by Gill, Tamara
“And you shall,” Evie agreed, linking arms with her oldest friend. “You are more than welcome to stay with us during the Season or whenever you wish. My door is always open to you. I cannot thank you enough for being my companion and support these past weeks. I know I have not been the sanest person at times.”
“You thought that you had lost the love of your life. That is enough to make anyone a little mad.”
“Who is mad?” the duke asked, wrapping his arm about Evie’s waist and holding her close to his side.
“I was, husband, when I thought that I had lost you.”
He leaned down, kissing her promptly in front of their friends. The kiss, a sweet embrace, lingered longer than it ought and a few muffled chuckles from about them brought them to their senses. “You will never lose me, my darling. I promise you that,” the duke whispered so only she could hear.
Ava, Hallie, and Willow joined them. All of her friends here made the day more special, and she was thankful for their love and support.
“Well,” Willow said, a teasing glint in her eye. “Now, there was only one.”
“One what?” Molly asked, looking at them all in turn.
“One of us left unwed. Whatever shall we do, ladies? I suggest that next Season we promise to all be in town to ensure our darling Molly finds the gentleman of her dreams,” Ava said, grinning mischievously.
“I beg you not to do such a thing,” Molly said, shaking her head. “I’m traveling abroad, as you well know. I may not even be back before next year.”
“You will be, we’ll make sure of it. There are some acquaintances of Whitstone’s that I know are suitable and honorable for our Molly. I shall hold a ball and invite them.”
“Please do not.” Molly shook her head, her face paling somewhat. “I will not be bargained off like a prized mare of yours, Ava.”
Evie smiled at her friends as they planned and schemed for Molly. Finn took her hand and pulled her away toward the house, her friends so caught up in their conversation they did not notice their parting.
“What are you up to, Finn?”
“I think our friends have had us for long enough. It’s time for you and me to become better acquainted as husband and wife.”
She raised her brow, unable to keep a smile from her lips. “Really? How very naughty of you.”
“You have no idea.” Finn pulled her through his townhouse without, thankfully, passing a servant. To see them, it would not be hard to know what they were about. Evie chuckled at the thought just as he pulled her into the ducal apartments in the home, closing and locking the door with a decided snap.
He leaned against the painted wooden door, slowly dragging the cravat from his neck before throwing it aside. The top button on his breeches was next, and heat licked across her skin, expectation thrumming through her core.
“You are impatient.”
“I am.” He pushed away from the door and came up against her within a couple of strides. He hoisted her in his arms, kissing her soundly as he made his way to the bed.
Evie expected him to throw her onto the opulent bedding, but he did not. Instead, he set her on her feet, turning her, so she faced the bed. “Put your hands down to support yourself.”
She did as he bade, expectation flowing through her. She could feel herself grow wet, and she wiggled her bottom against Finn, wanting him with a desperation that left her breathless.
Cool air kissed her legs as his large hands clasped the hem of her gown, sliding it up to her waist. Evie bit her lip, thinking how delightful married life was already.
Naughty indeed.
Finn’s cock had been in a state of semi-erection since he’d seen his beautiful Evie walking up toward him to become his wife. He’d chatted and entertained their friends in the gardens for as long as he could, but all he could think about was when he’d have his bride to himself.
Alone in his bed. His duchess next to him in the ducal apartments.
The duchess, of course, had her own suite of rooms both here and at their numerous country estates, but he wanted Evie to sleep with him. To only ever be within an arms reach of his side.
His wife mewled as he glided his hand up her thigh, slipping it against her mons and teasing her wet cunny. She was hot and ready for him, and with his other hand, he freed his cock, taking himself in hand.
“I’m going to fuck you, Duchess,” he said, lifting the last of her gown and thrusting his cock against her sex, teasing her with slow, delicious strokes.
“Oh yes,” she gasped, her hands fisting into the bedding. She slid back onto him, teasing him in turn. “Fuck me, Finn.”
Her taunting words maddened him, and without waiting, he thrust deep into her. His hands anchored on her hips, holding her as she took each thrust. She was so tight, grinding down on him, and he breathed deep, wanting to pleasure her as much as she did him. He could not get enough of her.
Finn pushed Evie onto the bed. “Get on your hands and knees, my darling.”
She scrambled to do as he asked, and he came over her. He slipped into her again, and exquisite pleasure made them both moan. From the first time they had been together, each time was the same. The enjoyment they wrought was something he would never tire of. Finn thrust his cock, finding a fast, delectable rhythm Evie liked. She panted and moaned before him, dropping to muffle her noises in the bedding.
He pushed her toward a climax, teasing himself in turn. Her cunny wrapped about him like a glove, milking him and his breathing seized. She was so beautiful, so willing and his.
The word mine reverberated about in his mind, and he held himself deep in her, smiling as she undulated against him, seeking him, wanting him to fuck her.
“What are you doing? Stop teasing me, Finn.”
Finn came down over her, one hand slipping down her bodice to clasp her breast, tease her puckered, erect nipples. They fit into his palms and he was impatient to kiss them, lick his way down her delectable body to between her legs and take her to climax with his tongue.
So many things to do and now they had all the time in the world to do it in.
Not willing to wait any longer, she pushed back onto him, fucking him instead. His body seized, and he groaned, pumping her anew. Their lovemaking became frenzied the closer they came to pleasure.
Finn moaned as the trembling contractions of her release pulled and tightened about his cock, and he came, hard and long, fucking her until she collapsed on the bed, still dressed in her wedding gown, but satisfied beyond reason.
He slumped beside her, chuckling at their dressed state and what they had done. “At least this way, we can return to the wedding breakfast, and no one will be any the wiser.”
“Really?” Evie said, sitting up and pulling the pins from her hair.
“What are you doing?” he asked, unable to form enough energy to stop her progress.
“We’re not going back to the breakfast, husband. You’re going to make love to me all day and all night. If you did not already know, I’m seven and twenty. I have some years to make up for being without a husband.”
He grinned, pulling at his cravat. “Well, I cannot say no to that.”
She came down over him, kissing him before moving down his neck. “No, you cannot. And now that I have you right where I want you, there is something else that I’d like to try.”
“Hmm? What is that?” he said, closing his eyes and enjoying her touch.
“Well, what I want to kiss next is in your breeches, so please, Your Grace, do lie back, and let me explore what is now mine.”
Finn groaned, his cock twitching at the thought of seeing Evie take him in her mouth. The idea alone could almost make him come. He lay his arms behind his head, grinning. “I’m all yours, Duchess.”
“Yes, you most certainly are,” Her Grace agreed.
Evie woke the next morning, her stomach cramping and protesting the new day. She pushed back the blankets and flew out of bed, running toward the chamber pot behind the screen
and retched. Only just making it in time. Her stomach roiled as it always did during this time of the morning and she slumped back against the wall, hoping that the nausea would pass sooner rather than later.
However, she would deal with such an unwelcome side effect to a most precious gift.
“Evie? Are you poorly?” Finn came around the screen and kneeled before her, reaching out to touch her forehead. “You are a little warm and clammy. Was it something you ate?”
He helped her to stand and then swooped her into his arms, walking them both back toward the bed. Evie basked against his warm, calming presence, before he laid her down on the bedding, tucking her back in. The perfect husband, he poured her a glass of water, handing it to her. “Do you wish for me to ring for a tisane? A bath? What will make you feel better, my darling?”
Evie reached out, pulling him to sit beside her. “Nothing will make me feel better for a little while at least. You must prepare yourself to be putting up with such annoyances for some weeks still. Or so my doctor advised me when I met with him the other week.”
The duke frowned down at her, his face a mask of confusion. “Whatever is wrong? There must be something we can do. You cannot be ill like that every morning, surely.”
Evie chuckled, sipping her water. “The sickness the doctor advised will pass, Finn. He says by the fourth month I shall be quite myself again.” She was being vague, wanting him to guess their happy news, which if his widened eyes and gaping mouth were anything to go by, he’d figured out her secret.
“You’re pregnant?”
She nodded, tears welling in her eyes at the welcome news. A baby. Their baby. “I am. I know I should have told you earlier, but I was fearful. Silly really,” she said, wiping at her cheeks. “I should have trusted in your love.”
“You thought that had you told me I would have only married you out of obligation, out of necessity due to my father’s ridiculous will.” Finn joined her in bed, pulling her up against his chest. “I’m glad you did not tell me. Now not you nor anyone else can ever think that I married you out of such reasons. I married you because I love you.” He kissed her soundly, taking her cup of water and placing it on the table beside their bed. “I adore you. I cannot tell you how happy this news makes me.”
“Truly?” she asked, clasping him tight. “I’m so glad. I was a little worried you would think it was too soon.”
“No,” he said, meeting her gaze, the love that shone in his blue orbs making her heart squeeze. “A child with you, to start our family, would never be too soon.”
Evie reached up and touched his jaw, feeling the short stubble against her palms. He was so very handsome and dishevelled after their night of lovemaking and sleep. How she adored him. “I’m so glad you said that, my love for I couldn’t agree more.”
“We should travel back to Wiltshire. You need to rest and my housekeeper at Stoneheim will know exactly how to make you comfortable, so you do not suffer unduly.”
The idea of returning home was appealing. The country air, her mama to help her through the coming months. “I would like that very much.”
“Wonderful.” Finn jumped out of bed, racing to ring for the servants. “We’ll leave today if you agree.”
“I most definitely agree,” Evie said, before another cramping pain took hold in her stomach and she raced out of bed for the second time that morning.
The duke came about the screen, rubbing her back. “On second thought, maybe when your sickness calms down, we shall return home. There is no rush.”
Evie nodded, heaving once again into the chamber pot. “I think that may be best.”
Epilogue
The Season, London – One year later
Evie rocked the cribs of Marcus Finlay Stone, Marquess of Lexington, and Lady Marigold Stone in their newly decorated London bedroom. She had just read them a bedtime story, and tonight she and Finn were going to attend their first ball of the Season since their marriage. Evie bent down, giving her wolfhound, Sugar a big pat and scratch before taking her leave.
They had not returned to town after they had traveled back to Wiltshire, preferring to stay in the country for the duration of her confinement and because the duke had long lost interest in the ton.
But, duty called, and she had promised her friends that she would attend next year’s Season if only to ensure their friend Molly found a husband as wonderful and sweet as they all had.
“Are you ready, my dear?” Finn said, stepping into the room, his skintight black breeches and superfine coat with a silver embroidered waistcoat made him look beyond handsome. Nerves fluttered in her stomach, and she had the urge to pinch herself that he was hers—all hers and no one else’s.
“I’m just putting our babies to bed. Are they not adorable?”
Finn smiled, coming into the room and kissing each of their children in turn. He pulled her from the room, wishing the nanny a goodnight and telling her where they could be found if they needed to return home.
“I know you’re nervous about leaving them, but all will be well. They’re safe and happy and about to go to sleep. Nanny will look after them and I need to look after you. You deserve a little fun and to see your friends again. It’s almost been a year.”
“I know,” Evie said, walking down the stairs and taking a shawl from a waiting footman. Finn helped her into the carriage, and he rapped on the roof. The carriage rolled forward, and Evie glanced back at the house, praying all would be well.
“You’re a wonderful mother. I’m so very happy that you’re mine.”
Warmth spread through her, and she turned toward Finn, snuggling up against him as they so often did when traveling alone. “And you’re a good father. Thank you for the wonderful, full life that you’ve given me.”
Tears pooled in her eyes and she sniffed, knowing that not all her emotion was due to her love of Finn, but also being away from her precious babies for the first time. She took a calming breath, repeating what Finn had told her. That all would be well. The children were well looked after.
“Are you really going to try and match Molly with a gentleman that you ladies believe is suitable? I could not help but feel she is less than enthused to be a party to your plan if her words the other afternoon at tea were anything to go by.”
Evie shot a look at the duke. “Really? I thought she seemed quite open to our helping her.”
Finn scoffed, smiling. “You are all blind if you think that is the case. Molly looked like she could spit fire, not to mention I have heard rumors.”
“Rumors? What kind of rumors?” Oh dear, Evie hoped there was nothing wrong with her friend. She had not spoken much about her trip abroad, only that it was pleasant and something that she would love to do again.
“Rumors that she was somehow involved with a certain duke in Italy. He’s English, has lived abroad for many years, indeed, has houses in both Italy, Spain, and England. A rogue, of course, never married and unlikely to do so, but he’s in London for the Season, and it’s quite the scandal.”
“He’s here? Whatever brought him back to England, do you think?”
Finn grinned down at her, winking. “What brought him back to England indeed? Can you not guess, my dear?”
Evie stared at her husband a moment, hardly able to believe it. “Molly?”
The duke kissed her, smiling. “Yes. Molly.”
Thank you for taking the time to read To Be Wicked with You! I hope you enjoyed the fourth book in my League of Unweddable Gentlemen series. I do adore a good carriage ride adventure, and if you wanted to see where Evie and Finn stayed, I have all the details on my Pinterest page. Follow this link here to see those lovely historical inns.
I adore my readers, and I’m so thankful for your support with my books. If you're able, I would appreciate an honest review of To Be Wicked with You. As they say, feed an author, leave a review!
If you'd like to learn about the final book in my League of Unweddable Gentlemen series, Kiss Me Duke, please read on. I
have included chapter one (unedited) for your reading pleasure.
Kiss Me Duke
League of Unweddable Gentlemen, Book 5
Chapter 1
They had finally arrived. Molly stepped out of the carriage and stretched, basked in the warm Mediterranean sun. Rome. Just the thought of where she was sent a thrill down her spine and expectation thrumming through her blood.
So many beautiful places to visit and see, she could not wait to get started. Thanks to her friends back in London, the Duke of Whitstone had secured her lodgings at one of Rome's most beautiful villas. Or so they said. The family were from home, but their servants would care for her and her companion for the one month that they would be here.
The front door to the villa opened, and a gray-haired, voluptuous woman came out onto the street, her smile as warm as the sun shining down on Molly's back.
"Signora, Molly, welcome. Welcome to Roma. Come, we shall serve refreshments for you. You must be wearied from your travels."
Molly smiled, relieved to be welcomed so lovingly at the home. She did not know the family who lived here, and she had been a little concerned that the staff would see her as an annoyance rather than a pleasure.
"Thank you for having me. I hope it is not too much trouble that I'm here."
"Oh, no no no. We're very happy to have you here. "Signore Hugh is not here. He is away in Naples for the duration of your stay, and we have been expecting you. He informed us before he left last month to care for you well. You have mutual friends, yes?"
Molly stepped into the villa, unable to take in the beauty of it quickly enough. The floors were covered in a luxurious terracotta tile, making the space feel cooler than it probably was. The window dressings billowed with a warm Meditteranean breeze that smelt of salt and spices. The villa was everything one would hope a Roman home would be, and so very different from the London townhouses.