His very muscular thigh. Close to the part of him she noticed was growing. She quickly looked away.
Goodness, the theater was quite overheated this evening. She reached for the fan on her lap and her stiff fingers dropped it to the floor. They both bent at the same time to retrieve it and Alex used the incident to kiss her cheek.
Her hand flew to her face where she still felt the moistness from his lips. He placed the fan in her hand and turned back to the stage, a slight smile on the warm lips that had just kissed her. He was playing with her. Well, two could play this game.
She moved her leg so her foot rubbed up and down his calf, all the time watching the stage with pretended interest. Alex inched their joined hands more toward the inside of his thigh until they were inches from his manhood.
Sweat broke out on her upper lip. “Do you have a handkerchief, Your Grace?”
He turned to her as if surprised by her presence next to him. She wanted to kick him.
“Of course, Your Grace.” Keeping their hands joined, he reached with his other hand into his pocket and produced a handkerchief. Shaking it out, he handed it to her.
“Thank you.” She patted her upper lip and took a deep breath.
Alex dropped her hand, leaving her bereft of the contact and his warmth. He rested his arm on the back of her chair, shifting so his chair was closer to hers. His fingers touched the naked skin on her shoulder, again drawing circles on her sensitive flesh.
Anyone watching them would think Alex was riveted on the play. She knew better. The flair of his nostrils and the increased breathing told her he was no more focused on the play than she was. Time for her next move.
Leaning over so the bodice of her gown dipped almost to her nipples, she looked up at him. “Here is your handkerchief.” She held out the article and swore she heard Alex growl.
Mr. Templeton turned at the sound and grinned when he saw the two of them sitting close together.
“I find the air quite stifling, Your Grace. Would you care to accompany me to my carriage?” Alex’s voice was low and raspy, his eyes heavy-lidded.
“For a ride?” Lord, was that her voice?
“Yes.”
“Yes.” Patience stood and shook out her skirts. Alex took her by the elbow and escorted her out of the box, down the stairs, through the empty lobby, and into the night air.
…
Alex could not believe he had Patience only steps from his carriage. He waited for her to pull back and cut him down with her tongue. Could it be she had missed him as much as he’d missed her?
After speaking with John Coachman, he helped her into the carriage and climbed in. He sat across from her, tapped on the ceiling, and the vehicle moved forward. He held out his hand. “Come here.” Bloody hell, could she hear the desperation in his voice?
She hesitated for only a moment and then moved to his side of the carriage. Watching her from under lowered eyelids, he slowly removed her gloves, pulling the silky material off her hands. He raised her hands to his mouth and kissed each finger. “I’ve missed you.”
Patience closed her eyes and nodded. “Me, too,” her words barely a whisper.
They would need to talk, there was no doubt, but right now he wanted her. Needed her. Holding his breath, still expecting her to pull away, he placed his hand behind her head and drew her to him. She slid the distance between them and placed her hands on his chest. He held her head steady and brought his lips to hers.
Every prayer he had ever uttered had been answered. Two weeks of agony, of desperation, were wiped clean with her soft lips under his. What he wanted was to rip her clothes off and ravish her, but he held back. The last time they’d been together she’d called him a monster and a bully. He certainly did not want to prove her right.
Tonight would be about tenderness and caring. A way to show her his love, how he worshipped her, and wanted her back in his arms, in his house, in his bed, and in his life forever.
He pulled back and tucked a curl behind her ear. “The driver has been instructed to drive until I tap on the ceiling.” He gave her a soft smile.
“What are you trying to tell me?” A slight flush rose from the neckline of her gown to cover her adorable face.
He plopped her on his lap and licked the area around the soft shell of her ear. “I want you. Here. Now.”
Instead of the shocked expression he’d expected, she smiled and began to untie his cravat. He pulled her against his chest and worked her fasteners at the back of her gown. Next, he undid her stays and both garments dropped to her lap, leaving her beautiful breasts free.
The scant moonlight turned her alabaster skin ethereal. His hands moved over her breasts, thumbs lightly flicking the taut nipples. Patience let out a soft sigh and leaned into him, so his hands fully cupped her. Their lips met in an explosive kiss and all thoughts of tenderness vanished as a need so strong engulfed him—drove him to claim her as his…and only his, forever.
He pulled back, both of them panting. His hungry eyes searched her beloved face. The devil take it, he loved her so much. Never again would he let anything come between them. She was his and would always be. They would spend years making love, raising children, and growing old together. Nothing in his life would ever mean as much as she did.
When he had thought he’d lost her again, he knew the meaning of madness. Had he not been able to reclaim her, his life would have been meaningless. He would have spent his remaining years drinking himself into oblivion.
With her on his lap—warm, soft, and willing—he couldn’t wait, he was too desperate for the connection. “I’m afraid this won’t be as soft and loving as I intended.”
Patience shook her head. “No. I want this, I need this.”
They were the only words he needed to hear. He took her breast in his mouth, sucking hard, teasing her nipple with his tongue, then biting gently. Patience moaned and tightened her legs around him and fumbled with his falls, buttons popping as she pulled it open in frustration.
Her hands covered him, and he feared he would disgrace himself right there. He pushed her gown up, thankful that she was not fond of wearing drawers.
“Move up,” he mumbled against her breast. He wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her to her knees. She placed his cock against her opening and eased herself down, hissing as her warmth surrounded him. His mouth left her breast and covered her lips in a searing kiss.
He held her waist and moved her up and down until she caught the rhythm. She released his lips and struggling for breath, leaned her forehead against his, her sweet breath bathing him with satisfaction. This was where she belonged.
Patience used her thumbs to push the hair from his forehead. She leaned back and held his face in her hands. “I love you. I don’t want anything to ever come between us again.”
Tears sprang to his eyes, all the fear and unbearable images of his lonely future dropping from his shoulders like a cast-off shroud.
“My God, I love you so much, Patience.” Unable to say anymore, he closed his eyes and thrust deeply into her, pouring his seed, his heart, and his life, into her.
Chapter Twenty-Two
As the carriage drew up to the entrance to the Bedford townhouse, Alex adjusted his breeches, doing the best he could to hide where two buttons had popped off. Patience leaned forward as he laced up her stays and refastened her gown. She shivered as his warm lips kissed the bare skin on her shoulder.
“I must look a mess.” She tried her best to rearrange her hair into a tidy knot.
Alex nuzzled her neck. “You look beautiful. Like a woman well loved.”
Now that their lust had been spent, Patience intended to clear the air between them. She had to tell him how she felt. Saying “I love you” during the heat of passion did not signify. Telling Alex how very much she loved him when she was not naked and panting would mean so much more.
He climbed from the carriage and turned to help her down. His eyes flashing with humor, he ignored her exten
ded hand and swept her into his arms.
“Alex, put me down!” She could not help the giggle that escaped her.
“Not on your life, Your Grace.” He turned to the driver. “Please drive to Montfort’s townhouse and advise Her Grace’s lady maid, Polly, to pack all of Her Grace’s belongings and return home.”
Patience raised one eyebrow, a smirk on her face. “Did I agree to that, Your Grace?”
“You will,” he growled. Then he stopped. “Do you want to, sweetheart? It must be your decision.”
She pretended to think on it. Then, feeling sorry for the panic she saw in his eyes, she said, “Yes. That is what I want.”
Taking a deep breath, he shifted her in his arms. He strode up the stairs, sailing through the open door.
“Good evening, Your Graces,” Monroe said, amusement in his eyes.
Patience waved as they walked by. “Good evening, Monroe.”
“Welcome home.” The staid butler actually grinned.
Taking the stairs two at a time, Alex reached the corridor and made a sharp turn to his bedchamber. Using his knee, he lifted the latch and entered his bedroom. He kicked the door closed and covered her mouth with his.
Apparently, he was ready for another session of lovemaking. Not that she objected, of course.
He set her on her feet and stared into her eyes. “Welcome home, Your Grace.”
She could not help the tears that gathered in her eyes. “It is good to be home, Your Grace.”
He quickly divested her of her clothes, as well as his own, and led her to the bed, coming down partially on top of her.
This time he was slow, gentle, and tender. Whispering words of love in her ear the entire time. She had never felt so adored in her life.
They lay entwined in each other’s arms, Alex running his fingertips over her arm. She shifted and turned to look at him. “We need to talk.”
“Yes. I agree.”
She reached up and touched his lips with her fingertip. “I want to speak first.” She paused, trying to say what was in her heart.
“I love you. Not like I loved you when we were younger. That was a youthful romance. I will always treasure the memories of our time then, but we are not the same people anymore.”
He allowed her to continue when she stopped again and took a deep breath. “I know you saw horrible things in the military service. I also know you are not the same young man I fell in love with four years ago, but you are the wonderful, strong, capable man I fell in love with after you returned.
“Loverly was a horrible man. He sold secrets to the enemy, and as you pointed out, men died because of his treachery. He kidnapped me with no regard for my well-being. I have no doubt in my mind that had you not rescued me, he would have killed me. And you, too, if he could have managed it.” She touched his cheek. “I had no right to judge you, and I hope you forgive me.”
Alex reached for her, but she stopped him. “One more thing. Had you seen fit to tell me about Loverly, I would not have been so foolish as to slip away from the footmen. I truly want the type of marriage where we are partners. I know that is unheard of, but I have had my fill of being told what to do.”
Alex pulled her to him and kissed her a gentle, caring kiss. “I love you, and if any forgiveness is needed, it is on my part. I never should have allowed you to witness that. I should have had Hawk remove you to the carriage right away.”
She smiled softly. “A lot of should haves.”
“And I agree. I have been somewhat heavy-handed with you, assuming I know what is best. I realize now that is not the type of marriage I want, either. But I cannot guarantee that I won’t always put your safety first, and do what I feel needs to be done.” He paused. “Can you accept that?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Now I shall have my say.”
“I thought you already had.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Please allow me my moment, wife.”
Shifting so he faced her, he said, “As you said, Loverly was a horrible person. I had tracked him down in America and brought him back to England to face his fate. Most likely after a trial that would have scandalized his daughter—who by the way has disappeared—he would have been publicly executed. Beheaded.”
Patience winced.
“I don’t tell you that to frighten you. What I want you to understand is I was under orders from the War Department to kill Loverly, not bring him in. Once they had gotten all the information they wanted from him before he had escaped, they had no desire to face the circus of a public trial with all the War Department’s secrets and failings bandied about.
“But. And this is important, Patience. Despite my orders, at the time I was not certain I would kill Loverly. Something about a man on his knees begging for his life stops you cold. However, he reached into his pocket a mere second before I shot him. It was later determined he had a pistol. He would not have escaped with his life since Hawk, Cam, and Templeton were all there, in possession of their own pistols, but he would have killed me, and there was the possibility he would have aimed the pistol at you to punish me.”
Patience closed her eyes, all the blood draining from her head.
They both remained silent, holding each other for a few minutes.
“I want to return to the Abbey.” Alex’s words tore the ugly images from her mind and brought happiness to her heart.
“Truly?”
“Yes. I will take up my proper place in Parliament for the next session. I am still finding my way and need to spend some time at the Abbey and then travel to all my estates to see them and decide what needs to be done. I want to make it the wedding trip we never had.”
She drew circles on his chest. “I would like that.” She hesitated for a minute. “Um, there is one issue that needs to be taken into consideration regarding any future plans.”
“What is that?”
“I think I’m with child.”
Alex’s shout was heard throughout the townhouse, and most likely all of Mayfair, as well.
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Acknowledgments
Authors are generous people, and I happen to be blessed with an entire group of helpful writers of historical romance, particularly Regency romance. Born and bred a Yankee, life across the pond in some ways escapes me. That’s when I turn to the lovely ladies and gents of the Beau Monde RWA Chapter, who have so much information on the time period, and are so willing to share it. Thank you all so much for your tips and advice, and keeping me from making glaring mistakes. Any mistakes you do find are mine, and mine alone.
A huge thank you to author Allison Lane who walked me through several scenarios that would work with the story I wanted to tell. Your assistance was invaluable.
As always, thanks to my family who put up with me behind closed doors as I tap away on my laptop. Your support makes this fun job of mine even funner.
Editor bar none, Erin Molta, as always, did a super job of slashing those wandering sentences and rearranging my twisted verbs. Those two-page, single-spaced, editing emails always make my day. (Not really, but now that the book is finished, I’m feeling generous.)
About the Author
Callie Hutton, the USA Today bestselling author of The Elusive Wife, writes both Regency and western historical romance with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). Callie lives in Oklahoma with several rescue dogs and her top cheerleader husband of many years. Her family also includes her daughter, son, and daughter-in-law. And twin grandsons, “The Twinadoes.”
Callie loves to hear from readers. Contact her directly at [email protected] or find her online at www.calliehutton.com. Sign up for her newsletter to receive information on new releases, appearances, contests, and exclusive subscriber content. Visit her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
Discover the Lords a
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The Earl’s Return
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Denying the Duke (Lords & Ladies in Love) Page 21