His Wallflower White: The Dark Duke’s Legacy

by Andresen, Tammy

  She moaned into his mouth.

  Patrick tightened because all of a sudden, he realized that she was about to be his. All his.

  And that was a wonderful feeling.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Millie was drowning in sensation.

  She could barely breathe as he touched her…everywhere. Her night rail and dressing gown separated his hand from her skin but still…her body hummed from his touch, her breath shallow as he ran his palm down her back and over her behind.

  Mimicking his movements, a surge of satisfaction coursed through her as his breath caught, his heart thrumming against hers.

  He brought his hand to the tie of her dressing gown, pulling it apart so the heavy fabric fell open.

  When his hand skimmed down her front, again she could feel more of everything. Every brush, every finger.

  She moaned as she pressed against him.

  “Millie,” he grated out through clenched teeth. “We’ll be married very soon. The next day or two in all likelihood.”

  “Good,” she murmured against his lips. She had every intention of repeating this experience very soon.

  He smiled against her mouth. “I need to know how much you’d like to do this evening, love.”

  “Oh,” she said, blinking as she pulled away. “I hadn’t considered…”

  He cupped her cheek, kissing her again. “We can save all of it for after we’re wed. Meaning, I can escort you back to your room right now.”

  That sounded dreadful. The thought of attempting to fall asleep, alone, after this, was more than she could bear. “Other options?”

  He grinned down at her. “We could do all of it, knowing any…um…consequences, will be nine months from our marriage or…”

  “Or?”

  He chuckled. “We could save the ‘all’ for our wedding night and do parts.”

  “Parts?” she asked, the sensitive flesh between her legs throbbing.

  His hand skimmed down her side, tracing the curve of her waist and then sliding between her legs putting pressure in the exact spot where she ached. It felt exquisitely satisfying while somehow also increasing her need.

  “Parts,” she gasped. “I vote parts.”

  His smile broadened. “Excellent choice.” And then his fingers slid over the same spot making her ache throb all the more. She grasped his shoulders, holding on as her knees turned to mush.

  And when she thought her legs would no longer hold her, Patrick lifted her, carrying her across the room and laying her down on the bed.

  His body covered hers and the weight of him both heightened her excitement and, at the same time, was a comfort. But after another kiss, he began to slide down her body, his hands and mouth trailing over her stomach. Her night rail still covered her skin, but he kept moving lower until he caught the hem and slid the fabric up over her knees and thighs.

  When the gown pooled at her waist, he kissed her bare skin, near where her leg met her body. She shivered with need, excitement and just the tiniest bit of trepidation.

  But when his hand grasped behind her, pulling her legs further apart, she forgot to be afraid because his mouth sunk lower…

  And when he pressed a kiss to her private parts, a moan ripped from her mouth.

  Had she felt any fear? This wasn’t worrisome, it was divine.

  Pleasure rocked through her as he kissed her there again and then again. And when his tongue began a delicate rhythm, she clutched at his hair, drawing him closer.

  Her body was tightening, her insides clutching with a tension she’d never imagined. And suddenly she exploded, her body spasming.

  She heard him growl but she’d gone limp with relief.

  Millie blinked as he climbed back up her body, still fully clothed, but she could see the outline of him straining against his breeches.

  She pulled at his shirt, removing the folds from his waistband. He stopped, shrugging the fabric up over his head.

  “Boots,” she murmured, struggling to sit up. He gently nudged her back down as he pulled his Hessians off.

  Then he stood, turning to face her as he reached for the front falls of his breeches, her mouth went dry and, this time, she did lift up onto her elbows.

  Because she wanted to see…

  What did he look like?

  The muscles in his chest rippled as he moved, his broad shoulders flexing. Millie laid back down and reached a palm out to run down the ridges of his chest.

  “Are you…” he started. “Are you sure you’re ready to see this?”

  That made her laugh. “I’m ready.”

  And then she slid her hand lower, touching him the way he’d touched her. Her palm stroking lightly over his swollen flesh.

  His eyes closed, squeezing shut as he stilled. She repeated the movement, feeling him shudder.

  “Breeches,” she said by way of an order. He obliged, undoing the stays and pulling them down past his hips.

  Millie gasped to see him. “It’s much…larger than I imagined.”

  That made him chuckle. “Try not to worry about our wedding night. You’re made for this.”

  She shook her head. “I’m not worried. I trust you.”

  His features tightened, his face growing serious. “Thank you, my love.”

  And then he wrapped his own hand around his shaft, pumping the flesh.

  For a moment she just watched, transfixed with the movement, the way their pleasure was similar.

  Which meant, if his mouth had felt delightful, perhaps hers would, too.

  Leaning forward she placed her lips on the tip, giving the velvety flesh a light kiss.

  She felt his shudder of pleasure, heard his low guttural moan.

  A sense of power trickled down her spine. She could bring him pleasure, too. She kissed his again and then again, sliding her mouth over the flesh.

  He responded by nudging further into her mouth and suddenly she understood. And when she sucked him further in, he moaned, holding her face in his hand.

  But rather than stop, she kissed him again, bringing him deeper into her mouth each time, until, with a load groan, he shuddered out his own completion.

  Millie had never experienced anything like it, when his body collapsed on top of hers, his weight coming down on hers again, she knew she belonged here with him. Always.

  * * *

  Patrick woke to the first rays of the sun peeking in through the windows.

  Millie lay curled into his side, an arm and a leg tossed over him. He kissed the top of her head, tightening his grip on her torso.

  Last night had been…he sighed. Beautiful. Just like her.

  But he needed to get her back to her room before they were discovered. Despite the impending marriage, he had a feeling her brothers would not appreciate his premature advances. Their opinions mattered, too. He’d like to start their marriage with their respect, not their anger.

  With that in mind, he stroked her cheek. “Millie.”

  Her brown eyes blinked open, her sleepy gaze fixing on his face. “Patrick.”

  “It’s time to return to your room,” he whispered.

  She nodded, stretching against him. “All right.”

  He rolled from the bed and quickly dressed, helping her into her night clothes. Then they snuck out of the room, making their way quickly to down the backstairs and to her door. She opened the heavy panel and then raised up on tiptoe, pressing her mouth to his. “Last night was…”

  He kissed her back. “Wonderful. But we’ll have many more.” He kissed her one more time. “Now in bed with you before anyone knows you’re gone.”

  She gave a nod before she slipped inside and then closed the door behind her. He stood in the hall for a minute or more, just staring at the spot where she’d disappeared. How could he miss her so much already?

  He slowly turned and made his way back to his room, shaving, bathing and dressing for the day.

  When he made his way down for breakfast, he ran directly into Ben.

>   “Excellent. You’re up, Cranston.”

  “I’m up,” he answered.

  “I’ve just received word from the Archbishop Canterbury. I’ve the special license in hand and you and Millie can be wed this morning.”

  He stopped. “This morning?” He knew a funny grin was pulling at his lips. Married to Millie? Today?

  Ben responded by slapping his arm. “I’m glad to see that reaction.”

  “Has anyone told Millie?”

  “Chloe is headed up to her room now. We’ll need to be ready in a few hours. But that means we could leave for the north as soon as tomorrow.”

  Patrick nodded. “I’m glad.”

  Ben rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sorry you won’t be able to start at your new business right away, but I can assure you, I’ve got a good manager in place for now. And when this is all done, I’ve got a decent home on the property.”

  “Decent?” Patrick asked.

  Ben chuckled. “Six bedrooms.”

  Patrick’s brows raised. He’d have a home to take Millie to?

  “Will Millie like it?”

  Ben’s smile widened. “I think she will. I designed it to be as close to Cliffside as I could afford.” Then the duke’s smile slipped. “I’m glad you’re marrying my sister and taking over my business.”

  “But?” Patrick asked then.

  Ben shook his head. “Would I offend you to say that I’d hoped for more down on the business and property?”

  Patrick winced. He wasn’t offended in the least. He knew what the dukedom faced. And much as he wanted to provide for Millie, he knew the answer to this problem without question. Millie’s ring. It hurt his pride a bit. He could admit to that.

  But he also knew what Millie wanted and that was to be a man’s partner. “I may have a solution, but we’re going to need Millie.”

  Ben raised his brows. “Let’s get her then, shall we?”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Two hours later, Millie stood outside the local parish, resting her hand on Ben’s arm. “I can’t believe I’m getting married.”

  “I can’t believe you gave me mother’s ring,” Ben answered, looking over at her. “Thank you.”

  Millie drew in a deep breath, turning toward her brother. “I love you, Ben. I’ve always loved you and when you were gone…” She’d been going to say that she’d missed him. But his face shuttered before she could get out the words.

  “I’m sorry I left you, Millie.” His voice was so quiet, she almost didn’t hear him.

  She shook her head. Despite her feelings of hurt over his loss, she hadn’t meant to make him feel guilty. “I only meant to say that I would do nearly anything to help you.”

  He swallowed. “Millie.” He drew in a long breath. “I need you to understand something.”

  “What?”

  “I left because I love you, too.”

  His words stole her breath. How could that be true? Had Patrick told him of her hurt feelings over Ben. “You don’t have to say it. I—”

  “No. Listen.” Ben reached for her hand, holding her fingers in his. “I left because I thought he’d be kinder to all of you if I were gone. You especially. I was young and foolish, and I can see now that I made the wrong choice. But I need you to know I was trying to protect you. And myself. I can admit to that.”

  Tears welled up behind her eyes. “Did Patrick tell you to say that?”

  Ben blinked, his chin pulling back in surprise. “You’ve talked to him about us?”

  Millie shrugged. It seemed as though Patrick hadn’t shared with her brother, which she really appreciated. And it also meant that Ben was saying these words because… “Just that between father and you, I thought…” she didn’t want to hurt him… “I worried that I drove you away.”

  He shuddered. “Oh, Millie.” And then her eldest brother crushed her in a hug.

  Chloe opened the doors to the church. “They’re ready—oh!” And then without a word, she came down the two steps and threw her arms about them both. “I’m so glad to see you two hugging.”

  Millie was glad, too. And somehow, this moment with Ben, made her even more certain that she’d made the right choice by marrying Patrick.

  Ben pulled away. “Well, then. If they’re ready for you…”

  Millie blinked back tears. “I’m ready, too.” In fact, she was more ready than she’d ever been. And as Ben led her into the church, and she saw Patrick in front of her, the tears she’d been holding back filled her eyes again.

  Because she was marrying the man she loved.

  The ceremony flowed over her, her hands clasped in Patrick’s.

  Ben, Dez and Justice sat in the first pew, as she said the words that tied her future to Patrick’s forever.

  She glanced over at Chloe and Esme, as well, so glad to have them here.

  How could she have worried that she didn’t have love in her life? At this moment, she’d never been fuller of the emotion.

  And as for her fear about her father…about marrying a man like him…Patrick had proven over and over just how different he was.

  Kind, considerate, protective and loving. She knew she’d be happy in his hands and that she’d take the best care of him as best she could.

  And when his lips came down on hers, sealing their vows, her throat closed.

  This was where she belonged.

  * * *

  The day had passed in a welcome reprieve from the worry and strife. After the ceremony, they’d quickly returned to townhouse where they’d had a simple wedding breakfast.

  Patrick winced when, instead of travelling to their new home, they only travelled up the stairs.

  But then again, Millie’s protection was more important than anything else.

  Tomorrow would be soon enough to begin their journey north.

  It had been decided that Ben, Dez, Dez’s wife Fleur, and Justice would all make the trip.

  Esme, however, was staying in London.

  Ben had argued at first, worried about her safety. Esme had returned, however, that trouble was far more likely to follow the brothers. She was in mourning and would stay in the house. Plus, her son was already set up with tutors here in London.

  In the end, Ben had acquiesced.

  Veritas had also come to the wedding breakfast, assuring them his injuries were minor. He’d also stay and continue the search for the White’s bastard sibling.

  Tomorrow, they’d be on a cross-country journey with much of Millie’s family in tow. But tonight was theirs and they would make every minute count.

  She walked ahead of him, hips swaying as she climbed the stairs.

  Patrick had never seen anything more alluring than Millie walking…fully dressed. And when she looked at him over her shoulder, he knew he’d made the right choice.

  “When does Ben think that we’ll be able to take up residence in our new home?” she asked as she reached the landing.

  He shook his head, placing a hand at her waist. “Not until this entire business is taken care of.”

  Millie nodded, a sigh escaping her lips. “Ben and I had a lovely talk, and I’m glad we’ve put the past behind us, but there is our sister to consider.”

  His sister. “What do you mean?”

  She turned to him then. “You said you wished for her to come live with us, didn’t you?”

  He stopped on the top step. She’d remembered. “I did.”

  She touched his cheek. “I’m assuming we can’t make that happen until we’re settled into our new residence.”

  His heart was so full, it was fit to burst. “Millie.” Without another word, he scooped her into his arms.

  She wrapped her arms about his neck. “I love you.”

  “And I you.” He kissed her then, carrying her toward their room. “I love you so much, Millie. Somehow, with you, everything in my life has just moved into place.”

  She sighed in his arms. “Mine, too.”

  “We were meant to be.”

&nb
sp; Still holding her, he opened the door and entered the room, pushing the heavy panel closed behind him.

  He kissed her then, long and slow, his tongue sliding against hers until they were both gasping for air.

  Millie was his.

  All his.

  They belonged together.

  He lightly set her on her feet even as he continued to kiss her, and they only broke apart when he stepped around her to begin undoing the tiny buttons at the back of her dress.

  With each piece of her clothing that he removed, he also took off one of his own, until they were both nearly naked.

  Only his breeches and her chemise remained.

  She stepped back into his arms, eagerly kissing him again. He laughed as her hands thread about his neck. “That took an eternity.”

  Despite the fire travelling through his veins, he had to chuckle at that. “Women’s clothes are ridiculously complicated.”

  Her tongue touched his in lieu of an answer and he forgot his amusement as desire roared to the surface, blocking out all his other feelings. Truth be told, he’d been purposefully slow to remove her layers. Not just because they were complicated but because…he’d wanted to savor this moment.

  But now, as slow as he’d gone, everything sped up. Their bodies ground together as he kissed a trail down her neck and over her chest. And when he sucked her nipple, still covered by her chemise, into his mouth, she pulled at his hair, her body arching into him.

  He growled out his need as they tumbled onto the bed. He kissed her everywhere, tasting her skin as he peeled away her last layer.

  She pulled at his falls and he shucked those off, too, their skin rubbing together, creating an exquisite friction that had blood pounding in his veins.

  His manhood pressed to the slick folds of her opening and, as he began to sink into her, he moaned in pleasure, trying to slow down once again. He didn’t want to hurt his love. She was new and her channel, wet as it was, was decidedly tight.

  But she tilted her hips, taking more of him in.

  “Millie,” he whispered close to her ear. “I don’t want to hurt you.”