The Marquis and the Mistress

by Dominque Eastwick

  Breaking away, she smiled and licked her lips. “Shhh. Patience.”

  Straddling him again, she reached between them and positioned him at her wet opening. She took him deep inside her and caught her breath, loving how he stretched her, as always. Simon curved his hips upward, urging his cock deeper. She placed her hands on the wall above the bed and this time, when he rose to take her nipple into his mouth she didn’t argue. She rode him, building the friction between them until her orgasm took over, powerful and earthshaking.

  “Let me touch you,” he begged.

  She couldn’t speak, only nodded into his shoulder that she’d collapsed against seconds earlier. Before she could catch her breath, he jerked free of the ties and flipped her onto her back. The feral look in his eyes told her that she had pushed him to the very edge of his patience. He grasped her thigh, lifting her leg over his hip to open her wider to him. He’d told her he loved her in the same breath that promised to make her understand what she had done to him.

  Chandra fell again, off the edge into ecstasy so intense, spots danced behind her eyes and she thought she might have blacked out briefly. At the last moment, like he always did, Simon pulled out, but rather than his seed landing in his hand, in a handkerchief, or on the bed, he released on her belly. How she wished he had remained inside her.

  Chapter Four

  Not being able to touch her had been excruciating. Simon needed control and always had. He’d been raised to run his lands, his seat in the House of Lords, and up until meeting Chandra, he’d felt in control of every aspect of his life. But she surprised him at every turn. What happened between them had gone in opposition of everything he held dear, yet for her he would go through it over and over again. Whatever it took to keep her with him, even if it fought against his very nature, he would make that sacrifice.

  Rolling over, he threw his legs over the edge of the bed. He worked on steadying his breathing and wondered if the shaking was the world quaking in the aftermath of what had passed between them. How he’d imagined he could ever get over her, he didn’t know.

  “I am going to check on getting us a bath.”

  She didn’t answer, but then he hadn’t expected her to. Walking into the adjoining room, he found a steaming bath waiting for him. He returned to the other room and carried her into the bathing chamber, lowered her into the water then followed her. In the past, he would have climbed in behind her, but this time he wanted to see her face. The tub had been built for two people and, after settling on the other side, facing her, he allowed her to prepare for what she needed to tell him. But she didn’t speak.

  When he could wait no longer, he whispered, “Chandra.”

  Not making eye contact, she stretched between them to rub his knees. “I know I promised you an explanation.”

  “Sometimes saying it fast makes it easier.” He wondered what could be so difficult to tell him. Was she secretly married to someone else? The thought angered him. Unlike the last time they’d been together, she might not have vocalized her feelings, but he’d felt it in everything she did.

  She nodded as if agreeing with his advice. “I can’t marry you.”

  “So you have declared,” he replied without hostility. Then waited to hear her out.

  “I need you to understand.”

  “I am trying to.” Taking her hands, he lowered his head so he could meet her eyes. “You can do this. Nothing you say to me will alter how I feel about you.”

  She focused on something behind him, perhaps the chair against the back wall, anything to prevent looking at him as if his words were too hard to take. Tears filled her eyes and she stiffened, appearing to brace herself to tell him the worst. “Simon, I’m barren.”

  He blinked. “And?”

  “That’s all you can say?”

  He didn’t know enough about the workings of the female body and childbearing to say much more. “I’m not sure what else to say. I mean, how can you be so sure?”

  “I was married for a decade and never had a child. That in itself makes me sure.” She tried to climb out of the tub, but he stilled her by placing a hand on her stomach; the heart of their problems.

  He took her lips with his, not with passion, but love and understanding. “I only ask because I don’t have all the information.”

  “I cannot condemn you to a life without an heir. I kept hoping I would get with child, but every month I discovered it was not to be.”

  “So, if you were pregnant….”

  “I would pack tonight and head to Gretna Green without question. But unless I can give you an heir, I will not risk marrying you.”

  He pondered her words. “Allow me to understand; you won’t marry me until you are with child. We seem to have a problem then because I will not impregnate you until we are married. Our children will be created in our marriage bed.”

  “During my marriage, I lived through the humiliation, month after month, when my menses came. George never said anything, but I knew he felt disappointment in me for my failure. And then having to prove I wasn’t increasing after George died added to my suffering. I couldn’t stand watching the pity in the eyes of everyone and hearing the gossip that his wife was barren.”

  “Has it never occurred to you the issue might have been with George? That his disappointment was with himself, not you? From what you have told me about him, I would guess he was upset seeing you worry that you had failed him.”

  “Yes, but you and I have been intimate for close to two years and nothing.”

  Throwing his hands up, Simon returned to his side of the tub. “Because I have never spent my seed in you.”

  “I have heard talk that other women have gotten pregnant that way.”

  “Most never do. But I am wanting to marry you, not your womb.” Placing his hands on her cheeks, he forced her to meet his eyes. He had to make her understand how much he loved and needed her. The last month without her had been the worst of his life.

  “Chandra, what matters to me is us. Children would be wonderful, but I would rather have my brother inherit my title and lands now if it meant I could be with you. I promise I won’t leave you unprotected like your first husband did.”

  “Simon—”

  “Let me finish. I know you loved George, but I know you care for me as well. Perhaps you will never be able to love me like you did him. I can live with that. But I can’t live without you.” Standing, he offered a hand to help her to her feet and out of the tub. “I am insufferable to live with when you aren’t around. I’m surprised I have any friends left, and, believe me, no one in Parliament wants to deal with me right now.” He picked up a towel from a nearby table and bent to dry her legs.

  “I heard rumors to that.” She smiled down at him.

  “It has not been pleasant.” He peered up at her. “So?”

  “Can I have a few days to think about it?”

  He straightened, wanting to know what more she possibly have to think about, but bit back the question. Instead, he asked, “How much time do you need?”

  With surprise in her clear eyes, she asked, “A few days?”

  “Did you get an invitation to Foxhaven’s masquerade ball?” Simon walked backward out of the bathroom while leading her toward the bed because he didn’t want to take his eyes off her .

  “Yes, as did all of London.”

  Cupping her face, he said, “I want your answer then.”

  “Very well. I will send a message telling you what my costume will be so you can find me.”

  She seemed under the impression he couldn’t find her in a costume, but he’d be able to find her with his eyes closed.

  He lifted her into the bed. They had a few hours before the sun rose, and he would show her one last time why accepting his suit would be the best decision she had ever made. He needed her to realize he could love her enough for both of them.

  Chapter Five

  Where the hell was she?

  Andrew and Wolfe had twice come to his side
, trying to ascertain why he stalked the front entry hall. Simon had run out of excuses three friendly visits ago and his patience wouldn’t hold out much longer. He’d arrived first. Luckily, Wolfe had been preoccupied and hadn’t seemed to notice Simon, who never arrived to any ball on time, had shown up an hour early. Thus, the usually inquisitive duke hadn’t said anything to him until they stood side by side, hours later, staring over the main hall.

  “Who are you waiting for?” Wolfe scanned the room below them.

  “Cleopatra. You?”

  “I will know her when I see her.”

  For the first time that night, Simon truly looked at his close friend. The duke was actively hunting someone as well, and Simon suspected it might have something to do with Madame Eve. Perhaps he wore the same seeking expression Wolfe had. Or, maybe, because ever since his “date,” Wolfe acted somehow different, less restless, yet more intent. But unless Simon admitted to procuring the woman’s services for himself, he couldn’t ask how Wolfe’s own date had gone.

  Simon smiled. “Best of luck to her.”

  “Yes, yours, too. Ah, is that Cleo herself?”

  Simon snapped his head around and his breath caught, his body responding as it always did at the sight of his lover. “Yes, it is.”

  “Interesting.” Wolfe clapped his shoulder before driving through the crush to be lost in the sea of the ton.

  Chandra stood in the open hallway for a second, fidgeting with the drawstring bag around her wrist before moving toward one of the side rooms. Simon worked his way around the hall and out of sight in one of the alcoves and waited. Once she was within reach, he snaked an arm around her waist to pull her within the confines of the secluded, curtained area.

  She gasped as his mouth descended and he kissed her hard. Only a few days had passed, but he hadn’t slept well, images of her flooding his mind, as had questions and concerns he might lose her.

  “Simon,” she whispered against his lips.

  “Hello, love.” He took a moment to play with a loose tendril of hair falling over her shoulder. “What’s your answer?”

  “You do not waste time, do you?”

  His gaze flickered up to hers. “We’ve wasted enough.”

  “I need to tell you something before I give you my answer.”

  “Someone is likely to find us in here. Come with me.” Holding her hand, he tugged her through the crowded ballroom out to the back gardens. “The maze.”

  Moving beyond the area lit with Chinese lanterns, they entered the dark recesses of the tall hedges that created walled walkways and turns. He took the maze’s puzzle by memory. They didn’t speak until they were safely in the center of it.

  “I will never find my way out,” she said.

  After removing his mask, he did the same with hers. What needed to be said wouldn’t happen behind the coverings. “I will always make sure you find your way.”

  “I need to tell you that I love you,” she said in a rush. When he moved in to embrace her, she stilled him with a palm on his chest. “No, let me speak because I will never be able to say everything I need to if you kiss me again.”

  “Would you like to sit?” He indicated the stone bench in the center.

  “No.”

  “Would you like me to sit?”

  Her face was barely visible in the moonlight, but he caught the slight nod. She waited for him to settle on the bench before starting.

  “I loved my first husband and I don’t wish to speak ill of the dead, but I was quite young when I married him. I didn’t understand many things. George was sweet and kind. He came to me when the need came over him and I would dutifully lie there until he was done. He would then go back into his bedchamber.”

  Simon wanted to announce he wouldn’t be accepting that kind of relationship but waited patiently for her to continue. “The only thing George wanted from me was an heir to carry on his name and acquire his lands. I failed him and I was very afraid I would fail you, too.”

  “You could never fail me by being my wife.”

  “I know that now, but it has taken me a long time to believe that.”

  Hope flared within him. “What are you trying to say?”

  “I am saying I want to live my life again. I want to be in love. I need you, and if you are willing to take a chance on us, I can do no less.”

  It took two short steps to get to her. Bringing her into his arms, he promised to never let her go. “Will you marry me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Tomorrow?”

  “Yes. If you can arrange it.”

  “It’s already arranged. I spoke to the archbishop yesterday.” Simon’s face burned and he was thankful Chandra couldn’t see it in the dim light.

  “A bit high-handed, even for you, don’t you think?” Her tone held some annoyance, but he didn’t miss the hint of relief in her words.

  “Perhaps, but I couldn’t stand the thought you might change your mind. I had to be prepared.” Holding her gloved hand, he undid the delicate pearl buttons on the inside of her wrist and exposed the pale skin beneath. Bringing it to his lips, he placed a soft kiss above her pulse. “When it comes to keeping you in my life, the lengths I am willing to go may surprise you.”

  “Thank you.”

  He paused. “Whatever for?”

  “For loving me. For not taking no for an answer.”

  “I want you.”

  “You have me.” She ran her fingers through his hair.

  “No. I want you now. Here.”

  She glanced back at the only way out of the center of the maze. “Anyone could come across us.”

  “Not anyone. Very few people besides Wolfe and myself can make it through this maze in the dark. And Wolfe’s interests lie with some mystery woman. When he finds her, I doubt he will be heading out here, not when he has the ducal bed upstairs waiting for them.” Simon traced the neckline of Chandra’s bodice. Lingered in the line of her cleavage.

  Breathless, she lifted her face to him. “This is unwise.”

  “We will hear anyone else coming long before they get here.” Simon didn’t care if they were discovered. She was his betrothed and, by this time tomorrow, she would be his wife.

  Chandra bit her lip and glanced over her shoulder again, exposing the elegant line of her neck. “I think we should—”

  Such a temptation was too much for him to ignore. He didn’t want to hear what they should or should not do. The only way to prevent her from speaking would be to take her breath away. He grasped her nape, pulled her into him, and kissed her. Unlike their last evening together, he was able to relax into the kiss. He didn’t feel he must fight to keep their life together. He didn’t have to prove anything, only show her he loved her.

  Although society frowned on couples wearing their hearts on their sleeves, he didn’t care. He planned to make it known to all that she was taken and he wanted the mamas he had softly brushed off over the last two years to see he had no interest in marrying their virginal daughters, nor having a tryst with the mamas themselves. The ring he would put on Chandra’s hand would take care of their speculation.

  “You’re smiling,” she observed.

  “I’m happy. For more reasons than you can imagine. Shall we announce our impending wedding?”

  “No. Let’s surprise everyone.” She threw her arms around him again and kissed him.

  A giggle came from nearby, closer than Simon was ready for. In that moment, he wanted the announcement of their wedding to be honorable and not clouded in gossip. Breaking away from Chandra, he shoved her behind him. Not a second later, two intertwined bodies came into view, one of which he recognized.

  “Andrew?” He enjoyed the same scene play out as his friend shoved his companion behind him and out of sight, though Simon suspected Andrew’s reasoning had more to do with not being caught in the matrimonial noose than on protecting her honor.

  “What the hell are you doing out here?” Andrew asked.

  “Looking for some priv
acy,” Simon drawled.

  “So I see.” Andrew called out, “Good Evening, Mrs. Mallory.”

  Chandra shifted from behind Simon. “Lord Windenshire.”

  Simon glanced back and forth between Chandra and his friend. “You two know each other?”

  She laughed. “You didn’t think you were the only lord I knew, did you?”

  Andrew hid his own laugh behind his hand and an obvious cough. Simon glared at him before facing Chandra, who gave him a cheeky grin. “No, I didn’t think that. It does surprise me to know you are well-acquainted with this rakehell.”

  “No need for name slinging.” Andrew said, then drew his companion into the maze. “If it’s all the same to you both, we will seek another, quite private retreat.”

  “By your leave,” Simon replied.

  Andrew nodded at Chandra. “Mrs. Mallory, a pleasure as always.”

  “Milord. Perhaps you would like to come by Simon’s London home tomorrow.” She looked at Simon for a confirmation of the time.

  He smiled, bringing her hand to his lips. “About two.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” With that, Andrew gave a slight bow and whisked his lady friend back the way they had come.

  “You’ll excuse me if I’m thrilled that will be the last time I hear you referred to as ‘Mrs. Mallory.’”

  “I have carried that name for so long and still I find I am anxious to try out my new name and title. I fear it will take me a bit to get used to.”

  Cupping her face, he said, “I will be there every step of the way to help you feel comfortable in your new life. I will stand by you, support you, and guide you. All you have to do is ask.”

  “Tomorrow cannot come fast enough. I fear something will burst this bubble of happiness I feel.”

  “As do I. But I am willing to make sure it doesn’t.” He led her out of the hedge maze, the years of doing it blindfolded helping him maneuver though the turns. Rather than heading toward the ballroom, he took the path around the large house to the side entrance that led to the main square. “Come home with me tonight. Stay in my arms until daylight breaks, never leave my side until we say ‘I will’ in front of the minister.”