A flush rushed to Jasmine’s cheeks, and she clasped her hands over her mouth. “No.”
“He’s past it. Well. For the most part,” he said sheepishly. “He’s forgiven me.”
“Forgiven you,” she accused. “How am I to sit at a breakfast table with someone who hasheard me—”
“The same way we all will, love—by pretending it never happened.”Matthew placed a discreet kiss to her cheekbone and pulled her closer. “This is nothing new for us. You’ve married into a strange family. You’ll grow accustomed to it.”
He guided her to look in at their family, standing in a circle inside.
Papa stood straight-backed, speaking to Seth, Trevor, and Mr. Sanderson. Cassandra, Caroline and Honora giggled as they gossiped. Lord Blackmoor remained at the edge, silently watching. Earl Bolderwood removed Rose from his shoulders and handed her to Mama. With a twinkle in her eye, she placed the child on her hip and rubbed their noses together.
“It’s a beautiful family,” Jasmine said coyly. “But it’s missing something.”
“And what is that?”
She whispered against his ear, “An heir.”
Gooseflesh rose over his neck, his grip on her hand tightened, and his hazy eyes met hers.
“You’re right, itcoulduse an heir.” His voice roughened—throaty and deep.“You want to go home and try to make one?”
She grinned.
“I thought you would never ask.”
Chapter Thirty
The sunset filtered in from their bedchamber window, filling the room with the fiery hue that matched the flush radiating from Matthew’s cheeks. Jasmine dipped her tongue into his mouth, tasting the spicy tang of cigar smoke and brandy. She was on fire for him. Needing him like she needed air, she kept her mouth locked to his as they stumbled into the room.
Matthew kicked the door closed behind him. He was half-nude already, having lost his jacket and cravat in the carriage and his shirt in the hall. She raked the tips of her fingernails down his back, delighting in his shiver. He separated from her long enough to rid himself of his boots, then lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed.
He turned her away from him and bent her over the mattress. She held onto the crimson silk bedcovers while he deftly unbuttoned her dress. With steady tugs, her corset loosened, and a rush of air entered her lungs. The palms of his hands brushed over the sides of her breasts as he pushed both garments down to pool at her ankles. He lifted her chemise by the hem, exposing her bottom.
He rubbed his hand between her legs, then dipped his fingertip into her core. She moaned and pressed back into his touch. A breathless sob escaped her.
“You’re already wet for me,mi amor.” His voice deepened. “I’m tempted to take you like this.”
He turned her to face him once more, and lifted her chemise overher head, baring her to him. The air pebbled her nipples, and he bent to take one into his mouth.
“I love how you taste.” He licked her other breast with the tip of his tongue. “I love everything about you.”
He pulled her to him, and his hands traveled everywhere—mapping her body, gripping her breasts, tugging her hips into his. He lifted her onto the bed, then divested himself of the rest of his clothes. She marveled at the firm muscles of his shoulders, the fine dusting of hair covering his chest, and the intensity of his gaze on hers.
He climbed into the bed and settled between her legs, but remained upright on his knees. She lay back, stretched out to give him a better view. Lifting her hips, she ground against him, gliding her slick skin over him. She pressed into himrightwhere she needed him. Their bodies were close enough he could have slid into her—but he held back.
“Matthew,” she whined. “Touch me.”
“Patience,” he murmured. “There are so many things I want to do to you, I don’t know where to begin.”
“Start by being inside of me.” It was agony to have him so close and be empty. “Please do something.”
“I’m trying to decide.” He pulled his hips back, then bent over her. He left a scorching trail of kisses down her throat until she whimpered. “I want to make love to you.” He nipped at her collarbone. “I want you bound beneath me—tied up so I can tease you for hours. Another part of me wants to flip you onto your belly, lift your hips, and take you hard until you scream for me—and blazes—I want you so badly.” He kissed her again, with forceful strokes of his tongue, losing control with every word. “I don’t know if I can be gentle.”
“Don’t be.” She gripped his shaft firmly in her hand and touched him how he had taught her. “Be gentle with me later. I’m yourwife—” she gasped as he claimed her lips in a fierce kiss. In between breathsshe demanded, “Touch me however you like, as rough as you want.” She nipped at his lower lip, then repeated his words back to him. “Pull my hair, dig your fingernails into my skin. I can take it.”
He laced his hands through her hair and tugged her head back, exposing the length of her throat to him.
“I can do whatever I want to you…?” he whispered. “Anything?”
