"Christ, Mirabelle!" He whispered hoarsely. The smell of her body rose and filled his senses. For a moment, Lucien thought his knees might buckle. In the soft light of the room, her skin glowed and looked finer than the silk garments she'd just shed. Mirabelle wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed herself to him from chest to thigh. Lucien felt his cock straining. Did she know how she was testing him?
Lucien scooped Mirabelle into his arms and tried not to breathe too deeply. The smell of her was shredding his control. Carefully, he laid her on the bed, her head on the pillows. Again, her expression was calm and knowing while he was coming undone on the inside. He untied his robe and let it fall. Mirabelle's eyes widened appreciatively and she licked her lips. Lucien stifled a curse as he lowered himself to the bed, coming to rest gently on top of her, supporting himself on his elbows. He cradled her face in his hands, resting his forehead briefly against hers.
"Hello, wife." Lucien's heart swelled at the words and as he cherished them his resolve strengthened. He would not be selfish or shame her in any way.
"Hello, husband." She whispered, a warm smile hugged her lips as she pulled him down to her.
Lucien traced her lips with his tongue and sucked on her lower lip. He told himself that that was alright because it was part of what he now termed "romantic kissing"- kissing that wasn't too provocative but suggestive enough to help make appropriate lovemaking enjoyable. Mirabelle sighed and he brushed her tongue with his as he angled his head to deepen the kiss. Her hands started to move down his neck. They caressed Lucien's shoulders and his erection twitched against her thigh. He silently swore. He positioned his arms beneath hers so she couldn't reach lower, wrapping one around her as he rested on his elbow. He placed her other hand on his shoulder and kissed her again. Lucien kissed her as he had never kissed a woman. Before, kissing had been a means to an end, a way to seduce women. With Mirabelle, he wanted her to feel his soul, to taste how he worshiped her, that she was divine to him.
Carefully, Lucien set his hand to the warm, smooth skin of her stomach and gently caressed downwards. He let the back of his hand brush her curls lightly. Mirabelle jumped and moaned against his mouth.
"Easy, my love. I just want to make sure you're ready." His voice was strained as he parted her folds. Mirabelle nodded and bit her lip. Lucien let his head fall against hers as one finger slid into her. She was so wet and so tight. The scent of her reached him and he clenched his jaw as his mouth watered. His whole being felt pulled towards the lushness between her thighs. Lucien continued with gentle strokes until Mirabelle became restless and rocked against his hand. He inserted a second finger causing her to gasp and tighten around him. He nearly cried. She was so responsive and naturally sensual, he had to ignore all of his instincts and experience. How could heaven and hell exist in the same place?
Lucien withdrew his fingers and set himself at her entrance. The liquid heat of her caused his cock to throb. He breathed deeply as he slid in slowly. Mirabelle was so tight; he had to lock his jaw to keep from thrusting into her. She arched her back and moaned his name. Lucien placed the hand that had been inside of her next to her head and clenched his fist as if he could somehow hold on to the feel of her squeezing around his fingers. He withdrew and slid in a little further. He knew he was large and was stretching her, if he didn't take his time he'd hurt her. He repeated the motion and as he nudged forward he felt the barrier of her maidenhead pressing against the head of his erection. Lucien swore softly and raised his head. The sight of her beneath him caused a wave of lust to crash through him. He squeezed his eyes shut.
"Mirabelle." Lucien's voice was barely there. He cleared his throat and opened his eyes and focused on her face. "This will probably hurt. I'll do my best to be gentle."
Her lips curved as she nodded.
"I know. But it won't last long and then you'll make it perfect." Mirabelle reached up with her lips and whispered against his. "Just hurry up and do it."
Lucien chuckled as he shook his head. Once again, she'd humbled him and was making demands. He set his lips to hers as his chin pressed her mouth open. He retreated from within her then slowly pushed forward. He tested the barrier a few times before he jerked his hips forward and forced through it. Mirabelle stiffened slightly, her eyes were wide and a soft "Oh!" escaped her lips. Lucien held very still. She'd tightened around him reflexively and he tried to ignore his body's demands to move. He focused on breathing in and out of his nose until he felt her relax.
"Are you alright?" Lucien whispered as he prayed. He felt Mirabelle's inner muscles flutter as she tested them. He was helpless to stop the moan that tore from his throat. She looked at him in confusion. He shook his head.
"It didn't hurt that much, no worse than being flicked. I feel fine now."
Lucien hauled in a deep breath, relieved that she wasn't hurt. Once again, he began seducing Mirabelle with his lips as he slowly moved his hips. He reminded himself to be gentle and not enter her fully. She was still so tight and unused to the activity. It didn't take long for her to get caught up. Her hips began bucking off the bed and she writhed beneath him. Lucien knew what she needed. He changed the angle of his thrusts so that he rubbed against her most sensitive spot. Mirabelle gasped and whispered his name. He made the mistake of looking down at where they joined. Lucien felt his balls tighten and knew he wouldn't last much longer.
"Let go, Mirabelle." He begged. She squeezed her eyes shut and her head thrashed from side to side causing her hair to swirl around her. Lucien lowered his head to her shoulder. The hand that had been clenched opened and the sweet smell of her taunted him. Helpless, he licked his hand. The taste of her juices drove him wild. His eyes rolled back and he began licking and sucking on his fingers. Mirabelle tasted like spiced honey, he was tempted to pull out of her and finger her again. At the thought he felt his balls throb and his cock swelled. "Now, Mirabelle! Please!" He yelled.
Mirabelle hauled in a breath as her back arched. She clawed at his shoulders as she froze in his arms. Just as Lucien felt his release sweep over him and his seed burst from his cock, she screamed and began to convulse in his arms. He buried his face against her neck and groaned as wave after wave of aftershocks shook him. Mirabelle panted as she relaxed in his arms.
A few moments later, Mirabelle giggled and her hands swept over his shoulders and down his back. Lucien jerked in surprise. Before his erection could return, he rolled off of her. He rolled her on to her side and pulled her back against his chest as he nuzzled his face against her shoulder. Lucien tried not to breathe too deeply, afraid the smell of Mirabelle would have him hard and aroused again. Taking one's wife more than once in a night was probably excessive and he didn't want to seem selfish. Lucien wanted Mirabelle to welcome him to her bed every night. Overwhelming and exhausting her was not a good way to ensure her willingness, he assumed.
"Lucien?" Mirabelle whispered.
"Thank you, my love. That was incredible." He kissed her neck and sighed. Despite the close calls with his control, it had been incredible. She purred and stretched against him. Lucien’s eyes widened as his erection began to return. He pulled her firmly against him and tightened his arms around her. "You need to sleep; it's been a long day." He murmured against her ear. Somehow, he knew it would be a long time before he could sleep.
Hours later, Lucien let his eyes crack open slightly. Weak light began to seep into the room. He turned and saw Mirabelle's head on the pillow. In repose, she looked like an angel. He felt his lips lift. It was the only time anyone might confuse her for one. As Lucien's eyes adjusted to the light, his eyes wandered downwards. One arm rested on the pillow next to her, the other draped over her stomach. Mirabelle had kicked the covers off and her legs were slightly parted. Her breasts rose and fell softly, the pale pink tips beckoned; he licked his lips as he looked down. Such a mistake. The sight of creamy thighs and dark curls reminded Lucien of how tight she felt around him and how sweet she'd tasted on his fingers. He clenched his jaw and r
aked his hands through his hair. His usual morning erection felt like lead. Mirabelle moaned in her sleep. She shifted. Lucien froze as her hand slid up her stomach towards her breasts.
"Oh, Jesus!" He whispered and bolted from the bed. Lucien jumped over a chaise and rushed into his dressing room. He locked both doors, fell into the chair and did something he hadn't done since he was a youth: he shut his eyes and wrapped his hand around his throbbing cock and stroked. Lucien imagined Mirabelle's breasts swinging back and forth as he took her from behind. He didn't last two minutes.
Chapter 15
Mirabelle awoke slowly, stretching and yawning, as she smiled drowsily. She reached for Lucien and found nothing but empty bed to her left. She sat up and looked around. She was alone. She looked back at the pillows and frowned. Mirabelle lifted the covers and sighed in relief. Aside from a faint smear of blood, the sheets were clean.
"But where is Lucien?" She whispered. Just then, Mary pushed the door open and peeked in.
"Oh, good, you're up! Good morning, Your Grace!" She chirped, excited to be using the new title, as she bustled about the room. Mary opened the wardrobe and began removing items. Mirabelle's mouth hung open. Why was her maid even in the room?
"Do you know where Lucien is, Mary?" She asked as she slipped from the bed.
"His Grace is in his study, I believe. He told me not to wake you but once you were up to hurry and get you ready."
"Did he?" Mirabelle was confused and unamused. Gilles and Elise didn't emerge from their chambers for days after their wedding and Mirabelle expected "The ton's most talented and wicked rake" to be a bit more demanding and attentive.
Once she was dressed, Mirabelle marched down the stairs and to the study. Lucien rose from his desk and greeted her at the door.
"Good morning, my love!" He tilted her chin and brushed his lips against hers. "Did you sleep well?" He looked so handsome and happy and his lips had felt so warm, Mirabelle was momentarily disoriented. She nodded.
"I missed you; I thought you'd be there when I awoke." Mirabelle whispered as she leaned into Lucien. He dodged her lips and pulled her into his arms and hugged her.
"I'm an early riser and I didn't want to disturb you." He said brightly. Lucien stepped away and tugged her into the hall. "You needed your rest. And now we should hurry, we don't want to be late!" Joss held up Lucien's hat and a spencer for Mirabelle. Stunned, she turned and let Joss help her into it.
"Where are we going?" Dazed, Mirabelle looked at Lucien. He laughed and pecked her cheek.
"To Spencer Place, goose! For breakfast." Lucien tugged her arm and bundled her into the carriage.
Once inside, Mirabelle tried to take stock. Did she hit her head? Did he?
"We're going to Spencer Place. For breakfast." She repeated, still not sure she heard correctly.
"What else would we do?" Lucien teased as he nudged her with his elbow playfully.
"Stay in bed?" She said slowly. "Gilles and Elise didn't show their faces for days after they were married."
For a moment Lucien just stared. Finally, he shrugged and smiled jauntily.
"Yes. Well, neither of us are good at staying still and we're both morning people." He winked and then turned his attention to the window.
"Right..." Mirabelle tugged on his sleeve. When he turned back to her she looked at him pointedly. "But we were just married. Last night."
"I do recall, my love. And it was the most wonderful night of my life." Lucien leaned forward and kissed her nose. Mirabelle pulled her head back, not quit believing that he'd kissed her nose or that they were having the conversation in the first place.
Mirabelle chewed her lip and examined the interior of the carriage, totally at a loss for words. Lucien seemed content to watch the street. Finally, he turned towards her, once again grinning like he wasn't a groom heading away from his home the first morning of his marriage.
"Perhaps at trip to Bond Street later? Now that you're properly my wife, I should be allowed to buy you anything I want." Lucien pulled Mirabelle against him and kissed her forehead.
Lord, not this again! She felt her face form a scowl.
"I'd rather not. Could you imagine the comments and questions?" Mirabelle said flatly.
"Good point." Lucien mumbled. "Then we can spend the day with the family. I'm sure you miss them. It was your first night away from your mother, after all."
What could she say to that?
Apparently, Lucien was the only person that wasn't confused by their presence at Spencer Place. Maman had pulled Mirabelle aside after breakfast and asked if everything was going well and she had heard Gilles ask Lucien if anything was wrong as they entered the study. Lucien had laughed and insisted that everything was wonderful.
Wonderful? Mirabelle wasn't so sure, though she had insisted that everything was perfect.
"What's wrong?" Elise whispered as they sat at the piano to learn a new piece. Mirabelle knew that it was useless to try to pretend. Elise would know she was lying right away. Mirabelle sighed as she leaned close.
"It's just that I didn't expect to be here this morning. Everything was lovely last night but after, he insisted that we sleep. And when I woke up, he was gone."
Elise's tilted her head and considered.
"Was it just once?" She asked softly.
"Yes. And it was..." Mirabelle struggled to find the words.
"Overwhelming?" suggested Elise.
"No. It wasn't. As I said, it was lovely but not at all overwhelming. I suppose I expected more from Lucien, given his reputation." Mirabelle felt guilty for voicing her thoughts but she trusted Elise. She was silent for many moments. When she did speak, a smile lit her face.
"Have you considered that he might have been nervous? Or perhaps he wanted to give you a chance to adjust to being intimate with a man?" She laughed softly. Mirabelle felt herself relax.
"He did seem a bit tense and hesitant at first. And he did say after that I'd had a long day and should rest." Mirabelle took a deep breath and pushed her concerns away. For the rest of the afternoon she enjoyed the familiar routine and atmosphere at Spencer Place.
Hours later, Mirabelle lay in bed, once again confused and troubled. As the night before, Lucien wrapped himself behind her and gently ordered her to get some rest. But just as the night before, she was still restless and curious.
Mirabelle had waited for Lucien in her room after they returned from dinner at Spencer Place. He'd met her next to the bed and anxious to begin, she'd shrugged off her peignoir and slipped out of her nightgown. Lucien kissed her calmly until Mirabelle reached for the sash of his robe. His hands brushed hers away gently before he untied it himself. Then, he lifted the covers so she could lie down. Slightly stunned, she rested upon the pillows and watched Lucien carefully settle on top of her. Mirabelle kept from protesting as he placed her hands on his shoulders and resumed kissing her. She'd enjoyed the kiss and was quickly swept away until she felt his hand part her thighs just before his finger slid into her. Not that that part wasn't lovely too, she was just disappointed that he didn't touch her anywhere else along the way. Or let her touch anything.
Despite her disappointment, Lucien had her moaning and writhing beneath him by the time he pressed into her. Mirabelle tried not to focus on the fact that he kept his eyes shut or that his hands and lips never went below her neck. Before long she was caught up in the rhythm of him stroking inside her and the coiling tightness within her. Lucien became urgent and hearing him moan her name and beg her to let go caused her nerves to tighten and then release, sending shivers through her body as she shook in his arms. A moment later, Lucien groaned her name and arched against her as his body spasmed before he collapsed. Mirabelle waited as the unsteady breaths against her neck became regular and he rolled off of her. She immediately missed his weight and tried to complain but Lucien rolled her onto her side and pulled her against him. His arms locked firmly around her and he kissed her shoulder.
"So lovely." He whispered ag
ainst her skin and sighed contentedly.
La petite mort, the little death, she'd heard it called. Mirabelle couldn't help but wish it had been a little bit bigger.
Chapter 16
Lucien paced in the study as he waited for Mirabelle to come down. If she didn't soon, they'd be late for breakfast with the family. He silently prayed that she wouldn't subject him to another inquisition on the way. He hadn't enjoyed slipping from her bed at dawn again but it was imperative if he wanted to keep his hands off of her. Lucien was very much a "morning person". Always painfully aroused, filling a woman as she slowly came awake was his favorite way to start the day.
He hadn't even allowed himself to look at Mirabelle as he snuck away. Lucien didn't want to have a repeat of the morning prior. He wasn't going to make a habit of boxing the Jesuit.
Lucien heard steps coming from the hall. Rapidly. They came from the kitchens, not the stairs. He stepped out of the study to find Mary, Mirabelle's maid rushing towards him. She bobbed a curtsy.
"Your Grace, Her Grace asked me to inform you that she is taking a tray in her bed but that you are free to go to Spencer Place without her." Mary bobbed another curtsy and turned to leave.
"Wait! Is Her Grace well?" Lucien looked towards the stairs.
"I think so. Though she did seem a bit off."
Lucien was taking the stairs two at a time before he remembered that he hadn't dismissed the maid. He paused and turned.
"Thank you, Mary." With that, he continued his sprint to the ducal chambers. He tapped lightly at the door and waited for Mirabelle to bid him to enter. Lucien found her sprawled on her stomach with a book in her hands.
"We're not going to breakfast?" He asked as he sat on the edge of the bed. On her stomach, Mirabelle's firm, round derrière drew his eyes. Dressed in only a transparent nightgown, the curve of her back, the cleft of her bottom and her slender legs were all on display. Lucien's mouth felt dry and his heart began to pound.
Wicked And Wild: Spencers in Love Book Two Page 6