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“I’d have coped.” She kissed his chest; he held his breath. “That’s what you should have done, anyway.”
&n
bsp; “No. It is not.” His lips caressed her hair, ready to declare his feelings for her. “Lord Pendleton invited me to dinner, by the way.”
She lifted her head to him, breathing a knowing smile. “No waste of time there!”
“No.” He agreed. “The idea of marrying Lady bloody Emily churned my stomach!”
Her fingers sought his manhood. “What are you doing, woman?” He groaned his pleasure.
“Is your stomach churning now?” She asked naughty, as he grew in her fingers.
“Damn, no!” He closed his eyes, ragged breath. “We cannot. You’re unwell.” He murmured rough.
She put one of his hands on her pebbled breast. “Do I seem unwell?”
“Not at all.” He placed her on the mattress again. “You’re going to finish me off before the wedding!” He pinned her with his body.
“Poor exploited man!” And then they were kissing as passion ignited like fire on hay.
Chapter 19
Philip stood tall and straight in the manor’s chapel, waiting for his bride. As soon as they’d arrived in Brighton, he procured a special license for the wedding. The carriage trip from Gloucestershire to Brighton had taken three rainy days, with delays caused by muddy tracks, as he’d decided to travel few hours a day not to overtax Selene. Not that she’d not protested, saying she was pregnant, not sick. Philip preferred not to risk, though. Actually, she’d been sick several times during the trip, which made him ache with her discomfort. She’d acted stoically, saying it’d be over in a couple of weeks. He’d look at her and love her even more, if possible. He also had his personal doctor examine her, his diagnostic very similar to Nell’s, to Philip’s relief.
So he stood there, formally dressed in what felt like the happiest day of his life. The classic style church filled with the manor’s staff, as the bride and groom didn’t have time or desire for much publicity. His gaze ran off through the opened stained glass windows, a perfect spring day, scattered with flowers in the sun, perfumed air and greenery all over. Suddenly, the church door opened, his stare darted to it, freezing, as the most beautiful bride stepped in, dressing a gauzy rose dress, roses in her hair and in her hands. She looked like a fairy coming straight from the scented woods. He couldn’t stop staring at her. She lifted her eyes and their gazes locked, transmitting a silent communication only they understood. Philip almost went on his knees, so elated she made him feel.
She neared him, he took her hand and they turned to the reverend, respectfully. The reverend himself couldn’t be sure if this wedding might be legal enough to take place, given the family connections between them. Philip argued, though, that they weren’t related by blood, so the clergyman had to acquiesce. Still, he thought it rather scandalous and didn’t think society would accept it, even if Philip held a dukedom. He’d keep eyes and ears open, to know better what to do in an eventual future similarity.
Eyes merged in each other, they said their vows with such solemn sincerity, their feelings for each other became obvious to whoever watched close. The ceremony over, they went to the open air celebration washed with ale and roast meet. Music and dance sprang and Philip danced several times with his bride, as they’d wished to do during the season in London. Selene seemed to be faring well and enjoyed most of the party. Next day the London papers printed the non-official news of the nuptials, making the Pendletons and the Cunninghams rather frustrated in their endeavours. This would set the gossipmongers’ tongues to go wagging incessantly. Philip thought it rather funny that two people could cause such a commotion, when there were so many more serious issues to be discussed, like the ones in Parliament.
Selene entered the manor still flushed form the dance. She’d felt a little sick in the morning, but remained well throughout the day, thankfully. She had this intense happiness coursing through her since the moment her eyes met his in the church. It seemed her very soul had joined with his. She’d walked in the clouds all day, so raptured, she could hardly believe it to be true. Nevertheless, here she was, looking at him pacing towards her, eyes on hers, overflowing with passion.
Without saying a word, he picked her up and climbed the stairs to the master chamber, already prepared for them. He placed her gently on the huge bed, sitting by her side.
“Happy?” He drawled in his deep silky voice.
Absorbed in him, she just nodded, inviting him with her eyes. Never taking his clove stare from hers, he undressed his jacket, undid his tie and bared his chest, under her attentive scrutiny. They’d dismissed Thomas and Nell, as they wanted to be alone in their wedding night. Not that they hadn’t been alone since they arrived, anyway. Today had to be especial, though.
He inclined over her as her body arched to receive his. “You?” She asked faintly.
“Cannot complain.” He jested, lips almost touching hers, their eyes meshed.
“Oh?” She breathed. She parted her lips eager for his, her hands going up his muscled arms, to merge in his sleek dark hair and pull him to her.
“What a hungry bride I have here.” He murmured before their mouths sought each other with intensity.
She snaked one leg around his, eliciting a moan from him. “Oh, this duchess of mine!” He kissed her deeper, their bodies closer, desire hotter.
Hearing him calling her his duchess made her heart swell and fluctuate. There was no end to the love she felt for this man! “Make me yours, my duke!” She murmured.
In no time, they’d bared themselves, causing their skin to touch everywhere. She cradled him between her bent knees, as he held one of her swollen breast in his palm.
“Your breasts are beautiful!” He lowered his head to pick the dusky hyper-sensitive nipple in his mouth, almost undoing her. “It’s the first thing I noticed in you.” He suckled harder. “You’re delicious.” He muttered still.
“Soon I’ll be big.” She arched, offering him more, which he took.
“You’ll be big with my child. It’ll arouse me to no end.” His hand caressed the side of her compliant body.
