He tilted his head. “I suppose in a way it could be seen like that. Would you like a glass of wine?”
That was when she noticed a round cherry table and two chairs. On the table were covered plates and a bottle of wine in ice. “Yes, please.” She had pushed back the netting over the bonnet when they had entered the house. Now she removed the hat, took the glass of wine, and sipped it. “This is excellent.”
“I found it during my tour at a vineyard in France and arranged to have several cases shipped home.”
Theo wandered to the French windows and peered out to the garden beyond. For almost the first time in her life, she did not know what to do next.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Leo watched his beloved Theo standing at the window. If anything was going to happen today, it would be up to him. He smiled to himself. This was one area where she had no experience, and he did.
Setting down his wine, he strolled over to her. “Do you like the view?”
He took her glass as she turned, and set it on a small table. She gazed up at him with her lapis eyes. “It is wonderful.”
He framed her face with his palms. Her eyes drifted shut as their lips met. He’d only really kissed her once before. She opened her lips for him, allowing him to taste her. Soon her arms were around his neck, and her tongue tangled with his. He quickly unmoored the buttons on the back of her gown. As it slid down, he feathered kisses on her neck and shoulders, then removed the pins holding her hair. The chestnut curls poured over her body almost to her waist.
“More.” She squirmed in his arms.
“More is coming, my love.” Next her stays dropped away, and all that was left was her chemise. She untied the bow at the neckline, and he followed with his lips. Twirling his tongue around one nipple, then the other, they came to stiff peaks under his ministrations. Her clothing pooled around her feet, and he swept her into his arms, opened the door to the bedroom, and placed her gently on the bed.
She was beautiful, staring up at him. “You have on too many clothes.”
“That is easily rectified. Do you wish to watch?”
Her cheeks and neck pinkened. “Yes.”
Slowly Leo removed his clothes, watching her eyes as he did. He was concerned about her reaction to his cock when he removed his trousers, but she appeared more fascinated than afraid. That was a very good sign.
“Come to me.” Theo held out her hand.
He climbed carefully onto the bed. “Now what?”
A line formed between her brows. “I am not sure. More kisses?”
Their lips came together again, but this time he stroked one finger over her cheek, down her neck, and cupped her ample breasts. She pushed up into his hand, and he bent his head, taking one nipple into his mouth before kissing his way down to her mons. Settling between her legs he licked.
“Oh. Oh, Lord! That feels so good!” Her body pushed up, wanting more.
Leo claimed her mouth again and he inserted one finger and lightly rubbed with his thumb. Theo threw her head back as she spasmed around him. Then he entered her. She gasped as he breached her maidenhead and clung to him. “Are you well?”
“Yes.” Her voice was shaky. “I knew it would hurt.”
He stilled, then when she relaxed began to move again, and, thankfully, she moved with him. It wasn’t long before she convulsed around him and he allowed himself his release. She was his. Leo hadn’t expected this, with Theo, to be so different. Yet it was. Love made the difference. He reached over to a bowl he knew contained water and a small linen cloth to clean them. Even though he’d expected the blood, it was still shocking somehow. He cuddled her, holding her in his arms. He’d been with many women, but it was never like this. His love grew even stronger for Theo. From this day forward, she was his wife. She would be the mother of his children. And he’d protect her with his life.
Theo lay in bed, curled next to Chandos. In his arms. Savoring the fading feelings of his lovemaking. She had known it would be good. She had not realized how wonderful it would be. Aside from the bite of pain, the experience was like no other.
His chin nuzzled her head. “How do you feel?”
“Perfect.” It was true. She had never been so content, so happy.
“We really are one now.”
“We are. Forever.” A smile played around his lips.
She rolled onto her side, then threaded her fingers through his soft, black chest curls. “I am very glad we visited this house. In a way, I wish we could keep it.”
Theo could feel him looking down at her. “Do you?”
