Ravaging the Duke

  She whimpered but began increasing her movements. "Alec..."

  "You can do it. You're so close."

  "I want..."

  "I know what you want." He let her hand go as two fingers made their way into her wet passage. He stayed still, letting her continue her ministrations. As she neared her peak, Alec's fingers found that one side inside her that made her orgasm harder than what she could do alone.

  "Alec, Alec..."

  "Go on, my love, ride your pleasure."

  As she cried out his name, he lifted her from the tub and carried her through the dressing room and bed chamber. When he reached the door between the two rooms, he paused to open it. He carried her to the ducal bed and placed her in the middle.

  Quickly he tore off his clothes and joined her. This time, there would be no foreplay. This time, he would fuck her until they both came together. There would be time for the rest later. After they rested and recovered from this coupling. He needed to be deep inside her, to claim her. She was his and no other’s.

  He gazed down at her. Her eyes were half closed, but she had a smile on her face. He kissed her as he lined his cock up in front of her channel. He pushed in hard, in one thrust. Once he was sure he could go no deeper, he slowly withdrew before starting it all again. They established a rhythm, each holding on to the other as though there would be no tomorrow.

  Alec felt his balls tighten. He wasn't going to last. He was about to explode inside her. He cried out her name as his orgasm took him over the edge. As he rode out the wave of ecstasy, he felt her tighten around his cock. If she kept it up, he'd have her again. It was though he couldn't get enough of her. He needed to leave his mark. She was his wife, his lover, and no one else's. Never had he felt such feelings for one woman.

  He held her, still inside her. She needed sleep, he needed sleep. There would be time to teach his bride more. She was an eager student, and Alec loved teaching her. Rolling off her, he kissed her before gathering her in his arms.

  "Morning will be here soon. Sleep, my love."

  "Hmmm...I love you."

  He kissed the top of her head. "I love you, too."

  It was the last thing he remembered until hours later.

  ***

  Margaret made her way to the breakfast room the next morning, expecting to find her husband waiting on her. Instead, she found the room empty. She inquired with the butler, who informed her the duke was in his study. Rather than interrupt his work, she poured herself a cup of tea and contemplated her day.

  She hadn't intended to let Alec have his way with her the night before. She hadn't even planned on sharing a bed with him as she was still angry with him over his decision about her cousin. However, she found she was incapable of resisting him.

  Eyeing toast sitting in a basket on the table, she took a sip of tea as she contemplated whether or not to take a piece. Unable to resist, she reached out and took a piece. She slathered it with marmalade and bit in. Heavenly.

  Knowing they were only staying in Kent for the day, Margaret decided she needed to see if Alec had anything planned for the day or evening. She knew he wanted them to spend as much time as possible in Somerset. It was his favorite estate where he'd spent many summers as a child. He was anxious to get there.

  Finishing her tea, she headed down the hall to his study. She found his study devoid of him as well. "Where is the duke?" she asked the butler, who'd followed her from the breakfast room.

  "The last I saw of him he was here, Your Grace."

  One of the footmen came forward. "His Grace mentioned something about meeting with his estate manager."

  "Do you know where they were to meet?" Margaret inquired.

  "They are most likely at the stables, Your Grace. The roof has been in a state of disrepair, and work has just started on replacing it," the butler interjected.

  "Very good. Thank you."

  Not wanting to act hastily and rush to the stables, Margaret decided to check her desk for any correspondence that may have come. She nodded to the footman and butler and walked through the house to the staircase.

  Inside her suite of rooms, she found a pile neatly placed to one side with a few letters and invitations. She sat down and began to separate everything. Though there was nothing from her mother yet, one from the Duchess of Evermont caught her eyes.

  It was an invitation for tea that afternoon. The duchess would obviously know their schedule and that they had little time before heading to Somerset. Margaret quickly found a piece of paper and wrote her reply. Tea with the duchess would be a most welcome change. She'd spent little time over the past weeks with anyone except her bridegroom. Some female companionship would be most welcome.

  She called out to her maid. "See that this is taken to the Duchess of Evermont immediately. I'll also need something to wear to have tea with Her Grace."

  "Yes, Your Grace."

  Eleanor was in charge of her own businesses and had a lot of authority. People listened to her when she spoke. Maybe she could give her some direction as to how she and Alec should work through their differences when it came to her cousin.

  Hearing a knock on her door she looked up. Alec came in. He walked across the room to her desk. "I missed you at breakfast."

  "As did I."

  "I wanted to let you sleep."

  "Thank you." She picked up the duchess's invitation. "Your sister invited me to tea this afternoon. I plan to go."

  He nodded. "Excellent. I've been hoping the two of you would become friends."

  "I would like that. I admire what she does. Anyway, I imagine she wants to catch up since we're leaving in the morning."

  "Yes, I'm sure she wants to hear all about Scotland as well."

  "I'm sure you're right. You know, maybe next year, we could have a house party in Scotland."

  "There certainly would be a vast choice of things to do there."

  She laughed softly. "Far more than what one must endure at a house party in London or even here."

  "Don't tell my sister that."

  She stood up and walked to her husband. "Where are you off to?"

  "How do you know I'm going anywhere? Perhaps I simply want to spend some time with my bride."

  "Liar. We've spent weeks together. I know there are things needing your attention. Like the stable roof."

  "You're right as usual. I'm actually going to ride the estate with my manager. There are a few things that require my attention I'm afraid."

  "Don't worry about it. I plan to have tea with your sister, so I won't be alone for long."

  He smiled. "Margaret, understand I vowed when I became duke I'd do the best I could for all the people who depend on me."

  She nodded and took his hand. "Have you heard anything from either Norwood or Evermont?"

  "Yes. We're to meet this afternoon."

  She arched an eyebrow. "Oh? Where are you meeting?"

  "At Norwood's."

  "Sounds to me like this is all perfectly planned."

  He blew out a breath. "What do you mean?"

  "You're meeting at my cousin's while I'm having tea with your sister. I hardly think it's coincidental."

  "Margaret, please..."

  "This matter does concern me, and I think I have every right to be present."

  "I'll be sure to tell you everything this evening."

  She shrugged. "I suppose I have no choice, do I?"

  He placed his other hand on her cheek. "Wife, there is no big conspiracy going on here. Just three gentlemen meeting."

  "Very well."

  "Why don't you extend an invitation to my sister and Evermont to join us in Somerset? Say in a fortnight? It would be nice having people at the house again."

  "That's an excellent idea."

  "I need to go." He leaned down to kiss her. "I'll see you when you return from my sister's."

  "I look forward to hearing about your day." She kissed him on the cheek and stepped back. He turned to leave, laughing at the thought of her statement.
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  Chapter Seventeen

  "I'll need to speak with Evermont, of course, but I can't imagine him turning down an opportunity to go to Somerset," Eleanor said as she offered Margaret another cup of tea.

  "Alec thought it would be nice to have company, and he knows building has begun on the duke's old ancestral home."

  "He is anxious to see what has been done since his last visit."

  The Duke of Evermont's family home had been destroyed by fire years earlier, and he was now having the structure rebuilt. Eleanor had mentioned several times how the duke loved spending summers in Somerset.

  "You know, I see no reason why you and Evermont can't visit more often. You could always stay at our home."

  "It would probably be a good idea to ask your husband first."

  "We are all family, so I fail to see why there'd be any problems."

  Margaret knew she still didn't have a complete grasp on the aristocracy, but from what she knew, this was done regularly. Still, she'd run it by Alec.

  Eleanor set her tea cup down on the table beside her. "How was the trip to Scotland? I know the journey there and back is long and tedious. Did you enjoy it?"

  "Yes, I did. Though I will say it was quite a shock when we first arrived. The house is in need of a lot of things."

  "Such as?"

  "Decorating. The decor hasn't changed in generations. There are stuffed heads of deer and who knows what else. Plus the staff hadn't done much to keep the place up—even if there was no one living there."

  "That will be a task. One I wouldn't advise until you decide to stay there a while."

  "Perhaps next summer. Alec was talking about having a house party there. He also wants to tear down the crumbling part of the castle and rebuild it."

  "It can all be done with a good estate manager. At least the tear down."

  "Yes, well, Alec and I have some ideas on that.'

  Eleanor arched a brow. "Really? From the look on your face, I'd have to say you don't agree with his ideas."

  "I want to hire my cousin."

  "Oh, my."

  Margaret shook her head and set her porcelain cup and saucer down. "But Alec refuses. He won't wait until he's found to sit down and speak with him."

  "What's changed your mind?"

  "I don't think he wants to go back to America or his father. I believe he wants to stay here."

  "I'm aware Evermont has men searching for him. Whether or not they've been successful I don't know."

  Margaret balled her fists in her lap. "I just want to give him a chance if that's what he's chosen."

  "I hope this hasn't caused any bad feelings between the two of you."

  Margaret felt near tears as she chose her words carefully. "We did have an awful row about it. I didn't speak to him on the journey back. However, we've come to a mutual agreement, and things are fine."

  "If there is one thing I've learned, it's not to stay angry with one's spouse. It accomplishes nothing. Communication is key in a good marriage." She smiled at Margaret. "Love doesn't hurt, either."

  "Yes, I know. I'm grateful for Alec. For the most part, we get along famously. It's just this one matter that divides us."

  "He's only looking out for your well being."

  Eleanor was right, and Margaret knew she had to put some of her stubbornness aside. Or else risk losing Alec's love, and she certainly didn't want that. They needed to show a united front when it came to all matters. Not like some couples where the man made all the decisions. She and Alec had promised each other they'd never turn into their parents. Alec wanted her involved in his life, and she wanted to be at his side.

  "I know. Sometimes I feel like he forgets I have feelings and opinions."

  Eleanor smiled. "Then you must constantly remind him."

  "What do you mean?"

  "If they find your cousin, let the men speak with him first and form their own opinions. Alec will share his thoughts on the matter, and after, you can meet with Jacob and form your own opinion."

  "If Alec deems it wise for me to meet with him."

  "True. I have no doubt he'll be satisfied once he, Evermont, and Norwood speak with him."

  "You're right. He trusts their advice. Alec is still nervous about his position."

  "He was groomed for becoming duke. It's what is done, Margaret. But I do understand why my brother might still be nervous. Our father left a mess for him to deal with."

  "I know, and I don't make things easy for him, do I?"

  "You've done spectacularly. Don't ever doubt yourself."

  Margaret picked up a biscuit off a tray. "I try not to," she replied. "Not to change the subject, have you heard from your mother?"

  "No, not a word. Knowing my mother, she's loving showing your mother around Paris."

  "That's good to know because I haven't heard from my mother, either."

  "Well, your mother had an excuse. She knew her daughter was with her bridegroom in Scotland."

  She shook her head, her deep red hair shining in the light. "We've never been apart. I would have thought she would have been writing me daily."

  "You've never been away from your mother?" Eleanor asked.

  "No, never. Until I married Alec, I'd never been apart from her."

  "I'm sure she's fine. If she's sad, my mother and the countess would console her."

  Margaret laughed softly. "I imagine that would require a lot of shopping."

  "They're in Paris. What better place for a woman to shop?"

  ***

  "Thank you for holding this meeting at your home, Norwood. I was afraid if it was held at mine, my bride would have found an excuse to leave my sister's company. She's quite anxious to hear what you've found out about her cousin," Wexwood said.

  "I can assure you Eleanor would find a way to detain her," Evermont replied. "My wife is quite resourceful when the need arises."

  Norwood rubbed his face with his hands. "We have found Douglas. In London."

  "You have? Where?"

  "We have men watching him. It appears he's working. Print shop for a newspaper," Evermont replied.

  "Why haven't you talked with him?" Wexwood asked in a wary voice.

  Evermont paused for a moment. "We didn't want to scare him off."

  "Yes, with you away and not able to speak with him yourself, we were afraid if we did, it might scare him off."

  Alec secretly wished his wife's cousin would do exactly that. Disappear. Go back to America and face his father. Anything except what he was doing, and that was causing a rift between him and his bride. Margaret thought she could save him. She wanted to offer him a new life. But would it really be the end of it all? There was also the matter of the blasted jewels. Douglas knew she had them. What would stop him from trying to obtain them later?

  "You do know my wife wants to offer her cousin employment. In Scotland. She wants him to learn how to manage an estate. She claims he'd be quite good at it."

  Evermont arched an eyebrow. "But you have reservations?"

  Alec nodded. "None of us has met him. I only have Margaret's account of what he's like. What's to say he's not simply biding his time?"

  "Perhaps it's time to meet young Mr. Douglas," Norwood said. He walked across his study to a table sitting against the wall. He picked up a crystal decanter of whiskey and poured it into three glasses. He then passed a glass to each of his guests.

  "We can't invite him here," Wexwood said. He accepted the glass and held it in his hand for a moment.

  "But we can go to London," Evermont replied.

  "Do you think he'd meet with us?" Norwood asked before he took a healthy swallow of whiskey.

  "If Wexwood invites him to his home, I'm sure he'll come. He'll be too curious not to accept."

  "Evermont's right. If I extend the invitation to him, he'll accept."

  "Can you put off your journey to Somerset by a couple of days?" Norwood asked.

  "I'll think of something."

  Evermont sat back in his chair,
smiling. "Eleanor can help. I believe she mentioned something about wanting to take Margaret to meet some of the local shopkeepers when you two returned."

  Wexwood knew how headstrong his wife was. Convincing her their trip to London was nothing but for business might not be that easy. After their disagreement in Scotland, he knew how stubborn she could be.

  "It's going to take something more convincing than meeting with shopkeepers to pacify my wife."

  Norwood chuckled. "Is my cousin proving to be a little more challenging than you expected?"

  "She can be quite stubborn when she wants to be."

  Evermont swallowed the last of his whiskey. "I'll speak with Eleanor. I'm sure she can find a good enough reason for Margaret to join her."

  "Good. Then it's settled. We'll leave for London tomorrow. If all works out, we can be back here in two days. Then you can be off for Somerset," Norwood said.

  "What if he doesn't accept my invitation? What if we scare him off?"

  "I don't think that's going to happen. If he's taken work, that means he's gone against his father's wishes. He's living on his own. Perhaps all he wants is to start his own life over," Evermont replied.

  "If his father is a tyrant like Margaret has said, then London may be looking like the better alternative to returning to a tyrant," Norwood added.

  "I certainly know about controlling fathers," Wexwood said solemnly.

  "Then that will be what draws you together," Evermont replied.

  Wexwood tried to avoid thinking about the late duke, his father. The man had done as little as possible to be a father to him. That was left to tutors and governesses, not dukes. By the time he was old enough to understand what was going on, his father was far into his addiction to games of chance. He'd become obsessed. It had been his ruin, his downfall. What little grooming for the dukedom his father had seen to hadn't been done by the old duke. It had been his father's people. The ones who actually managed the dukedom for him. In place of him because he was too far into his cups and his addiction. Alec had made a promise to himself that he would never, ever become his father. H would run the dukedom in an entirely new way. He'd become involved with his tenants, the land, and everything that his estates entailed. Yes, he had estate managers, but he would be more hands on and make sure that everything was run efficiently and that none of his tenants was in need.