged to him and no one else would suffice.
Feeling the ridge of his desire throbbing hard between her legs, pleased to know that his desire rivals her own, she undulated against his hardness in an effort to ease the carnal ache.
Passion shrouded them in its heated embrace. Losing herself in his arms, her head fell back allowing him full access to her neck, surrendering to his expertise. Shivering as his wet mouth trailed hot fiery kisses along her jaw, nuzzling her neck, his tongue swirling lazy circles as he loosened the drawstring, lowering the bodice of her gown to bare her to the waist. Holding his breath and only releasing it when she was laid before him as an offering from the gods.
He was stunned at the knowledge that she was presenting her high pert breast solely to him, honored that no other man would lay eyes upon her flawless body.
“Don’t,” he boomed, stopping her hands from covering her nakedness. His scorching gaze appeased her self-consciousness. “You are perfection.” Who would have thought that so tiny a woman would have such a body?
Beads of perspiration popped out on his forehead when he carefully set his tanned hands to her milky white breast, a sharp contrast to the translucent skin of her body. They filled his palms perfectly, kneading her, examining their weight, the smoothness of her skin teasing his fingertips her erect rosy nipples poking erotically into his flesh.
Looking into her eyes, he drew in another shuddering breath. “Strange as it may sound to you, I have never beheld anything so beautiful in all my life.”
Her breasts were swollen and aching. Arching, pressing her flesh more fully into his palms. Every nerve ending sparked to life as she watched his rough fingers pinching and tugging on her rosy nipples. Her limbs grew liquid, weak, and her skin glistened from the hot, damp room.
His mouth clamped hotly over the sensitive bud, tasting the salty-sweetness of her sensitive peak. She felt the bite of his teeth on her soft flesh, lavishing worshipful attention, licking and suckling hungrily.
The suction of his mouth shot powerful tremors straight to her core in a combination of pleasure and pain. She no longer had control of her body, completely under his command. She panted unable to catch her breath, absorbing the delicious heat that was emanating from his masterful touch.
&nbs
p; She was melting.
She was on fire.
She was burning up.
She felt molten as if she were about to explode like a volcano.
One large hand slid low over her rib cage, stroking down over her soft belly, a guttural groan escaping his lips as he encountered the damp curls at the juncture of her thighs. Sliding his finger along her damp folds allowing her a moment to grow accustomed to his intimate touch.
Shamelessly she wriggled against his finger seeking more of his exquisite torture. Her fingers twisted in his shirt as she moaned loudly. Pleasure churned low in her belly as he probed her entrance, then slowly inserted one finger and then a second deeply into her. He stroked her---inside where she was slick and hot. His thumb stroked back and forth across the nub of her desire in a steady rhythm.
He was desperate for more, eager to claim her fully, yet not ready to do so. Knowing damn well that a true gentleman would not proceed without at least some kind of an understanding, a longing he harbored inside himself and he hadn’t realized it until this moment.
Declan claimed her lips in a hot searing kiss at the same time she exploded. Her ragged cries of passion escaped her as she reached her release.
Burying her face against his shoulder as the waves subsided and she slumped limply against him. Stunned once again by the pleasure he had given.
Running his hands soothingly over her back in slow steady circles, Declan whispered words of comfort in her ear.
Raising her head, she placed a tender kiss on his chin. Her palm lay softly over his steadily beating heart.
He placed a kiss on her already swollen lips, resting his cheek on top of her head. Not wanting to recall the last time he had felt something so emotionally overpowering. The day his brother died was one of the worst days of his life and he prided himself on having stringently maintained his emotional defenses since that day. Poppy was one by one knocking them all down his heart aching less with each meeting.
Poppy’s hand innocently explored the hard planes of his chest as she placed one of her hands on her own breast intrigued by their obvious differences.
Seeing her hand caressing her own breast was one of the most erotic sights Declan had ever beheld. His breathing became shallower, watching her innocent exploration.
She trailed her fingers down his chest over his taught belly until she finally reached his swollen manhood iron-hard against her palm. She stroked her hand up and down the length of him through his breeches. Enthralled with the mysteries of his manly body, she glanced up at him through lowered lids, whispering huskily, “I don’t know what to do?” A smile flittered across her lips.
Gritting his teeth against the onslaught of sensations pulsating throughout his body, he tensed. “Believe me, you are doing just fine.”
With laughter in her voice, “I feel so alive but at the same time I also feel like I do not have any bones left in my body. It’s such a peculiar feeling.” She bit the inside of her cheek, cocking her head to study him.
The gentle pressure of her hand squeezing his turgid length was more arousing then any strenuous sex acts he had ever experienced. He let his head fall back; watching through hooded eyes, the light curious touch of her fingers teased him through his breeches. He was enjoying watching the multitude of expressions spread over her face as she explored his length.
Reticently looking into his eyes, she asked. “Can I see you? I have never seen a naked man before.” Her skin flushed with anticipation. “Please?” She practically begged. “You have seen me.”
Clenching his jaw, Declan reached for and caught her wrist. “Poppy, if we do not stop now, I don’t think I will be able to later.”
“But I do not want to stop,” she grumbled. “Must we?” Her lips turned down in a pretty pout.
Reluctantly removing her hand, he carefully placed her on the cushion beside him, taking possession of her lips in a kiss that stole her breath, savoring her innocence. Reluctantly, he released her mouth and lifted the bodice of her dress to cover her magnificent bosom.
“I want to experience everything with you, make no mistake.” He softly kissed her nose. “I want to spend hours with you completely naked in my arms.” He softly kissed her cheek. “I want to touch every inch of your magnificent little body.” He softly kissed her lips, eliciting a groan that emphasized his desire. “But our first time making love will not be quickly on a sofa where we could be discovered at any moment.” He slowly kissed her lips again. “It will be in the softest bed on the most sumptuous silk sheets and you have my word that it will not be over quickly.”
“Kiss me again, Declan,” she whispered.
And he did. Pulling her close he crushed her lips beneath his.
“Once we are married you can see me as often as you would like.” He threw out casually.
“Married?” Poppy’s voice was devoid of emotion. “I told you I wasn’t marrying for anything less than love.”
“I know you want children, Poppy,” Declan reminded. “I’ve seen you with the children in the school.”
“That’s true, but that doesn’t mean that I am going to marry you just because we…” Poppy shook her head trying to think of the word, “…you know.” She waved her hand around.
“Of course it does.” Declan frowned. “Gently bred ladies do not---you know,” he threw her words back. “Especially if they are not married.”
“Yet, gentlemen can?” She raised one brow.
“It’s completely different.”
“Don’t take this unkindly, Declan, but this,” Indicating the two of them, “is not enough for me to marry.”
Declan stood with a shocked look on his face. “Why are you being difficult?”
She pulled her hand from his. “I’ll leave through the breakfast room and you can go around through the garden.” With that, she spun around and made her way to the door.
“Poppy!”
Declan’s dumbfounded gaze followed Poppy as she unbolted the door, grasped the knob and hauled it wide exiting the conservatory. Inhaling a deep breath, he was still throbbing with unspent need from their encounter. He shook his head. His body not only pulsed with need but now with utter frustration.
Not marry?
He could not remember a time when he had ever been this frustrated. He could not remember a time when he needed to be. The other encounters throughout his life had all been for a physical release. That need was easily met. This particular need was different. It was more than just a physical urge. She was the only one for him, now he had to make her see it too.
Shaking his head, he readied himself for the much-needed walk in the cold rain. Gritting his teeth, he wrenched open the door and sprinted out the door.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
That man that hath a tongue,
I say is no man, if with his
Tongue he cannot win a woman.
Two Men of Verona
*William Shakespeare
Declan’s mind was occupied with warm satiny skin that only moments before had been laid bare before him. He leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest distracted to the point that he didn’t hear a word of the conversation going on around him.
Frustrated.
That’s exactly what he was, frustrated.
He finally admitted to himself that he would like to marry, asks and the woman says, ‘No?’
Unbelievable.
Staring out the window, he could see the women artlessly laid out on benches in the garden gazebo now that the rain had stopped. He wondered what they were talking about. Surely, they were talking and giggling about some assuredly mundane topic such as the exact color of the perfect ribbon.
He was sure the topic of conversation out of doors did not include whining spoiled men with nothing else to think of but themselves. Like the one, he was being subjected to right now.
Rolling his eyes humorously, a small smile played at his lips. He wondered if Poppy was thinking of him right now.
“
Declan? Oh, Declan?” Seymour called snapping his fingers. “Are you not interested in our topic of conversation?”
Stirred from his mindless daydreaming, he glanced over his shoulder. “I am positive that my mind is occupied with a more inviting subject than the cut of your latest coat, Seymour,” Declan said dryly. “Feel free to carry on without my participation.”
“Oh, do not be ridiculous.” Seymour waved his hand in the air as if to shoo an annoying bug away. “Even so, we moved on ages ago.” He laughed at his joke. “What we are discussing now is Perry’s insistence that we throwing a dull little house party. Can you imagine?”
“I can’t imagine a more pleasant house party,” Declan said distractedly. “Why are you so bored?” He asked, throwing a perturbed glance towards Peyton. “Are you so uninteresting that you cannot entertain yourself?”
“Well done, Hawk.” Seymour guffawed.
“Maybe I wouldn’t be if I had purloined the conservatory for my own afternoon entertainment,” Peyton grumbled.
“What are you talking about?” Seymour questioned.
“Not a thing.”
“Well maybe you should leave us be Perry if you are unable to stop your infernal whining,” Declan humorously rebuked being in a somewhat foul mood himself especially now that he knew someone else knew what he had been doing in the conservatory. “We are all enjoying our time together. Be a good boy, run along, and take a nap. Maybe that will put you in better spirits.”
“Were you unable to appease your baser needs fully during the Season, brother?” Parker’s eyes crinkled with laughter. “I recall hearing all manner of debaucheries that you were indulging in. A multitude of anecdotes reached my ears while we were in London.” He laughed. “Gambling hells, curricle races, opera dancers, all manner of naughty tid-bits were thrown my way.”
“I should have stayed in London or better yet, headed to Kent,” Peyton snapped. “I get enough of this bloody lovey-dovey marriage stuff during the Season.” He grimaced. “Now I have to watch it all summer long?” He rolled his eyes. “First Durham, now Declan? What is the world coming to? Surely not all of you feel duty bound to wed and fill your nurseries. I think I need to separate myself from all of this.” He shuddered visibly. “Or before you know it I will be shackled to some boring green girl trying to force me to retire quietly in the country. There is something in the air here at Rosebriar this summer. I want to be as far away from it as possible. Perhaps I need take a long trip to my estate or even on the continent.”
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