He sat down in the chair, unfastened his breeches and released his erection—large male flesh nestled in a thatch of dark curls, and it looked… well. Ratherpainful, clear from his clenched jaw. With a slow hiss, he moved his hand over himself. If that went inside her…
There’s no way it’ll fit.
She must have spoken the words aloud because he responded with a groan. “How I wouldloveto prove you wrong.”
She paid attention to his movements and imagined her hand on him. Of him inside her. Desire rose anew at the sight of Matthew pleasuring himself—because ofher.
So she did what he taught her.
With her fingertip, she explored her sex. Clumsy at first, and then—she found a way she liked. Chasing that cliff, she worked out her own rhythm, rising and falling. As she learned herself, his stroking matched her pace. Wild curls slicked to his brow.
HerMatthew—panting and helpless.
She purposefully pressed her finger into her body, exactly where she wanted him. Once, twice, and every inch of her exploded in excruciating bliss. He groaned, throaty and primal. Testing him, she lifted her hand, looked him directly in the eyes…
And licked her finger from the knuckle to the tip.
Pupils blown, Matthew arched in the chair and gave a choked curse. His own release spilled from him, and he continued to rub himself until his body jerked. With one deep exhale, he relaxed into the chair, and his hands fell to his sides.
For some time, the only sound in the room was their ragged breathing. With every ounce of energy drained from her, she lay on her side until her body calmed. Once it did, the world came back into focus, and she gazed at her reflection. Hair mussed, lips swollen, face and chest flushed. Every part of her body was sore.
Warm and bubbly, she giggled.
“Zounds, Matthew, that was—” she struggled for the words, and settled on, “So muchfun.”
“So fun.” He released a breathless laugh. “The way you move. Blazes, Jasmine.” Then, he was out of his chair and at her side. He leaned over her and gave her a deep kiss. “You were magnificent.”
Even though she was exhausted, she wanted to do it again.
With all of that pleasure at their own fingertips, how did anyone get anything done?
Matthew walked to the washstand, poured water from a pitcher onto a washcloth, then cleaned himself up. Every muscle along his spine was toned, from his shoulders to his glorious behind. He noticed her appraisal and quirked a brow.
“Do you like what you see?”
“Yes, all of it,” Jasmine admitted whole-heartedly.
He shook with laughter. “Lay back and let me finish the job.”
Brazenly, she lay back on her elbows and spread her legs. “Yes, myKing.”
He gave another groan and rubbed the washcloth along the inside of her thighs, then to her sex. She drew in a sharp breath as the cold cloth soothed her hot flesh. Finished with his task, Matthew studied her.
“Did I hurt you?” he asked. “Was I too rough?”
“Not at all.” Making a better effort to communicate with him, she said, “I liked everything you did to me. Truly. I can’t wait to do it again.”
“Me too.” His laughter echoed in the room. He handed her clothing to her, then redressed. Jasmine slipped her nightgown over her head and fastened her cloak. Matthew took his pocket watch from his chest pocket and sighed.
“Time’s up, love.”
A hollowness settled in her stomach. She wanted to stay and fallasleep in his arms. Instead, she allowed him to lift her and carry her from the room. Soon, they wouldn’t have to sneak around. One more week and he could propose.
Then she could spend the rest of her life with him.
Chapter Twenty-One
Matthew had died and gone to heaven.
