***
Gabriel’s face hung over her, his cheekbones flushed, his features held in tight concentration.
He was inside her.
His presence overwhelmed her senses. Thick and hard, his cock was tightly wedged. Each breath she took seemed to intensify the contact until she fancied she could feel each ridge and prominent vein, each throbbing inch. He stretched her, filled her, overwhelmed her with feeling.
My husband, she thought in wonder. Her vision grew blurry.
“Princess?” A crease formed between his brows. “Does it hurt? Are you—”
“It doesn’t hurt. It feels right. Oh, Gabriel,” she whispered, “you’re a part of me now.”
The adoration in his eyes lured more tears down her cheeks. Tenderly, he wiped them away.
“I never want to part from you.” His gaze radiated passionate intensity as he began to move. “I want to be inside you, fucking you, loving you always.”
She sighed as each lunge spread her further, opening her to discovery. She ran her hands over his bunching shoulders, the rippling muscles of his back. Beneath her palms, she felt the faint lines of scars, but she knew they could hurt him no more. His sinewy body caged her as he stroked his cock deeper and deeper inside. Surrounded by his strength, his scent, his love, she felt need blossoming in her again. Wanting to be closer to him still, she circled the hard grooves of his hips with her legs. She arched, intuitively meeting his thrusts, moaning at the friction of the new angle.
“Yes, darling,” he growled. “Move with me. Make love with me.”
His thrusts became harder, the erotic sounds of their meeting flesh filling the room. The pounding rhythm overtook her heart, and she lost herself in the primal beauty of their music. Her body heaved against his in slick and urgent counterpart, the chorus of their passion soaring.
“I’m close,” he gritted out. “Take it from me, princess. Take your due.”
His words triggered a tremor deep in her core. The voluptuous shock spread to her pussy, the muscles convulsing, gripping his plunging cock. The finale made her cry out, and he shuddered, his eyes rolling back in his head as he flooded her with endless, rapturous heat.
With a groan, he collapsed atop her, and she savored the crushing weight. The knowledge that he’d finally given her everything that he was. And she’d given the same to him.
After a while, he rolled onto his side, keeping their bodies joined. Brushing his knuckles against her cheek, he said, “How do you feel, love?”
“Like your wife.” She loved the contentment glowing in his eyes. “And you?”
“Like your husband.” He kissed her softly. “The luckiest man in the world.”
Epilogue
Gabriel paced before one of the windows in his study. Normally, the sight of the flourishing lands outside brought him satisfaction. Today, he felt nothing but a bone-deep chill.
“Why is it taking so long, Papa? Do you think Mama is all right?” Freddy was walking up and down the length of the study, his stride coltish due to his recent growth spurt. “Why hasn’t Dr. Abernathy come down yet?”
“These things take time, son.” He tried to sound confident, his heart palpitating with fear.
Strathaven spoke up from the wingchair, where he was reading a paper. “No need to worry, the both of you,” he said complacently. “The Kents are a robust lot.”
Recalling how white-knuckled His Grace had been during the recent delivery of his heir, Gabriel stifled a sarcastic rejoinder. Instead, he turned back to the window, staring out blindly as memories of the past year flitted through his head. Everyday moments like laughing with Thea and Freddy at the dining table. The three of them visiting the tenants together or taking swimming expeditions at the estate’s pond. The simple joys of creating a home together.
Private moments, too, rolled over him. The time he’d surprised Thea with a new piano… and the sweet, hot way she’d thanked him. He shivered, seeing her pale curves bent over the dark wood, his hands gripping her hips as he rutted her hard and fast from behind, her ecstatic cries mingling with his. There were the long, steamy nights, too, where in the sanctuary of their shared bed no avenue to pleasure was left unexplored, nothing forbidden.
His throat constricted. If anything happens her…
Just as he was vowing eternal celibacy (or at least the use of certain preventative measures), the door opened.
Dr. Abernathy stepped in, and Gabriel’s breath held.
“Congratulations, my lord. Your wife is doing well. You have a new son…” Just as a tide of relief washed over Gabriel, the physician added, “And a new daughter.”
Holy Christ… twins?
Freddy let out an excited whoop. “I have a brother and a sister!”
“Congratulations, old boy.” Strathaven strode over and slapped Gabriel on the back.
Gabriel stared at the doctor. “My wife,” he managed, “you’re certain she’s…”
“She’s doing exceptionally well. She and your babes are ready for a visit, although we ought to make it a short one. Your marchioness is a strong lass, but she has put in a good day’s work,” Dr. Abernathy said with a twinkle.
Dazed, Gabriel headed up to Thea’s room, their son behind him. He entered, and, at the sight of his wife, emotion broke inside him. His eyes wet, he staggered over, his hand shaking as he smoothed a curl from her cheek.
She smiled up at him, looking tired but happy. The most beautiful sight he’d ever seen.
“How are you, princess?” he said hoarsely.
“There were a few surprises,” she said ruefully, “but I think I weathered them rather well. Would you care to meet the newest members of our family?”
The duchess came forward then; in his haste to get to his wife, he hadn’t even noticed his sister-in-law standing there. Smiling, she held a white-flannel bundle in each arm; she gave him one and Thea the other.
“I’ll leave you all to your introductions,” she said softly and closed the door behind her.
With wonder, Gabriel cradled the precious weight, taking in the puffy, wrinkled face of the sleeping babe. The miracle that he and Thea had made together.
“Would you like to hold your new sibling, Freddy?” Thea said.
Their son gingerly took the bundle Thea held out to him. She ruffled his hair as he rocked the newborn, his expression awestruck. He peered over at the babe in Gabriel’s arms.
“Papa,” he said, “is this my brother or sister I’m holding?”
Gabriel realized that he hadn’t the faintest clue. “Er…”
Thea laughed. “You’re holding your sister. Your papa has your brother.”
“What are their names?” Freddy asked.
Gabriel cleared his throat. “I was thinking we might name the boy after your father, Thea.”
“Little Samuel.” His marchioness’ eyes glowed. “And our daughter?”
“Whatever name you’d like,” he told her.
She looked at Freddy, who’d snuggled his cheek up against his sister’s. “Would you like to name your sister, dear?”
“Me?” Freddy breathed. “Truly, Mama?”
“Truly.” Thea’s smile was broken by a yawn.
“Time to let your mama get her rest,” Gabriel said.
He rang for the nursemaid, who came and took the twins. Tagging at her heels, Freddy left the chamber muttering, “What do you think of Frederica… or Fredelina… or Fredwina…”
Closing the door, Gabriel undressed and got into bed. Carefully, he drew his wife into his arms. “Thank you, princess,” he whispered.
She nestled against him. “You’re welcome, darling,” she said drowsily. “You know I wanted them as much as you did.”
He wasn’t thanking her just for the precious lives she’d brought into the world. But hearing his wife’s soft, even breaths, he knew that she needed rest more than his professions of love just then. So he tucked her against his heart, his body sheltering hers as she slept, no barriers between the
m. Eventually, his eyelids got heavy too. He drifted into the peaceful fog, knowing that his dreams would still be there when he awakened… because she’d made them all come true.
The End
Dear Reader,
Thank you for joining me in the world of Heart of Enquiry! I hope you enjoyed your visit with the Kent family and ask that you consider leaving a review. More steamy and exciting adventures with the Kents to follow… please stay tuned!
I also love to hear from my readers, so feel free to drop me a line at [email protected]. For updates on my books, prizes, and giveaways, please click on the link below to sign up for my newsletter.
Cheers and happy reading!
XOXO Grace
Sign up for my newsletter: http://www.gracecallaway.com
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THE HEART OF ENQUIRY SERIES
Grace’s latest series features the adventures of the Kents, unconventional siblings who find love and steamy passion as they unravel mysteries and secrets in late Regency England.
The Widow Vanishes (Heart of Enquiry, Prequel Novella)
Fate throws beautiful widow Annabel Foster into the arms of William McLeod, her enemy’s most ruthless soldier. When an unexpected and explosive night of passion ensues, she must decide: should she run for her life—or stay for her heart?
***
The Duke Who Knew Too Much (Heart of Enquiry #1)
When Miss Emma Kent witnesses a depraved encounter involving the wicked Duke of Strathaven, her honor compels her to do the right thing. But steamy desire challenges her quest for justice, and she and Strathaven must work together to unravel a dangerous mystery... before it’s too late.
***
THE MAYHEM IN MAYFAIR SERIES
Her Husband’s Harlot (Mayhem in Mayfair #1)
How far will a wallflower go to win her husband's love? When her disguise as a courtesan backfires, Lady Helena finds herself entangled in a game of deception and desire with her husband Nicholas, the Marquess of Harteford ... and discovers that he has dark secrets of his own.
***
Her Wanton Wager (Mayhem in Mayfair #2)
To what lengths will a feisty miss go to save her family from ruin? Miss Persephone Fines takes on a wager of seduction with notorious gaming hell owner Gavin Hunt and discovers that love is the most dangerous risk of all.
***
Her Protector's Pleasure (Mayhem in Mayfair #3)
Wealthy widow Lady Marianne Draven will stop at nothing to find her kidnapped daughter. Having suffered betrayal in the past, she trusts no man—and especially not Thames River Policeman Ambrose Kent, who has a few secrets of his own. Yet fiery passion ignites between the unlikely pair as they battle a shadowy foe. Can they work together to save Marianne's daughter? And will nights of pleasure turn into a love for all time?
***
Her Prodigal Passion (Mayhem in Mayfair #4)
Sensible Miss Charity Sparkler has been in love with Paul Fines, her best friend’s brother, for years. When he accidentally compromises her, they find themselves wed in haste. Can an ugly duckling recognize her own beauty and a reformed rake his own value? As secrets of the past lead to present dangers, will this marriage of convenience transform into one of love?
***
Other Books by Grace Callaway
Abigail Jones (Chronicles of Abigail Jones #1)
When destiny brings shy Victorian maid Abigail Jones into the home of the brooding and enigmatic Earl of Huxton, she discovers forbidden passion … and a dangerous world of supernatural forces.
Author’s Note
Readers may be wondering about Dr. Abernathy’s fasting cure for seizures. It is a fictionalized account of the ketogenic diet, a treatment for certain epilepsy and seizure disorders. In an instance of fiction intersecting with real life, my knowledge of the ketogenic diet comes from using it to treat my son’s generalized intractable epilepsy.
The ketogenic diet is a carbohydrate restricted, protein sufficient, and liberal fat diet. It is a mainstream treatment that may be prescribed by neurologists, particularly in cases where seizures have been refractory to medications. The ketogenic diet isn’t easy; it involves rigorous adherence to a stringent protocol (e.g., we calculate and measure our son’s every meal to the tenth of a gram) and must be done under the guidance of a specially trained medical team. In my family’s experience, the commitment and effort has been well worth it, leading to benefits we hadn’t seen with medications and other procedures.
For more information on ketogenic therapies, consult with your medical provider. Additional resources may be found through www.charliefoundation.org and the Johns Hopkins Epilepsy Center website, under dietary therapies.
About the Author
Grace Callaway's debut novel, Her Husband's Harlot, was a Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist and went on to become a National #1 Bestselling Regency Romance. Since then, the books in her Mayhem in Mayfair series have hit multiple national and international bestselling lists. She's received top-starred reviews from Love Romance Passion, Bitten by Paranormal Romance, and Nightowl Reviews, amongst others.
Grace grew up on the Canadian prairies battling mosquitoes and freezing temperatures. She made her way south to earn a Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. She thought writing a dissertation was difficult until she started writing a book; she thought writing a book was challenging until she became a mom. She’s learned that the greater the effort, the sweeter the reward. Currently, she and her family live in California, where their adventures include caretaking an ancestral Buddhist temple, exploring the great outdoors, and sampling local artisanal goodies.
Grace loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at [email protected].
Other ways to connect:
Website: www.gracecallaway.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GraceCallawayBooks
Twitter: @Grace_Callaway
Acknowledgements
To my readers, thank you for your support of the Kents. This family’s saga continues because of you, and I hope you will enjoy their adventures to come. Many hugs.
To my peeps who keep it real. Tina Folsom, BFF to the gazillionth degree, who shares the bumps and thrills of this writing journey with me—I couldn’t do this without you (or your espresso maker). Jess Michaels, you’re an inspiration. Diane Pershing, thank you for always seeing where the story needs to go. Carrie, you inspire me to write stories worthy of your gorgeous covers. The Montauk Eight, let’s keep those good times rollin’.
To Brian, husband and editor, equally brilliant at both.
To Brendan, the reason I wrote this story… and the reason for most everything.
Copyright
© 2015 Grace Callaway. All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.
License Notes
This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.
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