Then Rollo said something that angered him. "She's practically alone in that big house with Julius. Who knows what could happen in your absence."
Rollo was definitely playing the bad angel. He didn't wish to imagine Julius with Sophia but now the thought was in his head, tormenting him like every other thought.
He stood. "I'm going to bed. You both may choose to do what you wish so long as you bother me no further." He marched from the room, hearing the men calling at his back, and turned into the first bedchamber he could find.
He was glad to find it to be a guest room and locked the door behind him before falling onto the sheets.
He'd let a woman chase him from his own home. If he married Lady Ashford, he imagined it would not be the last time this situation occurred. Eventually, he would have to seek her out to make an heir but touching her would only be done in duty.
He turned over and stared at the ceiling. "Think of a way out," he whispered to himself. He couldn't marry Lady Ashford so maybe Rollo's plan had merit. He could steal Sophia away...
But he wanted her willing. He wanted her to come to him for his heart and not for his shaft. He rolled over and thought about his predicament. He was sure many a man would laugh at him, knowing that he, a duke, had been refused by any woman. Some women would sell their own families just to become his wife while Sophia wanted no part of him... well, she did enjoy one part of him.
He heard the door open in the distance and conversation. He was sure that Rollo and Frank had left when the door closed again but then more voices were heard and one voice stood out from the rest. He sat up and listened as Sophia said something to someone.
Had she traveled to the dowager house in an effort to track him down? He listened as the footsteps passed his door. Her voice was crisp and precise, the voice used when giving instruction. He closed his eyes and listened to the throaty tone that was all her.
He opened his eyes when he realized what he was doing and stood. He'd told her to leave the castle but he'd meant the entire property. He stalked to the door and swung it open. It only took him a moment to find her. She stood with her back to him as two footmen carried candelabras out of the room.
"Jack, Paul, I think that is all," she said, addressing the footmen by name as though she knew them intimately.
"Yes, madam," Jack said.
Madam? He wondered what game she was playing at now.
The footmen paused at the end of the hall and their smiles fell away as they looked at him.
"Return to the house," Morris instructed them. "I will see to Miss Sophia." He ignored Sophia's jump at hearing his voice as she spun around to stare at him. He watched the footmen leave and heard the door in the foyer close before he looked down at her. "Following me, are you?"
She was flushed from the cold, making her green eyes that much more distinct. Her brown cape was pulled closed around her neck. She touched his collar absentmindedly. "I didn't know you were here."
"So you decided to steal my mother's candelabras?"
She gasped. "I-I would never—"
He reached out, grabbing her cape and tugging her close. "Why are you here?"
She didn't answer and he heard her breathing change when her eyes darkened. His mouth was only a few inches from hers. If he wished to kiss her, all he had to do was lower his mouth and take her. She swayed as he pulled her closer. Their bodies touched.
"Why are you here?"
She licked her lips. "I needed..."
"My cock? Is that what you wanted?"
"No." Her eyes widened.
He kissed her and slid his hands under her cape, cupping her breast through her gown. She moaned and pressed closer, her arms going around him. "Are you sure?" he asked, nibbling on her lip. "Are you sure you don't want me? Shall I check?"
She held still as his hands roamed over her lower extremities, the curve of her bottom, and down her thighs.
"Tell me you're not wet." He pulled away to meet her smothered look. Color covered her cheeks and throat. Their gazes held as he pushed the material up her body and his fingers sought the heat that poured from between her thighs. He smiled at finding evidence.
He kissed her again, forceful and hungry. He didn't know what had come over him but seeing her again had awakened his most basic needs. He wanted to say that when he looked at her all she saw was a pretty face but he knew it was more. He knew why she'd come and was willing take what she offered. He'd take anything she offered him. Five, ten minutes. The day.
He was tired of worrying about the future.
He broke the kiss. "I plan to have you on a bed this time. Do you object?"
She slowly opened her eyes and shook her head.
He kissed her again, then picked her up. He carried her into the guest room and placed her down in the center of the room. He stepped back and stood by the bed. "Take off your cape."
She remained still as she stared at him, uncertainty in her eyes. "We need to talk, Morris."
He shook his head. "I don't want to talk right now." His eyes moved down her body before taking in her face once more. "Have you changed your mind?"
In reply, she undid her cape and pulled it from her shoulders. He had a quick glance at the back of her dress before she turned to stare at him.
He sat on the edge of the bed and looked her over. "You're beautiful." She seemed to have been wrapped up like a present just for him. He stood and went to stand behind her. Her hair was the first to come down, dozens of pins falling to the ground, heavy curls following and stopping just above the curve of her rear. He picked up bundles of it and brought it to his nose, enjoying the feel and weight of it.
"It took Maura forever to get it up." Her voice wavered.
"Would you believe me if I told you I could repair the damage when we are through?"
She seemed to stiffen and he waited for her response.
He'd asked the question in an effort to push her away, to give her a chance to run at the mention of the other women he'd pleasured. It was his way of trying to take back control of the situation when little did she know that she had total control. He would do unspeakable things to touch her again, to have her like this.
"I'd not be surprised at all," she whispered, brave and bold.
He moved her hair over her shoulder and undid her laces with ease, including those of her corset, an exercise he'd become skilled at over the years, yet never was he this nervous. It was as though they'd never had sex before when that was not the case. There was something very sweet about the dress and the fragrance of frankincense that drifted from her skin. He kissed her throat and picked up the ends of her dress, pulling every garment his fingers could catch over her head. The corset and petticoats followed.
She turned and stood before him in nothing but her stockings, her hands covering her chest. If he didn't know better, he would think this was her first time but he understood her fears. In a way, this would be their first time and there was so much more involved than the physical. He saw now that while he enjoyed seeing her body, he wanted to break into her heart. He wanted to see what lay inside.
He placed a curl behind her ear and kissed her gently. "We don't have to go any further, Sophia. I'll take whatever you offer." Even if it was just holding her or staring at her body. He loathed himself for such thoughts, a duke groveling at the feet of a woman but there they were and there was no going back for him.
Her eyes widened. "You'll take whatever I offer?"
He nodded.
She dropped her arms and her pale nipples stood out from heavy breasts with her dark curls at their sides. The curve of her waist was unimaginably small. A light roundness lay on her belly and a thatch of black curls rested between her thighs. He'd never seen anyone so beautiful.
She touched his chest, and he realized just how overdressed for the occasion he was.
"Swear it," she whispered. "You'll take anything I offer."
"I'll take anything you are willing to give me." If it was only the moment, h
e would take it and cherish it like the fine memory he knew it would be.
The smile that touched her lips was sweet and humbling. She leaned forward and he brought his head down to kiss her. Their lips and tongue played, hers bold and convincing, telling him just how much she wanted him. She slipped her fingers underneath his jacket and helped him remove it. His cravat, waistcoat, and shirt fell to the floor, one right after the other.
His fingers touched her nipples and she shivered before moving his hands to his sides. Obediently, he left his hands there as she took advantage of his bare chest, raining kisses and licks over his body. Her tongue ran over one of his nipples and Morris groaned and tightened his fists. Her teeth scraped him and one of her hands slid down to cover the juncture of his pants.
He stood in aching agony as she toyed with him.
"You're beautiful," she whispered, running her hand down the light patch of hair that covered his chest. He was glad she approved but with her hand petting him through the tight fabric of his breeches, he could barely breathe much less talk.
She lowered herself to the floor and took off one boot after the other. Morris sighed when she started to undo the buttons on his breeches. He guessed at what she intended to do to him on her knees and nearly came at the thought. His freed cock rose from its constraints with the last button undone and in the next heartbeat was in Sophia's hot mouth.
Morris locked his knees as Sophia worked with her lips, tongue, and hand, taking him deeper with every pull of his tender flesh. He stared down at her, taking the image into memory, her eyes just as possessive as her touch. The hunger in them brought him to a stomach-clenching, hip-thrusting, hard climax. His hands went to her head and held her as he pumped the final streams of his seed into her mouth. Once he was calm, he released her.
She stood with a vibrant life in her eyes, her lips deep red and swollen.
He touched her mouth and kissed her lightly, his hands moving through her hair.
She wrapped her arms around him, and they stood like that for a long time, their mouths locked together, the kiss deepening and causing Morris' manhood to rise again. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around him. He carried her to the bed and laid her down, only breaking the kiss to allow his mouth to touch her elsewhere.
He took his time exploring her, kissing her every curve, her shoulders, arms, and breasts. She was like a goddess who'd come down from the skies to be with him, her body demanding reverence. He paid homage to it with every stroke of his hand and every touch of his mouth.
"Glorious," he whispered. His hand moved in between her legs and played with the peak that rose between her folds.
She locked her fingers in his hair as she began to move, lamenting sweetly, "Morris, oh!" He watched her face as he slipped a finger into her soaked passage; an expression of painful bliss covered her features. He gave her some of what she wanted by adding yet another finger and quickening their thrust. His mouth closed over her nipple.
"Yes!" She sat up and rocked her hips on his hand. Her pants and moans grew hard and ragged with her heated movements. Her passion was unbridled as she held nothing back from him. Her sounds and expressions were beautiful and inflamed his own need.
"Don't stop," she begged, choking back sobs. "Oh, Morris. Oh."
He lowered himself and sealed his lips on her clitoris.
She came, his name a great cry, a magnificent chant, her face and throat strained with the magnitude of the pleasure. Morris stilled as he stared at her, his own body shaking with something he was sure went beyond his understanding. He'd come with her without stimulation.
She rested her body back down on the bed.
He climbed up and stared down at her sweat-covered brow and glistening body. Her eyes were closed and a smile was on her lips. His heart shook at the possibility he'd never see her this way again. He couldn't let that happen. "Sophia."
She opened her eyes, her green depths glassed over. She took a few breaths. "Yes?"
He rested on an elbow and allowed his other hand to play with her hair. "I can't let you go."
Miraculously, her smile grew. "All right." Her expression was whimsical.
He touched her cheek to gain her full attention. "Sophia, we're going to get married. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Her eyes cleared slightly, her lips still curved with pleasure. "I don't want you to let me go, Morris. I want to be your wife."
He blinked. "You do?"
She nodded. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about." She looked around. "Perhaps we should put on clothes."
His hand moved to the curve of her hip and pulled her in against him. "That's not going to happen."
She laughed and wrapped her arms around his shoulder. "All right but I have something very important to tell you."
"Tell me." His heart was racing. He couldn't believe she'd agreed to marry him. He planned to make it official the moment they returned to the castle. He would not give her time to change her mind. He was weak where she was concerned. He needed her.
"I love you," she said.
His hand gripped her hip tighter. "Say it again."
"I love you." She leaned forward and kissed him gently. "I love you.” She leaned back against the pillow and tilted her head. "I fell in love with you at first sight."
"You did?" His heart galloped so quickly he was sure it would give out.
She nodded and laughed again. "In fact, one of my first thoughts was how much I wanted to carry your child."
Morris hardened. The ache blurred his vision as all-consuming need burned his blood. "Sophia, you mustn't say such things." His voice was rougher.
She smiled. "It's true." Her hand down his chest and grabbed his cock. "I wanted you then. I want you now."
Morris bent, kissed her, and gave her exactly what she wanted.
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CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
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Sophia lay on her side as Morris moved inside of her. His hand played between her legs, circling her clitoris just as leisurely as his thrust. One arm kept his propped up behind her while the other gripped one of her breasts.
Shadows had begun to play in the room with the sun going down. They were missing the party but she hardly cared. It seemed neither wished to disconnect from the other physically. Since entering the room, Morris had only left her side to heat the room, placing logs in the fireplace and bringing it to life. Then he left again when lights grew necessary, placing a few dozen candles around the room and casting it into a romantic glow.
And he'd been right. His eyes did look different by candlelight, a dark blue that reminded her of deep water. He'd barely had a knee on the bed before she'd attached herself to him, taking his body underneath hers, climbing his lap, and riding them both to gratification.
And then Sophia had taken a nap only to awaken on her side with his cock deep inside her, her tender body accepting of his every touch.
"Play with your nipples." His heated voice was right in her ear.
She lifted her hand and did as she was told, the intense pleasure growing at the combination of both their hands, his cock, and his commanding voice. She discovered that her duke could be quite the lord when he chose to be and she liked it far too much.
"Spread your legs." He adjusted himself just before his pumps grew faster and more precise, hitting her in her most tender spot.
Dazed, she lifted her leg and his fingers began to work her harder.
"Morris." She came for what seemed like the hundredth time that afternoon. She'd lost track after six. She hadn't known her body could do it so many times. Morris was taking her to new heights.
He grunted and came right after her. He wrapped his arm around her and held her. "I want you to stop taking the tea."
She repositioned her head on the pillow and closed her eyes. "I can't. We're
not married yet."
"Once we are." He kissed her shoulder. "I'll want no more of it."
She smiled. "All right." She was just about to fall back asleep when he spoke again.
"We should return to the house."
He was right.
She sighed. "You're right. We're missing the party."
"What party?"
She told him of what she'd planned.
He laughed and kissed her ear. "Playing lady of manor already?"
She turned and smiled up at him. "I wanted the day to be special."
"It's been the best day of my entire life." He kissed her and then pulled away. "Why did the footmen call you madam?"
Sophia averted her gaze. "Because, that's what I am."
He moved her head to face him. "Explain it to me."
Her plan had been to tell him the truth anyway. She saw no reason to wait any longer. "My father is the Viscount of Dovehaven. He and his brother switched places when they were young men and no one was the wiser."
Morris was silent for a moment. "You told the servants the truth?"
"Well, it'll be all over Britain eventually anyway." Worry began to make her earlier happy feeling fade away. "My uncle and father switched back last night in front of everyone and in a way where the truth could not be denied. They, along with your mother, are heading to London tonight."
Morris sat up and took her with him. "You must be worried."
She stared at his chest to keep herself from crying. "I am but everyone keeps telling me it will be all right."
He lifted her chin. "I'll do what I can to help. I'm sure the rest of the men will as well."
She met his eyes and laughed. "Francis told me that and so did Julius. You are all very good men."
"We take care of what is ours." He kissed her lips. "Let's return to the house. I plan to announce you as my fiancée."
"Perhaps we should wait until you settle the matter with Lord Ashford. I wouldn't wish him to advise something horrible happen to my father."
Miss Sophia's Spirited Spinster's Society Page 17