Bar and Emily went as well, Danielle right behind them. Harry followed too, making his way to his room to strip off his coat and his cravat. He opened up his shirt collar and took a long deep breath. Scrubbing his hands over his face, he rehearsed several lines in his head. What did he say? I’m sorry I’ve ruined you? Please accept my marriage proposal as a token of my apology? Or he could get straight to the point. How long should I stay in the army for? Till death do us part?
The looking glass gave him no real answers and as the clock struck two in the morning, he picked up his candle and headed for the library.
He’d arrived early, but he couldn’t stand his room for another second. After heading down the stairs, he slipped through the partially open door only to see the fire burning and several candles already lit. Sophie stood with her back to him, staring into the fire.
A night rail flowed down her body. It might have covered her curves except for the fact that the fire illuminated them through the fabric. He could see her tiny waist and the flare of her hips. He hardened.
She shifted and tendrils of her unbound hair that had been brushed over her shoulders fell down her back. The dark locks stood in contrast to the crisp white cloth and he longed to pick one up and wrap it around his finger.
She let out a soft little sigh as she shifted again, her arms crossing over her chest, her fingers wrapping about her own upper arms.
“Cold?” he asked, crossing the room toward her.
Her head jerked around. “You’re early.”
“So are you.” He reached her and wrapped his arms around her, his front pressing to her back. He’d wanted to warm her but as her soft behind pressed into his already-stiff manhood, the beast roared, pressing into her soft flesh.
She turned her face to look at him, still nibbling on her lip. He dropped his head to be closer to hers. He wanted to kiss a path exactly where her teeth grazed the supple flesh. “There is so much to say, I thought I’d come figure out what came first.”
He dropped his nose, to brush along the silky skin of her cheek. “I gave up trying to figure anything out. I thought I might know once I saw you.”
She turned in his arms then and once she’d made a half-rotation, he pulled her against his chest. The press of her body, unfettered by corsets or buttons, made his heart hammer in his chest.
“Not a bad strategy, how is it working out?” She slid her hands up his chest, skimmed them along his neck and then winding them into his hair.
“Terribly,” he grunted. “I’ve even less idea now than I did back in my room.”
She let out a soft laugh that blew across his skin. Then she raised herself up onto her tiptoes, her body sliding against his in the most satisfying way. “I’ve got an idea.” Then, she tilted her chin to angle her lips toward his, giving him a light kiss.
It was all the encouragement he needed. Crushing her against his chest, he devoured her mouth with his, slanting her lips open and plundering with his tongue. Sophie responded with a passion that nearly made him stagger back, but he stayed where he was, one of his hands slipping down the curve of her back and cupping her backside to press their hips closer together.
They both groaned. Dimly, Harry was aware that he shouldn’t be doing this, that he was acting every bit the rake and if he were a good man, he’d wait until they were married.
Her fingers tugged at the strands of his hair as her tongue tangled with his. He began kneading her behind, causing her hips to rub against his, which only added to the frenzy that was building.
For feck’s sake, he was in danger of taking her while standing right here in front of the fire. At least his hip was likely to give out if he tried to make that happen. Maybe it wouldn’t. His daily swims were making the joint stronger.
He slowed the kiss and then pulled back his mouth, though their bodies were still wrapped together. “We shouldn’t do this.”
Then he looked down at her. Her already-full lips were swollen from his attention, her cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling with passion in the moonlight. “We should.”
Did she know how she tempted him? Then she slid her hand from his hair, running her palm along his neck, down his chest, over his side to his hip. Reaching between them, she wrapped her fingers around his cock.
Any self-control he’d managed to muster evaporated as she lightly stroked him through his trousers. “Sophie,” he ground out.
“Show me everything,” she whispered. “I want to know, and I want you to teach me.” She stepped back from him and pulled her night rail over her head. It went sailing up into the air and then floated back down in a heap next to a bearskin rug.
His eyes shifted from the thick fur of the carpet to the woman before him. If he’d thought he might be able to resist, the second he saw her, he knew there was no chance. She was stunning. Her perky, round breasts were the perfect size to fill his hand. Sophie’s waist was tiny, her flat stomach flaring out to her generous hips. The woman was stunning. “Love,” he choked out. “I want to do the right thing, here.”
She stepped closer, taking his hand. “It’s a little late for that. Let’s do the wrong thing because it will be so delicious.”
Chapter Fifteen
Sophie desperately wanted to feel him against her, determined not to think about consequences or the future at all really. Only this moment. Right now. And not about what would happen later.
Desire darkened in his eyes, the intensity of his stare giving her tiny thrills of delight as she slowly pulled off his shirt. The sight of his chest made her breath hitch. Broad shoulders tapered down to a lean waist, his muscles flexing even with the simple gesture of undressing. She wanted to follow their movement with her fingers. Trace their outlines with her hands.
But before she could, he was against her again, the warmth of his skin heating hers as his arms wrapped about her once again. But this time the feel of him was so much better. And as his hand clasped her behind, her chin tilted back as she arched against him wanting more.
He answered by trailing kisses down her neck and when she wound her fingers about his neck again, Harry lifted her up and then lay her down on the rug. The fur tickled her back as he began to press kisses down her front.
He licked and sucked a path to her breast and when he popped her nipple into his mouth, pleasure exploded inside her. He continued to suck and lick until she thought she’d perish from the sensation.
Then he lifted his head and she thought she’d die from wanting his touch so much. As she gave a cry of protest, Harry’s mouth curved into a wicked grin. “Not to worry, love.” Then he lowered his head to the other breast.
Sophie closed her eyes as heat and desire curled between her legs. Her teeth snapped together. This was too good. And he was so right and then he’d called her love. A pet name, she knew. But part of her wanted to believe that this was more than just one time and the word love meant that he truly cared…might even fall for her, despite everything. That he wouldn’t resent her for changing his life and that he’d want to stay with her always.
He slid his lips down her belly and then lower, her most intimate area clenched in anticipation. He moved past her sex, though, peppering her thighs with little kisses until she lifted her hips, begging him with her body to help ease the ache. And when he finally licked between her legs, passion exploded inside her. She twisted one hand into the rug while the other clasped his hair as she made needy moaning sounds. She didn’t realize at first, that she kept repeating his name. “Harry, Harry, Harry.”
In turn, he started a rhythm of licks and when one of his fingers slid into her hot core, she bucked against him, her legs trembling with the sensation building inside her. Her head thrashed back and forth until he sucked the little nub that seemed to be the center of every nerve in her body into his mouth, causing her to shatter. Never had she experienced anything like this. Her fingers went limp in his hair, as her body melted into the floor.
* * *
Harry looked up Sophie, as s
he heaved for breath in the aftermath of his attention. There was something in the way she’d said his name. Over and over as though he were the center of her world, the most important person in the world, that had ensnared him completely. Other women had said his name during the act, of course. But not like this. Not like a caress, not with the emotion and the need and the power of…what?
He couldn’t consider it now because he’d opened the falls of his breeches and pushed them down to his knees. He stroked himself like a damn school boy as he climbed back up her, his cock already leaking seed. From the moment he’d met her, he’d been drawn to her, a powerful pull that left him aching.
All he could think now was that she’d be his. Not his for tonight, but for forever. She’d become his wife and no matter where he went, there would be no changing the fact that they’d gotten married. He managed to grow even harder at the thought, his staff now as hard as granite.
Odd, usually the thought of commitment had the opposite effect, but perhaps it was because he’d come here tonight knowing that Sophie would be his. He’d already proposed.
He cast thoughts aside as he reached her mouth, and leaning down to kiss her, the head of his cock pressed into her slick folds. He nearly groaned from satisfaction just nudging against her entrance. What was it going to feel like to be buried inside her?
His muscles tensed as he fought the urge to do exactly that. She was new at this, a virgin, and she needed a slow pace and time to adjust, even more so because of his size.
But she didn’t tense. He felt her smile against his lips, her body remaining relaxed. “I’m ready for you,” she said as she wrapped her arms about his neck.
“Say my name again,” he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion.
“Harry,” she replied softly, her breath filling his mouth.
Moving the head of his manhood into her channel, she didn’t tense although he felt her quick intake of breath. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “It hurts the first time, but you’re made for this joining.”
“I’m not afraid of you, Harry. I could never be.” Then she kissed him with all her affection.
His brave, strong girl. He felt the moment he broke through her maidenhead. She squeezed him around his neck, her muscles finally stiffening. He stopped moving and leaned down to kiss her. He knew his penetration must hurt. He consoled himself, he wouldn’t last long. He needed her desperately.
“Don’t stop,” she murmured, her nose rubbing his cheek. “I’m ready for more.”
“Will you say my name one more time? Something about the way you say it…” He paused as he fully seated inside her. “It makes me…” He drew in a breath as he slowly withdrew. “Feel so connected to you.”
“Harry,” she said close to his ear. “Make love to me.”
“Yes,” he grunted driving back inside. “Oh Sophie.” He held her face between his hands, kissing her as he gently pushed back inside. “I need you so much. I can’t stay away. Even when I should. I’m sorry, love. Sorry for…”
“Don’t apologize.” She trailed her hand down his back bringing their hips closer together. “We’re supposed to be here. Right now. Doing this, Harry. It was meant to be.”
Yes, he said, unsure if he uttered the word aloud or not. She stroked his back as he picked up speed. She relaxed again. And soon she met each of his thrusts, her hips lifting to take him deeper.
“Sophie,” he ground out. He could barely maintain control but by some miracle, she was close again and he would wait until she finished.
A few more strokes and it was her turn to gasp out his name. “Harry,” she cried, her body tightening.
He couldn’t stand another second as she squeezed him until his own body exploded. And he collapsed on her, weak, trembling alongside her. Once the tremors subsided, he kissed her lips feeling as though he’d never let her go.
Chapter Sixteen
Sophie woke the next morning, with the sun shining brightly into her windows. She lay snug in her bed, tucked under the covers. Lifting them up, she peaked down to her night rail covering her body. She had no recollection of putting the clothing back on. Nor did she have any idea about how she’d made it into her bed. Her last memory was falling asleep in Harry’s arms, the fur under her back and the man on top of her, making her cozy warm.
She moved her legs and her muscles twinged with soreness. Gads, the first few strokes had hurt like she hadn’t imagined possible. She’d been stretched so far, it had burned. But then the sensation had given way to something far more pleasant. Sophie sat up. The way Harry had held her, talked to her…she’d felt cherished.
Of course, he had already declared that he would marry her, so obviously he’d take more care. The problem was that the act had been so much more than she’d anticipated. She’d only wanted to be with him once, a memory to have, but if he touched her again, would she say no?
Her breath caught at the mere idea of being with him again. So tempting. She pulled back the covers and rose from bed as her stomach made a deep gurgle. Clearly all the activity had left her with quite the appetite. Smiling to herself, she washed and dressed. Her maid styled her hair, and then she made her way to breakfast.
Everyone had already assembled, clearly having eaten. “Look who finally decided to join us,” Drew said as he gave her a wink. “Did you wear yourself out last night?”
Harry glowered at his brother before rising to greet her. “You look lovely this morning.” His dark gaze made her insides melt.
Heat rose in her cheeks as she dipped her head, looking down at the table. “Thank you.” She wished they’d seen each other privately this morning. She was a bit embarrassed by the wanton way she’d acted, and they had yet to actually discuss whether they’d go through with his declaration that he’d marry her.
After crossing to the buffet, she placed a strawberry tart and eggs on her plate, then took her seat. Danielle gave her several long glances as Emily smiled at her, looking excited.
“Did you have fun last night?” Emily asked, as she leaned forward in her chair.
Bar cleared his throat. “Let the woman eat, Em.” Then he turned to Sophie. “Emily likes the challenge of a project. Unfortunately for you, you’re her next one.”
Sophie covered her mouth to hide her giggle. She no longer needed Emily’s help, of course. Her decision had been made but she did appreciate her efforts. “I don’t mind.”
“Oh good,” Emily gushed. “Remember the other suitor I mentioned. He’s hosting a picnic. We’ve been invited and I’ve taken the liberty of accepting.”
“Break the acceptance,” Harry rumbled. “She doesn’t need to find another suitor.”
“What?” Emily gasped as Danielle dropped her fork.
“What do you mean?” Bar asked, straightening in his seat.
Harry opened his mouth, but Sophie gave him a long look. She couldn’t read his expression and her chest tightened. Was it regret? She held up her hand even as doubt churned in her stomach. They were supposed to discuss this privately. Drat. She should have stayed awake last night to talk. “What he means is, I’ve changed my mind about marriage.”
“What?” Harry’s voice dropped low…almost dangerous.
She drew in a deep breath as she met his gaze. “I can take care of myself. I have a home and finances. I’ve thought about it a great deal and I’ve decided to become a spinster.”
The room exploded as everyone began talking at once. Danielle, babbling without making any sense. Emily loudly proclaiming she could and would find Sophie the perfect match. Drew laughing for some unknown and very annoying reason while Harry muttered furiously under his breath, his teeth bared.
Only Bar remained silent as he watched the scene. Harry stood again, slowly, his hand on his hip. “Enough,” he called out, his hand smacking the table.
Everyone quieted.
“I’ve also thought about it a great deal, and Sophie is not remaining a spinster. She’ll marry.” He stopped to glance around the
table at everyone before finishing. “Me.”
The room exploded once again, only Sophie lost track of who responded as she also stood and stared across the room at the man to whom she’d given her maidenhead. The man she grew more certain she actually loved. As she’d replayed every touch last night, she wondered if she felt more than just attraction. Her heart squeezed in her chest, confirming her feelings. But at this exact moment, he was also the man who she might murder. “You are incorrigible,” she said. “Do you know that?”
“What?” he barked, resting his hands on the table. “We already agreed.”
“No.” She stood straighter with her hands fisting in her skirts. “You made a declaration, but we never agreed to anything.” Her eyebrows went up as her lips pursed.
“There is an unspoken agreement that happens when a man and a woman—”
She banged the table to stop his words, but the damage had already been done.
Bar stood, letting out a rumble. “When a man and a woman what?”
Sophie drew in a breath. She had to manage this conversation. “He kissed me, if you must know, in the garden last night. It was a small peck on the cheek, but it was seen by Mrs. Cummings and Mr. Mayfield. Harry offered to wed me, but I simply don’t think it necessary. As I’ve already stated, I will become a spinster rather than—”
Now Harry interrupted. “Rather than what?”
She drew in a breath. What she said next was important. “I know you don’t want to wed. You have a life in the army, and I understand how important that is to you. I won’t take that from you for my own gain.”
His face twisted and his fingers fisted on the table. “You’re saying that you are turning me down for my benefit.”
“I did not turn you down. You never even asked.” She took a few steps around the table, moving toward him. She needed him to understand and she had this feeling that if she were closer to him, there would be less confusion.
Taming an Unrepentant Earl (Taming the Duke's Heart Book 10) Page 8