Reaching out his hand, he stroked Vivian’s cheek with his finger, interrupting her flow of words. “The gown is beautiful on you.”
Her breath hitched. “And much softer.”
He trailed his finger over her jaw and down her neck to the top where the tiny button started. “Yes, much softer.”
Finally, she leaned into his caress. “I’ve missed you dreadfully.”
“As I have you.” Rupert covered Vivian’s mouth with his own. Gently, he pulled her up, bringing her fully into his arms. “I’ve thought of nothing else but you since I left this morning.” He ran his palm down her back, pressing the tips of his fingers into her spine. “Shall we have a glass of wine and a bite to eat, or will you let me make love to you first?”
She melted into him, sighing when he palmed her breast. “Love me. All I want is for you to love me.”
Good Christ, he did, but now was not the time to tell her. Earlier to-day he had finally understood how fragile she truly was, and he only hoped he could help her to heal from the scars her husband had inflicted on her psyche. Rupert swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed.
Laying her down as he kissed her, he quickly removed his jacket, cravat, waistcoat, and shirt as he toed off his shoes. When he took his place next to her, she touched his chest, as if she’d never felt a male body before, and perhaps she hadn’t. Rupert attempted to think how he would act if forced to be with one woman when he loved another, and could not. The one thing he knew was that he would not hurt her. Now, he must show her how much he loved her, mind, soul, and body.
“You look better than the Marbles.” Her tone was breathy and full of wonder.
He could have chuckled, but her countenance was too serious as she studied him.
She touched his nipple. “May I kiss you there?”
“You may kiss me anywhere you like. My body is yours to command.”
Vivian grinned. “I feel as if I am exploring a new continent.”
She nuzzled his chest, placing feather-light kisses on him. By the time she touched her tongue tentatively to his nipple, he was harder than he’d ever been in his life. Should he wait until she agreed to be his wife before they consummated their union, or should he show her what their love would be like?
Vivian continued her innocent explorations, and Rupert began cataloging his plants. It was a damned good thing he’d left his pantaloons on, or she would probably run away in fear.
He sucked in a sharp breath as her teeth raked his nipple.
“Did I hurt you?”
There was so much concern in her eyes, he could have wept. How seriously had she been wounded? Was that the reason she hadn’t wanted him to touch her mons? “Not at all. It feels good.”
“Then I’ll do it again.” Against his chest, she smiled.
As she moved against him, the embroidery of her gown teased his stomach, increasing his need. He switched from plants to multiplication, all the time reminding himself that his forbearance was for Vivian. They could not have a full life if she was still afraid of what he might do to her.
Rupert stroked every part of her he could reach. Soon they were both panting and moaning, creating a symphony of their own. He reached down, gradually raising the edge of her nightgown higher, waiting for her to say no. Instead, she latched on to his lips with her own. Soon their tongues tangled in an intimate dance. Her fingers moved down his back and over his bottom.
God, this was torture. Sweet torture, but torture nonetheless. Finally, he covered her labia and stroked. Within seconds Vivian came apart in his hands.
“Oh God, oh God,” she screamed. He held her until her breathing evened. “Rupert, I never knew anything could feel that good. Even better than last night.”
Rupert wanted to place her hand over his hard shaft, to bury himself in her slick heat. He bit his inner cheek hard. “May I assume you like when I touch you there?”
“It never felt good before.”
“I’ll always make you feel good.”
“You will, won’t you?” Awe filled her voice.
For the rest of our lives, if you allow me.“I promise you I shall.”
He held her as she fell asleep, trying to think of ways he could murder a dead man.
Vivian woke with a start. The candles had burned down in their holders. Rupert still had his arms wrapped around her, and once more the sense of safety she always experienced with him seeped through her skin into her bones. Even if she had wanted to, at this moment, she could not have left him. And he would keep his promise, until he discovered she was Vivian or saw her deformity. Even then, he would do nothing to harm her, but would gently set her aside. That is what would break her heart, and she must leave before that happened.
