by Cheryl Holt
He dipped down and kissed her, and she joined in with an exhilarating amount of vigor. Since they’d become officially engaged, a new level of excitement had been added.
He picked her up and marched into the bedroom, and before she had the good sense to protest, he tumbled them onto the mattress. She was on her back, and he stretched out atop her. Every inch of his anatomy, down to the smallest pore, quivered with a joyous ecstasy, as if he’d finally arrived where he was meant to be.
“Tomorrow is Friday,” she said when their lips parted, “so we’re departing the day after. Have you gotten cold feet yet?”
“No. How about you?”
She curled her toes and grinned. “They’re not cold. They’re very, very warm.”
“Have you realized we can always snuggle like this in the future? No one will ever leap in to scold us.”
“I think I could be partial to snuggling.”
“So could I.” It was a stunning admission for him. He hadn’t assumed he’d ever be intrigued by a female for an extended period, but she was spurring many changes. “I’m glad you’re not a debutante or you’d have been surrounded by elderly aunties who’d have watched you like a hawk. I’d never have been permitted within ten feet of you.”
“I have to confess that this is much better. I’ve actually had a chance to become acquainted with the real you. It wouldn’t have happened in an ordinary courtship.”
“Lucky us.”
“We won’t have a typical, boring marriage, will we?” she asked.
“Define typical and boring.”
“In a typical marriage, we’d spend most of our time apart and pursuing separate interests. As the years rolled by, we’d begin carrying on like strangers, but I don’t want that to be our conclusion. I want to build a genuine family with you. I never had that growing up, and I’ve always yearned to belong to someone.”
“I never had it either,” he said. “My father was a scoundrel and gambler who caroused in London, while my brothers and I rampaged on our own in the country. I’m surprised I survived my childhood.”
“Can we make Marston our home? I would hate to tarry in London constantly. There are too many temptations for you there, and I like it here so much. You’re so content too.”
“Yes, we can live at Marston.”
Was he sincere?
Promises were popping up so rapidly that he couldn’t keep track. He’d already sworn he’d stick to his marriage vows, that he’d give up his wicked friends and vices. Now, he was claiming he’d move out of London for her. Would he?
Normally, he’d say she was deranged to suggest it, but he was so fond of her that he was having trouble refusing any of her requests. She wasn’t even his wife yet, but he was wrapped around her little finger, so he was blithely agreeing to her every whim.
“We should share a bedchamber too,” she went on. “Could we do that? Married couples usually don’t, but I’d like us to be together every second.”
“I’d like that too, so yes, we can share the master suite.”
He was consenting to everything without pausing to consider the consequences. He was a solitary man who had his house in town, and he’d never invited any of his paramours to it. He liked his privacy, and when he misbehaved with a female, he reveled at her lodging.
Would he like to be so intimately connected to Hannah? Would he like to wake up every morning by her side?
He suspected it would be perfect and very comforting.
The notion of matrimony was shaking his life to its very foundations, and he had to stop speaking—before he dug an even deeper hole. She was envisioning a future he couldn’t quite picture, while he was simply trying to keep his head above water, so he didn’t drown in the bizarre depths of the situation into which he’d tossed himself.
He started kissing her again, and to his great consternation, he was quickly overwhelmed.
Physical contact was what he understood, what he relished, and he figured she was a sensual creature who would provide him with extensive carnal entertainment. He’d have to lure her into the sexual portion of their relationship though, so she’d recognize how much fun they could have in their bedroom.
Gradually, the lapels of her robe fell open, so the center of her torso was exposed, and it goaded him to new heights of desire. Would this be their wedding night?
Maybe it should be. Otherwise, when would they complete the consummation? He couldn’t imagine deflowering her in a noisy coaching inn in Scotland. Nor could he bear to wait until he was back at Marston. If he was going to have a wife, he wasn’t about to postpone the very best piece of it.
He still wasn’t convinced she’d elope with him, and he wasn’t totally sure he would either. If they proceeded to fornication, they’d be bound and couldn’t renege.
Was that the lust talking? Was it the alcohol? Was he merely making excuses for his bad intentions? It was entirely possible.
His curious fingers slipped under the fabric of her robe to massage her breast. It was the farthest he’d ever pushed her. She broke off their strident kiss and asked, “What are you doing?”
“I’m touching you in your private places. It’s what men and women do when they’re alone like this.”
“It’s what they do when they’re married.” Her tone was scolding. “If they aren’t married, it’s a sin.”
“I’ve never believed that. Besides, we’ll be wed in a few days. Why delay?”
She gaped at him, then gulped with trepidation. “You’d like this to be our wedding night?”
“Why not? We’ll just be celebrating a bit early.” He grinned, positive he could wear her down. “I promise you’ll like it.”
She snorted with amusement. “You would think so.”
“What’s our other option? Will we accomplish it at a deary Scottish coaching inn?”
“I haven’t really thought about it.”
“Look at it this way: If we forge ahead, you won’t be able to change your mind.”
“I won’t be able to? I’m not worried about me. I’m faithful and dependable, and I honor my commitments, but you’re not particularly trustworthy. I’m doubting whether you’ll ever stand next to me at an altar. I predict I’ll wake up in Scotland the morning of my wedding, only to find that you fled in terror when my back was turned.”
He rolled his eyes. “You’ll never be that lucky. You’re stuck with me, so let’s behave precisely as we shouldn’t, and you’ll have me tightly ensnared.”
“I don’t want you ensnared. I want you to be eager and glad, all on your own.”
“I’m eager, and I’m glad, and if I’m ensnared, I must admit it’s the best feeling in the world.”
****
Hannah stared at Hunter. She couldn’t resist him and couldn’t tell him no. He had such a strong personality, and it was clear he would constantly coerce her into giving him what he sought.
She laughed and said, “I’m realizing how my life will unfold with you. You told me you always get your way, and you probably will. Will there ever be an occasion where I thwart you?”
“No, never.”
“How about if you’re being wildly irresponsible or negligent? How about then?”
“If I’m being wild or negligent, I will try to listen to you. I won’t offer any guarantees though. I’ve had thirty years of engaging in any mischief that tickles my fancy. I’m not certain I’ll ever rein in my worst impulses.”
“Your comment doesn’t reassure me in the least. Am I mad to have agreed to this? I’ve been asking myself that question repeatedly.”
“Yes, you’re mad,” he said, “but then, I have that effect on people. I drive them insane.”
“I can’t imagine this ending well.”
“Neither can I, but think of the fun we’ll have.”
“I’ve been in a rut, haven’t I?” she said. “It won’t kill me to climb out of this hole I’ve dug for myself. I shouldn’t be such a stick in the mud.”
“
You will enjoy the ride. I swear.”
He dipped in again, his lips capturing hers in a tempestuous embrace. Instantly, she was too overwhelmed to assess what was occurring. She was content to be swept along on the tide of his rising desire. As with their previous interactions, it was easier to comply than to argue. She never won their debates anyway, so why bother?
He was anxious for it to be their wedding night, but it was a facet of matrimony she hadn’t considered. She was floating on a raft of exhilaration that seemed like a dream or, perhaps, like a fantastical plot in a romantic novel. She hadn’t gazed down the road to marital conduct. There hadn’t been time.
Would she like it to be her wedding night? Might it be better to finish it?
She suspected he was correct, that it would be awkward to accomplish it in Scotland. The problem for her though was that she didn’t know what was supposed to transpire. She’d heard varying stories: that it was painful, that it was embarrassing, that it was wonderful.
She’d never had a female she could ask for particulars. Apparently, it involved excessive nudity, and the main aspect that made it marvelous or horrid was the man who was the woman’s partner. If he was experienced and attentive, it was splendid. But if he was inexperienced, if he was cruel or self-centered, then it was a huge chore.
She had no doubt Hunter Stone would be fabulous at it, that he would make it perfect, so she decided by not deciding. She simply leapt into the pot he was stirring, and she had to admit, he was adept at keeping her intrigued.
He was caressing her, his palms skimming her intimate places, lingering, so she quivered with excitement. He was opening her robe, untying the belt, tugging it off her shoulders. Without much effort, she was naked, and though she should have been aghast, he calmed her by carrying on as if nudity was a natural condition.
He was smiling and murmuring endearments so she wound up feeling as if she was avidly participating, but in reality, she was doing very little, mostly because she had no idea what to do. She followed his lead. When he touched her, she touched him. When he bit her skin, she bit his too, and she appeared to have a knack for salacious behavior.
The encounter grew more risqué. He nibbled a trail down her neck, to her bosom, to her breasts. He played with them, pinching and squeezing the nipples, and it created such a shocking burst of agitation that she had to stop him so she could catch her breath.
“What’s wrong?” he asked. “Don’t tell me I’ve frightened you.”
“It’s not that. It’s simply happening so fast.”
“Should I slow down? Would you like that?”
“No, I’m just…just…” She didn’t know what she was. She was merely eager to please him, but she wasn’t sure how.
“Has anyone told you what occurs?” he asked.
“Not really. I guess it’s very physical, and it can be horrid or wonderful—depending on the man.”
He grinned. “I promise, with me, it will always be wonderful.”
“Vain beast. Can you explain where we’re headed?”
“No. I don’t have the vocabulary for that sort of discussion. It’s easier if I show you.” His grin widened. “You trust me, don’t you?”
“No.”
“When we’re together like this, you can always have faith in me.”
He hovered there, wearing her down with his incessant charisma. If she’d had two pennies of sense, she’d have pushed him away and ordered him to depart, but her sense had vanished, and she didn’t suppose she’d ever find it again.
“I better like it,” she said. “If I don’t, I’ll never quit complaining.”
“You’ll like it so much you’ll probably never climb out of my bed. You’ll be completely enslaved by lust and unable to break free of my wicked ways.”
She chuckled, thinking this was the best part of winning him for her own. He was funny and kind and so accursedly pompous. She would never have a dull moment with him.
He dipped to her bosom again, and instead of playing with her nipples, he sucked one of them into his mouth. It set off more bodily reactions, and his ministrations distracted her so thoroughly that she didn’t notice as his naughty hand drifted down her tummy.
It continued on, across her abdomen, until finally, he arrived at her womanly sheath. He astounded her by sliding a finger into it, then a second one, and he stroked them in and out, in and out, as he sucked on her nipple. The act was so shocking, and it produced such a riveting anatomical response, that she didn’t bother protesting.
Her hips flexed against his palm, as if she was aware, on an instinctual level, precisely what was required. He flicked his thumb on the sensitive spot at the vee of her thighs—once, twice—and it ignited an inferno of ecstasy where she felt as if she was soaring up to the heavens. The bliss was so incredible that she cried out with delight, and she worried she might shatter into a thousand pieces. Would the frenzy ever end?
Eventually, she reached a type of apex, then she tumbled down and down, landing safely in his arms. He was laughing, preening, proud of himself and what he’d wrought.
“What was that?” she asked.
“That was sexual pleasure—and an exquisite example of it too. I shall have no problem corrupting you.”
Her cheeks heated with embarrassment. “Am I still a…a…virgin?”
“Yes, you still are.”
“Am I with child?”
“Not yet. There’s more to it. May I show you the rest? Will you let me?”
They weren’t married, and she knew right from wrong. They shouldn’t keep walking down the road they were on, but they’d already tiptoed out onto a hazardous ledge, and he was gazing at her with such affection. How could she deny him?
“Yes, I would like you to show me the rest,” she said, but he perceived her trepidation.
“You needn’t be afraid. I’ll make it quick, so it will be over fast.”
“Don’t you dare make it quick. I want to remember every detail, and if we hurry, I won’t recollect later on.”
“I will go as slowly as I can manage, but you, dear Hannah, push me beyond my limit. I doubt I will ever be able to control myself around you.”
They shared a potent look, where a thousand unspoken comments swirled, and she told herself it would be fine in the end. She had to stop fretting over every little issue and give him a chance to prove he could be the man of her dreams.
He leapt into the fray, kissing her, touching her all over. She was so relaxed that her limbs wouldn’t obey any commands. She simply laid back and allowed him to shower her with his fabulous attention.
His movements became more determined, more forceful, and for some reason, he was unbuttoning his trousers. She was unclear as to why he would, and there was no opportunity to seek clarification. The event was escalating so rapidly.
He widened her thighs, his torso dropping between them, as he tugged his trousers down to his haunches. All the while, he was caressing her, driving her mad with delicious yearning.
He was fussing with her sheath again, his fingers gliding in and out, exciting her, arousing her. Then something else was there, something thicker and bigger. She’d planned to ask him what it was, but before she could, he sucked on her nipple and flicked his thumb at the vee of her thighs.
It sent her into another outrageous spiral, and as she flew to the heavens a second time, his hips executed a particularly firm thrust, and he seemed to burst inside her. It didn’t hurt exactly, but it was the most peculiar thing she’d ever experienced.
She was stunned, but he was a tad stunned as well, and he ceased his rhythmic flexing.
“What just happened?” she asked once she could talk again.
“We’ve joined our bodies together.”
“Is this the marital act?”
“Yes. It’s what husbands and wives do in the bedchamber.”
She frowned. “It feels as if you are inside me. How is that possible?”
“Men and women are built differently in o
ur private parts. I have a sort of rod between my legs.”
“What’s it called?”
“A cock? A phallus?”
“Ah…” she murmured. She’d heard the terms, but had never mustered the courage to inquire what they meant.
“My cock slides into you,” he said, “as if the Good Lord designed us this way.”
“Is it how a babe is planted?”
“Yes, this is how. Every time, you could wind up increasing.”
She’d never pictured herself being a mother, but suddenly, she was swamped by the most powerful perception that she couldn’t wait. She prayed she would give him a dozen children and that they’d all be boys with his blond hair and confident swagger.
Tears flooded into her eyes, which was odd because she wasn’t sad, and he looked stricken.
“Was I too rough?” he asked. “Are you unhappy? What is it?”
“I’m even more overwhelmed.”
“So am I,” he surprised her by saying, “but this is a monumental occasion for both of us, and you can’t be sad. Swear to me that you’re not.”
“I’m not; I swear.”
“You can’t ever regret this.”
“How could I have regrets?”
Even if it crashed down in the end, even if he never became the man she was hoping, how could she ever lament what had occurred so far?
He smiled and started in yet again, kissing her, nibbling, whispering divine compliments that made her feel special and even a bit beloved. His hips were working, and she eagerly joined in.
In the beginning, he was very deliberate, very precise, but as they continued, as his passion intensified, he grew wilder and more out of control. Finally, he pushed in very dramatically, and he held himself just there. He groaned and collapsed onto her.
They were very still, his weight pressing her down into the mattress, and she had a minute to assess every detail. She decided it was the most spectacular event ever. No wonder he couldn’t describe it! Who could have?
Ultimately, he drew away and rolled onto his side, so she rolled too. They were nose to nose, giggling like halfwits, too astonished to comment.