“We’re not finished yet.” He kissed her hair. “I’ll make it good for you. I promise.”
His lips roamed over her face and neck. She grabbed his head and kissed him, trying to forget the pain and possess him as he had her. She caressed his tongue with hers, and he groaned. Then he moved inside her again, and gradually the sting was replaced by the fire she’d had before.
“Wrap your legs round me.”
Mary did as he asked, then clung to him as he thrust harder and deeper. Their bodies were slick, and her hips reached up to meet him, as if she already knew the strange, intimate dance. From deep within, she began to tremble again and forgot the pain, only concentrating on reaching the peak as she had before.
Just as the flames took her, she called out for Kit, and he shouted her name.
For a few moments, their hearts beat a tattoo, then he rolled off to her side, but brought her with him, slipping one arm under her, holding her as if she would break.
Kit felt like the worst scoundrel in the world. He wouldn’t blame Mary if it took her a long time before she wanted to try it again. He waited for her recriminations; instead she was so quiet. Still, she’d come for him twice. Perhaps she wouldn’t think it was so bad. He stroked her back, waiting for her to do something, anything. If only she’d forgive him. “I’m sorry.”
“No, don’t be. It wasn’t all dreadful. In fact, at the end it was quite nice.” Mary rolled slightly, placing her palm on his chest. “What is what we did called?”
“Lovemaking.” Kit settled her more firmly against him. “It is pleasurable, or will be the next time.”
He glanced at her, and was not surprised to find her unconvinced.
Mary drew her brows together. “You are positive it only hurts the first time?”
“Yes.” He’d make damn sure she never experienced pain again. “You may be sore for a day or so, possibly less.” If only he knew what else to tell her. “I’m sure Phoebe or Caro could elucidate it more fully than I am able to.”
He wished to God someone had had the foresight to explain matters to Mary. It would have made this so much easier, for both of them.
“What shall we do now?”
Not engage in more lovemaking. He was glad Lady Theo had thought of the hotel, but it was a bit awkward now. “We’ll order baths. The warm water should help you feel more the thing. Give me a moment.” He rose from the bed, looked at her and . . . blood. How could he have forgotten? Taking a linen cloth from the wash stand, he knelt next to Mary.
She rose up on her arms, and stared at him. “What are you doing?”
“Cleaning you.” He carefully wiped between her legs, and she winced.
“For what reason? I thought we were bathing.”
“There is blood, from when your maidenhead tore.”
Her face turned scarlet. She held out her hand. “I can do it.”
“No, please. Let me take care of you.”
She huffed, but lay back down, her cheeks still aflame.
After rinsing the cloth, he continued. “I am, after all, your husband.”
If he didn’t do something, he was going to lose her. Tossing the linen aside, Kit climbed onto the bed.
Mary slid across the bed, as if she’d flee. “What are you doing?”
“I’m going to cuddle you.” He flopped down, pulled her close, and wrapped his arms around her. For several moments she lay rigid against him. Eventually, her body began to soften. “This isn’t too bad, is it?”
She nuzzled her head on his chest. “No, not at all.”
While Mary dozed, Kit tried to come up with what to do next. She wasn’t the only one who required more information about their first time. He should have asked some questions as well. Such as, how long would he have to wait before they could make love again? She was still skittish, and he must ensure she enjoyed herself before she’d want to engage in marital congress on a regular basis.
Other than bathing and eating again, what were they to do for the rest of the day and night? Play chess or cards? He heaved a sigh. It was time for reinforcements.
Theo smiled into her tea-cup as she waited for Titus to come break his fast. He’d been sleeping soundly when she’d left their bedchamber early this morning, ready to step in if the course of true love between Mr. Featherton and Lady Mary looked to be deviating from the proper course.
