Her gasp of pleasure was gratifying. She was as far gone as him.
She rose on her knees, positioned him at her entrance, and sank down. Her moan of pleasure blended with his groan of relief as slick heat enveloped him. He gripped her hips. Immobilizing her while he took a few deep breaths to regroup.
“Don’t move.”
She didn’t. But her internal muscles tightened around him, extracting a strangled laugh from him. His fingers tightened on her hips. He was going to leave marks on her fair flesh, but he couldn’t let go.
“Witch. You are going to make me come too soon.”
“Maybe that’s my intent,” she whispered against his mouth. “Maybe I want to splinter your rigid control.”
“No. I don’t want this to be about control. I want it slow and tender. Kiss me, Kalli. Make love to me.”
She understood. And bless her, she did. Cupping his face tenderly, she kissed him. Annihilating his awareness as the kiss went on and on. A mating of lips and tongues as intimate as their bodies joining below.
There was no frenzy this time. No wrestling for control or straining to reach the end. But a mutual enjoyment of each other and the moment.
The climax, when it came, took them by surprise. A release of emotion just as much as of pent-up desire.
CHAPTER 23
The duke’s London residencewas suitably impressive. Grand, towering pillars, adorned with intricate Corinthian capitals, flanked the entrance, rising to support a majestic pediment above. The finely carved, warm-hued stone showcasing the craftsmanship of the era.
Someone had obviously designed the facade to inspire awe and showcase power. But that was not what had her stomach tied in knots. Nor was the snotty superiority of the butler, who looked them down as if they were importuning him.
“May I help you?” he intoned, managing to imply that he didn’t actually intend to help at all.
“Yes, we need to speak with the duke and duchess,” Dariux replied with enough command to give pause to the haughty butler.
“His and Her Grace are not at home,” the butler replied.
“It is a matter of utmost importance. They will want to receive us,” Kalli provided, taking pity on the man.
The butler’s nose twitched. The only outward sign that their insistence flustered him. “I shall inquire if they are receiving. May I have your calling card?”
“We don’t have one,” Dariux shot back impatiently. “Just tell them we have the information they seek. And that it is about the duchess. They will understand.”
