Worse, he seemed to desire not just her body; he wanted her company more than he should. As he’d carried her in his arms last night, the soft curves under his hands, her intoxicating scent in his nostrils, he’d been hard-pressed to leave her be.
The idea that Beatrice now lay in a bed in the room adjacent to his had his body still strumming. However, he would teach himself restraint. He didn’t want her to become too embedded in his life, nor did he wish to feel this whirlpool of sensations. Heightened emotions should play no part in a stable marriage.
A short time later, Beatrice and Sebastian found themselves in a carriage heading toward Harley Street. She longed to cross to his side of the carriage and cuddle close, breathing in the raw vitality that surrounded him. He was devastatingly handsome this morning, his burgundy coat setting off his dark, seductive looks. She licked her lips and tried to pull herself together. After only a few days, her wits appeared to be scattered to the winds when she was in Sebastian’s presence.
“Do you really think he is going to remember something that happened five months ago?”
Sebastian looked across at Beatrice and gave an encouraging smile. “We can only ask. We could give him a little incentive to see how much he remembers, but then he may not tell us the truth. The way we ask the questions could decide how he answers. It would be better if you left the talking to me.”
“He’s been our family physician since I was born. I think he’ll talk to me,” she replied, affronted at his attitude.
“True, but he may wish to protect you and think it unwise to reveal the truth.”
She couldn’t argue with his logic.
They were on the way to visit Doogie’s physician, the doctor who’d been present at the duel. Beatrice knew him well, and Sebastian worried that her presence might put the man off. He shifted restlessly in the carriage.
This morning Beatrice had been strangely quiet, at least in his opinion. She had been absent-minded, distracted, and it bothered him. What was she thinking? He shouldn’t really care what she thought. Their marriage wasn’t supposed to mean living in each other’s pockets. But yes, desire was there, as it was every time he looked at her. Even now his body hummed with the idea of making their journey to Harley Street more enjoyable.
Sebastian realized he was staring, and he inwardly quashed the compulsion to reach for her. He had seen beautiful women before; hell, he’d slept with many of them. He didn’t know what it was about Beatrice that set his body on edge.
“You are awfully quiet this morning.”
Beatrice lifted her head and looked across at him. “I’ve got a lot on my mind. Now that we are back in town, I’d really like to go and visit my mother. Just to ensure that she, and the children, are all right, and to show that you haven’t abused me in any way.”
At his raised eyebrow she shrugged her shoulders.
“You’re the enemy. Mother is probably imagining all kinds of horrors. I’d like to update them on that score. They will feel less guilty at my sacrifice.”
Anger rippled through him. Sacrifice? If anyone had sacrificed anything, it was him. He’d married her, for Christ’s sake. He kept his temper in check.
“Of course you may visit them. I wouldn’t stop you from visiting any of your friends. I’m sure we can put a carriage at your disposal anytime you wish to use one. Just speak to Gerard, my groom, and he’ll organize transport for you, ensuring you have an appropriate escort wherever you want to go.”
He could see that she was also worrying about something else. She had her bottom lip between her teeth and her hands were fidgeting with her dress.
“Is there something else?”
“I was wondering if you were going to allow me pin money. I don’t need very much, but it would be nice not to have to come to you every time I wanted to buy something of a personal nature.”
Sebastian inwardly cursed. He should have thought of that himself. Marisa and Helen were always pestering him for pin money, and he should have known Beatrice would need some of her own as well. “I’m more than happy to give you whatever pin money you feel you may need. How is one hundred pounds per quarter?”
Beatrice started. “Gosh, that’s more than generous. Thank you.”
Sebastian noted that she did not decline the generous amount. Nor should she, he thought; it was the same amount that he allowed each of his two sisters. “You are also welcome to create accounts with any of the shopkeepers, including any modiste you wish to frequent.”
Beatrice nodded her head. “I was wondering if I could take my sisters shopping. Would you allow me to buy them new gowns?”
“Of course, you may spend whatever you like on your family. That was part of our deal, was it not?”
For some reason his tone appeared cool and distant this morning. Perhaps the reality of the fact he’d ended up married to her for no reason was finally sinking in. She hated how he was defining their marriage as a deal, even though that was exactly what it was. It still grated.
“Thank you for reminding me.” She turned and looked out of the carriage window, struggling for composure. “I’m surprised you did not come to my bed last night. I’d have thought you’d want to have me fulfill my side of the deal as quickly as possible.”
She regretted the words as soon as she’d said them. They sounded peevish and—
“Missed me, did you?” His seductive tone suddenly sent the heat in the carriage higher. He moved to sit beside her and the hair prickled on the back of her neck. “You were dead to the world when I carried you upstairs last night. You looked tired.”
It was now or never. Gathering her courage as determinedly as a squirrel gathers nuts, she said a silent prayer and batted her eyelashes at him. “I wasn’t tired this morning.”
The priceless surprise on Sebastian’s face quickly morphed into heated desire.
“Something I shall remember another time.”
His smile sizzled. She could barely breathe with him sitting so close. He was exceedingly handsome and she was pleased she’d made an effort with her dress this morning—she silently thanked Marisa.
Her fascinated gaze traced the strong lines of his throat, and her mind flew to the image of his naked muscled chest.
With a will of its own, her finger rose to trace his lips. His lips parted and he sucked her finger deep into the hot cavern of his mouth.
Her body tightened with want.
She closed her eyes and made a fervent wish. One day she wanted to make Sebastian mad with wanting. She didn’t want to be a convenient wife waiting for him to come and claim his husbandry rights. She wanted him to need her above all others, to desire her and only her. She wanted him to feel a snippet of what simply looking at him did to her …
Her finger left the warmth of his mouth and she let it trail down over his prominent chin, down his throat, until she laid her palm flat on his chest over his beating heart.
They stared at each other for a long moment before he leaned forward and brushed his mouth across hers, leaving her wanting more.
She pulled back and took a deep breath for courage. “Perhaps we can make this journey more entertaining.”
A seductive and knowing smile broke over the lips she longed to kiss.
“I’ve always enjoyed an entertaining ride,” he said, and with that he pulled her into his arms, settling her astride him, while his mouth traced the line of her jaw, ending up just beneath her ear, against her throbbing pulse.
She gripped his upper arms, not knowing what to do next. She inwardly laughed at herself. This idea of seducing Sebastian was never going to work. Her skills in the bed-sport area were sadly lacking.
“You’re so lovely when that brain of yours starts thinking too hard. You wanted to play, so—what now?”
He was teasing her. “I don’t know what to do,” she whispered, mortified at her inexperience in the art of sensual delights.
A warm chuckle escaped him as he ran his fingers over the swells of her breasts, promin
ently on display in her quite daring gown. “A trait I find vastly appealing.”
“You do?”
“Oh, yes. Introducing you to passion is like watching a brilliant sunrise. You don’t know what the day will bring but you know it’s going to be glorious.”
His hands found the hooks on the back of her gown, loosening it enough for him to free her swelling breasts.
He placed a kiss on the tip of each hardened nipple. “Beautiful.”
Then his hot, wet mouth latched onto her breast and gently suckled, and the riotous sensations arrowed directly to the throbbing place between her thighs. His mouth was wickedly delicious, driving her need higher and higher.
She squirmed in his lap, delighted to feel the hardened length of him.
His eyebrow rose. “I want you.”
“I know,” she said.
“Do you think you could relieve my pain?”
“Undo your breeches?” she calmly asked while pretending not to be nervous. At his nod she eagerly sent her hands questing lower. The fact her hands were shaking and the carriage was rocking didn’t make the task as easy as she’d thought. One particular bump saw her lean her palm firmly on his groin, and she did not miss his grimace.
“Bloody hell.”
“So sorry.”
“Perhaps it would be expedient if I do it myself. The journey might be over before I can satisfy you.”
She froze. He was mocking her. A tear welled. She couldn’t help it, she felt a bumbling fool. How would she ever satisfy a man of Sebastian’s experience? She turned her head away.
He took her chin and turned her head to face him. “Oh, sweeting. I’m sorry. I’m an insensitive oaf. I was only teasing. I’m simply impatient to make love to my beautiful wife,” he said, and let his lips wipe away her tears. “Don’t cry, Beatrice. Nothing you do with me or to me that is bedded in your desire could be wrong.”
He undid the placket of his trousers and took her hand, guiding her to his straining member. It jerked at her touch. “See what you do to me.”
She wrapped her hand around him. She let her hands explore, the bulbous head, tiny slit, right down to the heavy sacs below. Satin over steel. She’d never felt anything like it. Heat seared with each caress.
Sebastian sat like stone, letting her play for long minutes, growing harder and larger under her touch. Even in the murky shadows of the carriage, she could see him quite clearly.
Finally he spoke, and it sounded as if the words were being forced out. “Rise up on your knees. I want to explore you too.”
She eagerly complied. His large hand gathered up the length of her skirts, drifting up the inside of her thigh to cup her intimately. She was trembling now. And she was wet. Very wet.
“My sweet Beatrice. So aroused for me.” She blushed as he ran a finger through her slippery folds and then lifted it to his mouth and sucked. “I wish we had more time so I could savor you.” He winked. “Later. Tonight you won’t be sleeping alone. You won’t be sleeping at all.”
A thrilling shiver rocked her.
“I look forward to it,” she huskily replied, and moved her hand determinedly upon him.
“Christ. I need you now,” he said, the urgency in his tone making her wetter. His hands suddenly gripped her bottom under her skirts and lifted her up and gently lowered her onto his hard length, the fit tight but good. He slid deep, painlessly, and she knew that was why she was wet. For him. For their mutual enjoyment.
She leaned forward to grip his shoulders and he used his hands to show her how she could ride him and set her own pace. The feeling of control was a powerful aphrodisiac. She used her thighs to grip him tightly as she rode him, her body tightening around his member buried deep inside her. Clasping him, holding him, as he thrust up into her, a hard, steady, relentless rhythm that had her gasping for breath, and when his mouth found her aching nipple, she went wild, riding him harder, forcing him deeper, wanting more and more.
Sebastian tried to slow the frantic pace, his hands gripping her hips; he leaned his head on the back of the squabs, his eyes closing, his breath harsh. He let out a deep groan. “God, I can’t wait.” His eyes flew open and he commanded with one look, “Come for me.”
At the desperation in his voice, a climax rocked her, and she could feel herself shatter into a thousand shards like smashed glass. She lost all sense of where they were, her cries filling the carriage and beyond. She didn’t care. Couldn’t care. All sense of anything but the blinding, mindless pleasure he gave was lost in her release.
Sebastian’s fingers tightened on her hips, and he thrust into her, fast now, so hard she felt passion stir to life once again. She craved the feeling, knowing that if he stopped she just might die.
His hand moved down to where they were joined, and found her little hardened nub, and he pressed his thumb against her just as he thrust powerfully up into her. Her resulting climax sent him spiraling into his with one slamming thrust.
It seemed to last forever, his rigid outpouring prolonging hers until she shivered and clenched in mindless release. Finally she collapsed in his arms, wishing for more, more, more …
Chapter Eight
Beatrice straightened her clothing and watched as Sebastian finished re-dressing. She wished the carriage ride were longer.
“I hope you have nothing urgent to pursue this afternoon before we head out to the ball. I have plans for you.” Would her boldness shock or delight him?
At her soft and sensual words, Sebastian almost groaned. The thought of an afternoon and night with her in his bed, her auburn tresses spread out on his pillow, her pale silken skin his to caress with hands and lips and tongue before sinking into her tight heat, almost drove him to ask the driver to go faster. He wanted this interview over, because he liked where his wife’s mind had headed.
An afternoon spent in pleasure, in a bed, would be far superior to anything they’d done in this carriage.
He noted her hand shook as she adjusted her bonnet. She was anxious about his reply.
“My sweet, I’m more than eager to oblige in any task you set me later. But if you don’t stop licking that delectable lip of yours, I may not be able to leave this conveyance once we reach our destination.” He paused and reached to draw her hand to his lips. He pressed a kiss on her palm. “I for one want to get this interview over with quickly. More so now I’ve had a taste of the heaven such an enchanting offer provides.”
Like a cat, she preened.
They finally reached Harley Street. The carriage pulled up outside a respectable terraced house, and Sebastian alighted, turning to help Beatrice from the carriage.
The street was one of the most prestigious developments owned by the Duke of Portland. “Your brother’s physician must be well thought of to afford a practice here.”
“He is the younger brother of the Earl of Newton.”
“Let’s hope he is an honest man. You may do the introductions, my dear; after that, follow my lead.”
Sebastian followed her up the polished steps toward the entrance to the doctor’s surgery. As soon as they entered, the smell of carbolic soap struck. He watched Beatrice wrinkle her nose. They were ushered into the rosewood-paneled waiting area. Comfortable high-backed chairs were positioned near a roaring fire, while a large portrait of the doctor hung to the right.
A nurse came forward and said, “Dr. Taylor is expecting you. If you’d like to follow me, I’ll take you through to his office.”
Upon entering his office, Sebastian noted the physician was a small man—well, small in stature anyway. He had quite a rotund stomach. He was going bald on top and his spectacles made him look rather comical.
He rose from his desk and shook Sebastian’s hand and bowed over Beatrice’s hand, then indicated they should take a seat.
“It’s such an honor, Lord Coldhurst, and may I congratulate you on your recent nuptials. What can I do for you?” He turned to Beatrice. “Or is it Lady Coldhurst that requires attention?”
&nbs
p; “Do you remember me, Dr. Taylor? I was Beatrice Hennessey before my marriage to Lord Coldhurst.”
Sebastian noted the physician’s surprised gasp, which the man quickly tried to disguise.
“Of course, Lady Coldhurst. I remember your brother well.” He gave Sebastian a wary look. “I was present at the duel your husband had with your brother.”
Sebastian didn’t give him any time to think. “That is why we are here. We were wondering if you clearly remember the details of that day. We have a few questions we’d like to ask about how things transpired.”
Dr. Taylor nodded. “I expected you to come and visit once I heard you were back in England, my lord.” He stood and moved to a cabinet to his left, opened a drawer, and rummaged through it until he pulled out a file. He turned back to face them and said, “I’ve made transcripts on the day, because when I examined the body, I did notice something unusual.”
Sebastian raised an eyebrow. He leaned forward and said, “Let me guess, the bullet entered from the back?”
Dr. Taylor became quite animated. “Yes, absolutely. Everything happened so quickly. I didn’t get to properly examine the body until the next morning, because by the time everyone had chased after you, someone had already removed Lord Larkwell’s body. In fact, if I hadn’t purposely followed up, I’m sure they would have buried Lord Larkwell before I’d had a chance to examine him.”
“Why did you not bring this to Lord Fullerton’s attention?” Sebastian asked.
“I did tell Lord Eyre, the Baron’s second, but by then you had already left the country. I thought they must have written to you. That is why you have returned, is it not? You’ve learned of your innocence.”
Sebastian’s lips firmed. There had been no letter. He would pay Doogie’s second a visit. “No. I was not informed.”
“I apologize, I should have let Lord Fullerton know …”
Sebastian waved his apology aside. “You were not to know the message would be waylaid. Tell me more about Doogie’s wound.”
A Promise of More Page 12