She was flushed and beautiful, and ready for him. “Rupert, I’m afraid. It has never felt good before.”
“Do you trust me?”
“Yes.”
“I won’t hurt you. If you need me to stop, I shall.”
Vivian couldn’t bring herself to stop Rupert. He’d been so kind to her, he deserved some joy for himself. She braced for the pain, but the only feeling was a stretching, and fullness. He sank into her as if he had done it a thousand times before. Nothing had ever felt so good, or so right. She blinked rapidly, determined to stop her tears of delight mixed with sorrow from falling. She could never give him nearly as much as he had given her. Leaving him would be unbearable, but she should not think of that now.
Rupert drew back as if he’d withdraw, and she tightened her grip on his derrière. “No.”
In answer, he plunged deeper into her. “I’m not going anywhere, my love. Wrap your legs around me.”
Vivian did as she was told, and the luscious tension returned. “Good, so good. I want more.”
“Your wish shall be granted.” His voice was harsh and low, but his touch was gentle.
She didn’t know what she’d done to deserve a man like him. Frissons of sensual pleasure speared through her, until finally, she was trembling beneath him.
Rupert kissed her as if the world would end, until he shuddered and collapsed off to Vivian’s side, drawing her to him. No matter how long she lived, she would never forget this moment. The first time she felt beautiful and loved, when their hearts beat together and she knew she cared for him more than her life.
His lips pressed against her temple. “I love you. Never believe otherwise.”
Vivian was too happy to argue that the woman he cared for was nothing more than a wig and kohl. “As I love you.”
Later, they ate her cook’s small meat pies, perfect for a chilly night after making love yet again. Rupert fed her grapes, and she fed them to him. His eyes were the color of molten silver, and he looked at her as if he could see her soul.
As she brought the wine-glass to her lips, she lowered her lashes. If only someone had told her how dangerous to her heart falling in love would be. If only she had heeded her own warnings. To-morrow she would leave him a letter telling him the truth. She owed Rupert that much at the very least.
Rupert flashed a wicked grin, picked her up, strode to the bed, and dropped her. Before she could move, he was kissing her again. “Are you up for another round?”
Her heart,she, was lighter, more joyful than she’d ever been. “I am. Are you?”
She loved his teasing. Her husband could barely bring himself to touch her, but Rupert couldn’t seem to get enough.
“Oh, my lady, you have no idea.” His fingers worked their magic, and he laughed as she moaned. “I’ll never have enough of you.”
A few hours later, Rupert listened as the clock struck three. Next to him, Vivian was curled up, her hand and head on his chest.
He had never loved anyone the way he loved her. She was his sun, moon, and stars, and it was up to him to convince her that she deserved to be loved and cared for. Still, no matter how he’d attempted to reassure her, she had slipped away at times. If he wasn’t certain her maid would contact him, he would be terrified Vivian would attempt to leave Town without him and he would lose her.
“Come, my love. It’s time to go home.”
“I’m too comfortable.” Her tone was warm as honey, and sleepy.
So was he, but one of them had to keep propriety in mind. If anyone caught them, she would believe he had been forced to marry her, and that was the last thing she needed. “Give me a kiss, and I’ll see you to-morrow.”
Still mostly asleep, she puckered her lips, and he touched them lightly with his own before leaving her.
Rupert dressed quickly, then called Punt to attend Vivian. He met the maid outside the bedchamber door. “I’ll tell the coachman to have the carriage ready. Do not allow her to do anything rash until I see her to-morrow.”
“I’ll do my best, my lord.”
“I know you are acting in her best interest and would not normally betray her confidence, but please promise me that if she makes plans to depart Town, you will send me a message.”
Punt swallowed and nodded. “With as much as I’ve done so far, I might as well continue. Only, mind, because you make her ladyship happier than I’ve ever seen her.”
“Thank you.” He breathed a sigh of relief as the maid went to attend Vivian.
