He looked away, just long enough to ensure they were alone in the parlor, and then kissed the shell of Rosalinde's ear. His lips insisted on traveling down her neck, and when she grabbed his upper arms, he prepared to apologize for his unseemly behavior. Except the expression of bliss on her face convinced him to continue his passionate exploration. He trailed down the slope of her shoulder, treasuring each shudder his kisses elicited.
"Julian," she whispered.
He answered with another kiss, a quick one. He grasped her hand and headed for the doorway. "We must seek out your father at once. This wedding must not be delayed any longer."
Chapter 14
Julian ushered his bride into the room, watching as she perused the small space. The bed was the most prominent item on display, although there was also a washstand, and a clothespress. Her portmanteau, along with his, rested on a nearby chair. He much preferred this room to the one he had slept in, alone, when they had first stayed at this inn.
"Would you like some dinner?" he asked.
She spun around, her expression so blissful he almost could not bear it. "Perhaps later. I thought we might…"
Her eyes flicked toward the bed, and her cheeks instantly pinkened. Julian closed the space between them, pulling her into his arms. "I thought you might prefer to wait until we are in London, where the ducal bed awaits us."
"If you are in it," she said with a laugh, "then it is a ducal bed."
"True. But there is also the matter of…well, there could be some discomfort as we continue our journey on the morrow."
"Your knee still pains you?" Her eyes widened with mock innocence. "You should have said so immediately. I did not wish to press my attentions on you. Nor would I wish you to suffer during our travels."
He tipped his head back and laughed. "I am quite hale and hearty. Dr. Bentley gave me a clean bill of health, remember?"
"And the church widows gave me a great deal of advice about wedding nights." She blushed but did not drop her gaze. "As well as several suggestions."
"Indeed? I cannot wait to hear them."
"I am not sure I am ready to repeat them just yet." Her lips lifted in a slow smile. "But perhaps I could demonstrate them."
Julian grinned and then began tugging the sleeves of his coat to remove it. Rosalinde started unbuttoning his waistcoat, and the sensation of her hands against him so intimately nearly undid him. He kissed her again, hungrily, fighting to rid himself of clothing rapidly while maintaining control.
Rosalinde must have sensed his turmoil, for she returned a sweet kiss. "Tell me about this ducal bed in London."
He blinked at the request, then realized she was giving them both time to become accustomed to this new situation. "It, uh, it has draperies at each corner."
His jacket finally hit the ground, and she lowered the waistcoat over his arms, dropping it to the floor as well. "Satin brocade? With embroidery?"
"Yes, I believe so." In truth, he could not remember much about the bed in that moment. Rosalinde had just unpinned her hair, and it fell in glorious curls about her shoulders.
"The bed has been in your family a long time, I imagine."
"Centuries." He watched as she removed her spencer, revealing the muslin bodice beneath. His heart began to pound an irregular beat. It nearly stopped entirely when she began to untie the laces of her dress. Laces! "The draperies can be untied, to close the bed's occupants away from prying eyes."
"Are prying eyes a concern?"
"Not in this modern age. But apparently there were different customs in previous centuries."
"Thank heavens."
She stood in a simple chemise, next to the bed, her hair falling around her shoulders. Julian watched as she trailed her fingers over the counterpane. He could not help but think of her hands doing the same to him, but he was not about to rush her. She glanced up at him and smiled, secretively, and he knew in that instant she was enjoying this unusual seduction. He returned the smile. She could take as long as she wanted. He was enthralled by her, incredibly aroused, and intensely happy that she was his bride.
She sat down on the mattress. "I imagine your bed could tell some interesting tales."
Julian laughed, sitting next to her. "Fortunately it has been sworn to secrecy. Otherwise no one would ever be persuaded to use it again."
"I should love to add some stories of our own to its repertoire."
Julian's heart thudded, and his body responded instantly. "They shall become the bed's favorite, I am certain of it."
He reached for her, placing his hand gently at her nape, drawing her forward until their lips touched. Her breath was sweet, and more rapid than moments before. She tilted her head to give him better access and he deepened the kiss. She was so passionate, responding eagerly, so much so that he had to halt before he ended things too quickly.
He leaned his forehead against hers, breathing deeply for several moments.
Rosalinde brushed her lips against his. "I never imagined I would be sharing a bed with a duke. It is a bit daunting."
"Perhaps it would seem less daunting if you were to think of me simply as your husband."
"I am still becoming accustomed to that title as well."
He drew a little nearer. "We could always utilize Mr. Selby."
"I did grow to know him very well." She gave him a mock frown. "Even though he had only a passing acquaintance with the truth."
Julian laughed. "He's a man who knows what a woman needs, and you would never have accepted my suit if I had told you who I truly was."
"Mr. Selby knew that?"
"He did. And he knows many other things you may find…intriguing."
"I should have married him instead."
His lips tilted up in a grin. "I am convinced you chose the better man."
"There was one more thing…"
He raised his eyebrow.
"I intend to collect the remainder of my winnings."
His heart raced, but he pretended to frown for a moment. "How many kisses remain?"
"Close to a score of them."
"That many?"
"You are welcome to recalculate, should you wish. I already deducted the one at the wedding ceremony. It seemed only fair."
"Which is precisely why I can trust your accounting."
She lifted her face to his for a kiss, which he began gently at first, but the next one was a bit more passionate. She tugged at his shirt, until it pooled about his waist, and then she pressed her lips against his bare shoulder.
"Does this count as one kiss?" He teased. "Or two?"
"I do not believe it should be included, since only my lips are involved, not yours."
Julian did his best not to groan. "Ahh, yes. I quite agree with your assessment." His mouth was instantly on her bare shoulder, kissing delicately. "This will not diminish your winnings either."
She shivered. "Not at all."
It was not long before Rosalinde's winnings had been depleted, and in the most delightful fashion. Julian slowly removed the last of her clothing, his breath hitching at the beauty on display for him. He saw her hands fluttering nervously, but she continued to gaze at him. He brushed her hair away from her face.
"Rosalinde, I want to kiss you a thousand times, for changing your mind and agreeing to marry me."
"You shall have a thousand kisses, and more, if you remove those breeches."
He grinned broadly, doing precisely as she asked. Her eyebrows lifted quickly, and then a seductive smile curved her lips. He did not wait to hear what she might say. He was too impatient to have her in his arms. He kissed her, wrapping her into his embrace, relishing her bare skin against his.
She returned his fervent kisses with equal passion. He slowly lowered her to the bed, watching her expression the entire time. Her breath hitched, but she kept her hands locked behind his nape, pulling him down atop her. His lips found hers again, and he kissed her until she was moving beneath him, her body pleading for more.
H
e was about to go mad with longing. Yet he did not want to hurt her. He kissed her once more, partly to reassure himself.
"Julian."
He lifted his head. "Yes, my love."
"I love you." She raised her hand to touch his face, and he pressed a kiss to her palm. "So love me."
Julian gathered her close, kissing her throat, then tracing his lips to her breast, pulling her nipple into his mouth. Her gasp turned into a delightful moan, and then another. Her hands grabbed at his hair, holding him in place while she writhed under him. He trailed his fingers down her side, and over her hip. Her thighs were open, waiting. He touched her gently, and nearly groaned at how aroused she was. He could not wait any longer.
"Julian," she added with another moan.
He entered her, slowly pushing against the natural resistance. Her whimper stopped him.
"No!" she cried. "No, do not halt. I could not bear it if you did."
Julian pushed forward once more, swamped by an unexpected sensation of possession. He pulled Rosalinde closer, rocking gently as she became accustomed to him, gratified when she smiled up at him so rapturously.
He had never known such bliss. And he was determined Rosalinde experience the same. Every night, for as long as he lived.
He increased the rhythm, Rosalinde matching it, her moans intensifying. His body struggled to fight off his release, wanting Rosalinde to find hers before he did. He kissed her, more fiercely than usual, and touched her where their bodies joined. Rosalinde came apart, clutching at him, pulling him deeper inside of her. Julian could hold back no longer, his release so intense he nearly saw stars.
He lowered himself onto the bed next to her, and she snuggled into his arms, scattering kisses across his chest. Julian could not stop grinning, no matter how much he tried.
"I can already see that marriage agrees with me," she said.
He laughed. "I am glad to hear it. For I find it most agreeable too." He kissed the top of her head, inhaling the rose scent of her hair. "And soon you shall embark on your first visit to London."
She propped herself on his chest. "I had another idea."
"What might it be?"
"London can wait for us. I thought instead we could travel the countryside, taking that bridal trip I wished we were on that first night here. When I never would have believed we could be wed."
"When you wished my betrothed to the devil?"
"I despised her! I was not ready to admit I had started to fall in love with you then. Especially when you inspired the most outrageous notions."
"I shall be happy to inspire them constantly, if you like."
She nodded her agreement, her obvious happiness making him squeeze her tightly, his heart overflowing with love.
"I love you, Rosalinde. I shall most likely tell you that several times every day. Even when you declare me a prosy bore."
"I shall never call you a prosy bore." She kissed him sweetly. "For I shall never grow tired of hearing you say you love me. I love you, Julian."
He returned the kiss, and then proceeded to show his duchess just how much he loved her, and always would.
Epilogue
Aphrodite sighed, her hand to her heart. "Another happy couple. It was a bit uncertain there for a while, but once again I ensured that true love won out."
"What of the other couple? The one from decades ago."
Aphrodite pretended she did not hear him, strolling toward the main room of the inn to escape his questions.
He laughed. "You have unfinished business. There is actually someone who resisted your powers."
She turned back, bristling. "They have not resisted me. They are clearly in love. It has simply taken them longer to arrive at their marital destination." She put her hands on her hips. "And stop cackling. It is not at all attractive."
He grinned and then wrapped her in his arms, his lips hovering over hers. "There were many at the assembly who thought me attractive."
"Of course they did, darling. Until I let them know you were a simpleton now, after getting your head knocked about one too many times at the local fancy."
He dropped his head back and laughed. "Your methods are always so devious."
"Yes, they are." She grinned reluctantly. "You enjoy them though."
"Immensely. And I am wondering what you are planning for the last of this family. The gambler named Tony."
"I am not quite certain yet. I do know I shall be sad to return to Mt. Olympus. It has been so much more entertaining amongst the mortals than I had anticipated. And as you reminded me, I still must resolve the original couple's situation."
"Is there any chance they can resolve it themselves? Without your interfer—assistance?"
"Honestly." She gave him her most severe frown. "How could they possibly do that? It would be like a prizefighter boxing with one hand strapped to his back. Or boxing completely alone."
Ares took her hand in his, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Then let us devise a way to help them."
Aphrodite followed him, unable to do anything else when he was tempting her like this. She loved him.
Madly.
Passionately.
Unceasingly.
Was it any wonder she wanted everyone to find their one true love as she had?
The End
Acknowledgments
Thanks again to editor Kelli Collins for spiffing things up and warming my heart with your many LOL comments. My characters definitely thank you!
Carrie, I'm in awe how you always create cover magic from my rambling emails filled with virtual hand-waving and changes that end with "ish". You rock!
About the Author
I have worked as an attorney, winery tasting room manager, and retail business owner, but nothing beats the thrill of writing humorously-ever-after romances.
I reside in New England, although I fantasize about spending the rest of my days in a tropical locale, wearing flip flops year-round, or in Regency London, scandalizing the ton.
I can usually be found on Twitter, chatting about writing, and coffee, or on Facebook, chatting about coffee, and writing.
Connect Online
Amazon Author Page ~ E-Mail ~ Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter
Other Available Books
Historical
Rogues Gallery (Limited Edition Regency Romance boxed set containing Lord Midnight, Lord Rakehell's Love, and Lord Wastrel)
Lord Midnight (Regency historical romance)
Lord Rakehell's Love (Book 1 of The Curse of True Love series)
Lord Wastrel (Book 2 of The Curse of True Love series)
Contemporary
Back on Track (contemporary romantic comedy set on the Napa Wine Train)
Heartbreaker's Bet (contemporary romantic comedy linked to Back on Track)
Summer Lovin' (FREE contemporary romantic comedy novella, Book 1 of the Seasons of Love series)
Fallin' in Love (Book 2 of the Seasons of Love series)
Bad Ex Karma (contemporary romantic comedy)
I Do. . . or Die (contemporary romantic comedy/mystery)
Eat Play Love (contemporary romance boxed set containing I Do. . . or Die and Bad Ex Karma)
Future Releases
The Debutante's Wager (Book 4 of The Curse of True Love series)
Driving Miss Crazy (contemporary romantic comedy adventure)
Excerpt of The Debutante's Wager
Here's a sneak peek of cousin Tony's story, available Fall 2016. He's so sure he's immune to the family curse, and love in general. Hah! Here's his first encounter with Lady Tess Arrington, a young woman who surprises him in many ways:
"You don't want to set your cap at me," he warned. "For I will surely break your heart."
Her cheeks pinkened, and at first he thought she was blushing, but her response quickly changed his mind.
"Would you care to place a wager on that, my lord?"
He laughed. "A wager on when I will break your heart?"
"Not at al
l. When I shall break yours."
His eyebrows shot up, along with his interest in this atypical miss. He considered her carefully, enjoying the way she did not drop her gaze. Instead, she examined him at the same time, as if trying to determine whether he was worth her continued interest. He could not hope to stop his delighted laughter.
He leaned in closer, until his lips nearly touched her ear. "I believe I am going to enjoy this Season immensely."
He saw her shiver, ever so slightly, but she did not retreat. Instead, she stepped a pace closer, and this time her rosewater scent enveloped him, wreaking havoc on his senses. She paused, and he wondered if it was her intention to distract him. If so, she was already halfway to winning their wager.
Her breath was soft, yet heated, when she spoke into his ear. "Are you certain you can last as long as the Season, my lord? It requires a certain amount of stamina."
His body reacted instantly to her bold words, and his first instinct was to grasp her around the waist and find a secluded spot to show her just how much she affected him. But he restrained himself. She was already much too aware of her effect on him. He wasn't about to relinquish any power this early in the game.
Instead he nodded, struggling to keep his lips from curving into a smile. "I can assure you, I have a great deal of stamina."
"I have heard rumors in that vein."
"Indeed?" He tried to make her blush, but she had an abundance of self-control. "What sort of rumors have you heard?"
"About your heart. That is what we were speaking of, were we not?"
He lifted her hand to his lips. "I believe we were also speaking of yours, and the danger it faces."
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