He swallowed. Hard. His promise to go slow dissolving with each beat of his heart. He came to her, dragging his tight, hard cock up between her legs.
A fire sprang to her eyes and she raised her arms, pulling him down for a long, heated kiss. His tongue slid into her mouth and dueled with hers. Unable to wait another second, he lifted his hips and drew the tip of his cock to her slick curls.
With a moan, Emma spread her legs wider, her fingers digging into his shoulders, urging him on. A trickle of sweat rolled down his back and he eased forward. When he came to the barrier of her maidenhood, Lucian raised his head.
Emma opened her eyes. “If you stop now, I shall kill you,” she said and lifted her hips so that he tore through the thin skin. She stiffened for a brief moment, then relaxed, her brow clearing.
Lucian gritted his teeth at the feel of being inside her. A tight sheath of hot, liquid velvet. He moved in more and swallowed a groan. Dear God, he didn’t think he would last much longer.
Emma wiggled beneath him, her fingers biting into his shoulders. Then she moved her hands down, placing one on each cheek, and pressed him all the way inside. “There, that is better,” she said on a sigh.
“You will be the death of me, minx,” he gritted out. Then, unable to do anything else, he drew out and slid back home.
The flame returned to her eyes, and Lucian could not look away from the exquisite creature that was his wife. She spoke with her gaze, urging him for more. Sweat dotted his brow to keep from hurting her any more, but he could not get his hips to keep the slow pace. She moved with him and he went faster.
“Yes,” she whispered. “I want more.”
Well. Hell.
He drove in and out. Harder and harder. Small tremors began low in his middle. Hearing Emma’s cry of completion, his balls drew up, and with a long groan, he spilled his seed deep inside her. And, unable to resist, continued to move several more thrusts, pushing his seed deeper into her core.
Dragging in gulps of air, he settled his forehead against hers. “Did I hurt you?” he asked, worried.
She pressed her palms against his cheeks, a smile curving her lips. “On the contrary. You made me feel better than I ever have before,” she said, her words garbled with fatigue.
Lucian drew the blankets around them, then gathered his wife in his arms. She settled her head on his shoulder, her tiny hand splaying against his chest, and drifted to sleep.
Hearing her deep, even breaths, Lucian’s mind whirred with plans. He pressed a kiss to her forehead, knowing he had to do everything possible to keep his wife safe. Starting with keeping her from going with them to collect the gold.
He could not let her go with them.
But, how to make the stubborn minx stay here?
Something Sean said earlier about having to sneak away came to mind. Lucian smiled and pressed another kiss to Emma’s forehead as a plan unfurled.
Chapter 23
Emma munched on a piece of toast, recalling every heated detail of the prior evening. She’d slipped out of bed before dawn and dressed, knowing her husband meant to leave her behind. But she would waylay those plans. The servants had been startled to see her moving about so early and scurried like ants to prepare her breakfast.
Platters of scrambled eggs, ham, kippers, and toast arrived, filling the morning room with a heavenly scent. She bit on a corner of toast, trying to keep her mind from wandering back to Lucian. A certain part of her, a bit sore this morning, but nonetheless eager to repeat what happened several times last night, throbbed. She shifted on her chair, hoping Joe, who had been assigned as her footman, would not guess her thoughts.
He filled her tea. “Would you like me to make your plate, my lady?”
She shook her head and rose, wiping toast crumbs from her fingers. “No, thank you, Joe. I can manage.”
Finding herself ravenous, she heaped some of everything on her plate and settled back in her seat. She’d just salted the eggs, thinking if she finished eating before Lucian woke, they might play a bit of bed-sport before leaving, when Sean walked in.
“I hope that cat-that-ate-the-cream look of yours isn’t what I think it is,” he said, bending down to press a kiss to her forehead as he’d done all her life at breakfast.
Her lips twitched. How she loved to tease Sean. “Well, it’s not due to the kippers.”
He grimaced and turned to make his plate. “Have you looked at the map and coordinates yet?”
She lifted the tea to her lips and took a careful sip as he sat across from her. Trying to keep her face neutral, she said, “I’ve been rather occupied with my new husband.”
Sean blanched. “Christ, Emma.” He cleared his throat. “We must plan what happens after…” His voice trailed away when Joe came into the room.
“Coffee or tea, Mr. Wickham?”
“Coffee.”
The footman bowed and left to retrieve the pot.
Emma swallowed her eggs. “Once we retrieve the other boxes and have them delivered to the museum, we must draw Renfield out.”
Sean nodded and leaned back as Joe filled his cup.
Emma glanced around. “Where is Samir?”
“The stables, readying our horses.”
She was about to speak when the door swung open and Lucian dashed inside, eyes wild.
Alarmed, Emma rose. “Lucian, what is it?”
Seeing her, he drew in a sharp breath, then came around the table to take her in his arms. “When I woke and found you gone…”
She patted his back. “You were sleeping so sound, I didn’t have the heart to wake you.”
With a tight squeeze, he drew back. His eyes, losing that fevered look, roved her face. “Are you well this morning?”
Emma felt her lips tip up. “Exceptionally well after last night.”
“God, you two.”
She ignored her brother. “Take some breakfast, Lucian. We have plans to make.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Sean and I—”
Lifting a finger to his lips, she shook her head. “If you think I will remain here, you are sadly mistaken.” When he started to speak, she tapped his lips. “I will stay at your side at all times, Lucian.” Unable to help herself, she added, “Or beneath you, if you prefer.”
“Emma, my ears can’t hear this,” Sean groaned.
Taking pity on her brother, Emma turned serious. “You are well and stuck with me, Lucian.” She nodded toward the sideboard. “Get you something to eat.”
After filling his plate and nodding to Joe for coffee, Lucian turned to Sean. “Has she always been this stubborn?”
“Afraid so, and it’s only getting worse.”
Evans stepped into the open doorway. As he started to speak, Jeremy sauntered around him. “I have twenty men at the ready.” His gaze roved the room, eyes twinkling when he noticed her there, then swung around to Lucian. “How many remain behind to protect the countess?”
“None. I am coming with you.”
Shoulders hunched, Lucian blew out a breath. “Have you broken your fast, Jeremy? There’s plenty.”
A smile tore across Jeremy face. “Evie and I had breakfast in bed this morning. Was quite filling,” he added with a chuckle.
Sean groaned, lowering his face to his palms. “Not you, too.”
Emma bit back her grin. “Speaking of Evie, she will remain behind?”
Jeremy sat, nodding to Joe for coffee. “She and the Duchesses of Claremont and Huntington have plans. Visiting the new hospital for children.” He spent the next few minutes telling them about how his wife and her friends helped orphaned and abandoned children.
Emma hadn’t considered how much good the wealthy could do. Having spent her entire life on the hunt for treasure, she never thought about the less fortunate. She shifted in her seat, her gaze turning to her husband. She was now a countess, perhaps she could help. Mind made, she would speak to Evie as soon as they returned to London.
Sipping her tea, Emma watched Lucian. Long, s
lender fingers lifted a forkful of eggs to his lips. She bit back a sigh, recalling some of the delicious ways he had used his mouth and fingers. As though he felt her looking at him, Lucian’s gaze rose. A fire sprang to life and he smiled, knowing her wicked thoughts. He gave her a silent promise there was much more to come. Emma shivered, anticipating what would happen the next time they were alone.
Her brother said something and Emma had to tear her gaze from Lucian to concentrate on his words.
“Any sign of Renfield?” Sean asked Jeremy.
Lowering his coffee cup, Jeremy shook his head. “I have dispatched men to watch everyone the man knows. Even their mail is reviewed before being delivered.” He leaned back in his chair. “It is but a matter of time before the man is caught.”
Sean nodded. “He has no money at the moment. How far can he go?”
Lucian pushed back his plate. “You would be surprised what desperate men can do.” He threw down his napkin. “Have you dispatched men to the docks?”
Jeremy nodded. “And Bow Street has runners looking for Renfield, as well.”
Emma wiped her hands, relieved. Even Lucian relaxed with the news, his face losing the tight edges around his mouth and eyes. When Sean swallowed the last of his food, she rose, everyone following suit. “Perhaps, we should look at the map and coordinates now.”
Eager to get started, Emma walked with the three to Lucian’s dark paneled study. A carved mahogany desk gleamed from a fresh polish, flanked by a marble fireplace on one side, a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf on the other. Beyond the desk, a pair of windows showcased a gurgling fountain in the center of thick fern fronds.
Lucian pulled a small brass key from his pocket and opened the bottom right drawer. He lifted out the rolled map and her written coordinates. Spreading the map out, he anchored each corner with a book and Emma approached, her eyes glued to the round circles.
She had been the only one to see both the first and last points on the map. Swinging her eyes to the coordinates, she knew she could find the others with ease. Excitement coursed through her veins at the hunt ahead. The only other time she had been so exhilarated was last night in Lucian’s arms.
Sean nudged her with his shoulder. “Those red cheeks had better mean you can find the gold, Em.”
Her lips tipped up on their own. “And if it means something entirely different?”
He pulled a face and shook his head. “Then I don’t want to know.”
She nudged him back. “I can find the gold, Sean.”
He closed his eyes. “Thank God.”
Emma turned to Lucian and Jeremy. “We should leave now. Samir will have our horses ready.”
Lucian shook his head. “An unmarked coach.” He scowled when she started to argue. “It’s that, or I lock you up.”
Her lips twitched. “The tower room or the dungeon?”
His eyes narrowed. “I am serious, Emma. You are an easy target on horseback.”
“If I wear a disguise…?”
Lucian shook his head. “Renfield has already seen your disguise.”
“He’s seen me as a boy,” she pointed out. “I could become something else.” Nodding, she continued. “An old woman, for instance.”
He crossed his arms. “An old woman dashing down the road on horseback? Oh, that would draw no attention.”
Emma opened her mouth, then snapped it shut. He had a point. She rocked back on her heels. “Fine.” She poked him in the center of his cravat. “But you ride with me.”
Lucian gave her a clipped nod. “Fortunately, my coach before becoming the Earl of Hartford, has no markings. It will suffice.”
Emma snapped open her ivory fan, trying not to glare at the man across from her. She couldn’t glance out the window and see the riders, knowing they were much more comfortable outside in the breeze, so she stirred the hot air about her face.
Her only measure of relief was knowing Lucian was as miserable as she.
“You are glaring at me again.” He lowered the page of the Times and quirked a brow.
“I wouldn’t need to glare if I were out in the fresh air.”
“We will be in Bristol this very night.”
Emma tried to hold on to her anger, but as soon as he mentioned the word night, her entire body jerked to attention. Lucian noticed, and flames leaped into his eyes. He folded the paper and set it aside without looking away. She licked her lips, and his gaze dipped, then came back up, a naughty gleam springing to life.
Her insides hummed, and her center pulsated. She squirmed on the seat and held her breath, wondering what he meant to do. Nothing in the coach, of course, but the way he slid to her side and drew her to him, said otherwise.
Lucian lowered his mouth to hers, his tongue parting her lips in eager intrusion. Emma returned his sparring, wanting so much more. Her hand rose to his chest and sought a way between the material. He sucked in a breath when she slid two fingers between his buttons and found his heated skin.
With a spurt of wicked revenge, she settled her other hand over the growing bulge in his breeches and felt his body buck. His lips tore from hers. “You are making me crazed, minx.”
Her lips tipped up, and she moved her hand back and forth. “I know.”
A low, soft growl escaped his lips, then he drew up her dress with a hand.
Emma froze. “What are you doing?”
His eyes, blazing with unleashed passion, bore into hers. “Finishing what you started, my love.”
She gave a nervous chuckle. “I did not start this, Luc—ooh.” His fingers found her inner thigh and slid up. Emma closed her eyes, her head lolling back against the seat as he grazed her wet curls. Like an eager wanton, she parted her legs, wanting so much more.
He leaned down to whisper in her ear, sending delicious tremors down her spine. “Would you have me continue?”
Emma swallowed. If he stopped now, she would kill him. But her throat was too tight to speak, so she nodded.
Lucian chuckled and edged forward, his fingertip grazing her sensitive nub, sending shooting sparks in all directions. She moaned and bit her lip, praying he would not stop. Praying for more.
The evil man drew slow, lazy circles around her entrance, making her pant. She was so wet, she could feel it seep out, but was too distracted to be embarrassed. Her body cried out for the release that was just out of grasp, and she wanted to scream.
“Tonight,” he whispered, continuing to circle her drenched hole, “I am going to do this with my tongue.”
Oh, God. Emma squeezed her eyes shut so tight, she saw multi-colored shooting stars. Her hips began to move, wanting, needing completion.
Then he slid a finger into her and the pulsating tremors started deep in her womb. His thumb stroked her wet pearl, and she jerked as the tremors grew stronger. And when he slid a second finger into her, she exploded. Wave after wave of pleasure crashed over her, making her gasp and moan. She shuddered, long and hard, then sank back on the seat, limp and drained.
Emma must have nodded off, for when she opened her eyes, it was dark. She straightened from the corner of the seat and saw Lucian turn from the window and glance at her. Unable to see his features well, she could hear the smile in his voice. “Have a nice nap, minx?”
“Very refreshing. Will give me the fortitude to make us even later,” she purred.
He leaned forward and was about to say something when the coach came to a jarring halt. Lucian’s quick reflexes helped her from tumbling to the floor. “Are you all right?” he asked, setting her back on her seat.
“Yes. What was that?”
This close, she could see a scowl form on his face. “I don’t know.” He reached for the handle. “But I intend to find out. Wait here.”
Chapter 24
As Lucian hopped to the ground, Jeremy stopped his horse beside him. “A felled tree across the road. The men are working to clear it.”
Glancing around, something didn’t feel right. He looked about the darkness, squinting into
the shadows, trying to detect movement. The wind grazed the treetops and yielded a hint of rain. “How far are we from the estate?”
“Three miles.”
Wiping a sleeve across his forehead, Lucian could feel eyes on him. Someone watched them. Renfield? Highwaymen? He stepped from the coach’s lamplight and lowered his voice. “I think we are being watched.”
“I feel it, too.”
Heaves and grunts came from the men as they worked to swing the trunk around. Perhaps, Lucian should have Jeremy take Emma the remainder of the way. As if thinking of her name somehow called her, Emma poked her head through the open coach door. “What is happening?”
He started to answer when he heard a single horse gallop away in the opposite direction. Lucian glanced to Jeremy, who heard it as well. “That puts that question to rest.”
“I wonder who he was and what he was doing?”
“Lucian?”
He swung around and came to the door. “It’s nothing but a felled tree. The men will have it moved away in a trice.”
Emma nodded and glanced about. “We aren’t in any danger, are we?”
He bit back a sharp remark and shook his head instead. “The estate is but three miles away. We will be there soon.”
“The men have the tree moved enough for the coach to get by,” Jeremy said.
With a nod, Lucian hefted himself back inside and closed the door. He wondered about the lone rider. Could have been a highwayman, and once the man counted how many guarded the coach, decided against the heist.
“Something troubles you, Lucian. What is it?”
“Nothing. I just do not like the delay in getting you to the estate,” he answered as the coach started to move.
Her teeth flashed white in the darkness. “Anxious to get me alone?” she asked, her voice husky.
Lucian’s body jerked to attention. “You know me too well, minx.”
Emma moved to his side, setting a hand across his pounding heart.
He leaned down to whisper in her ear, drinking in her rose scent. “I recall this scenario,” he purred and kissed the side of her neck.
Lord Hunter (Secrets & Scandals Book 6) Page 21