“Is David all right?” He rubbed her foot.
“Asleep. Everyone fell asleep immediately.” She breathed faster as he massaged her toes and ankles. “I’m tired but couldn’t sleep.”
“You’re too tense.” He slid his hand up her calf, kneading the muscle.
“Yes, perhaps I am.” Her pulse quickened although he wasn’t doing anything inappropriate. But seeing him kneel in front of her with his hands up her skirt conjured up all sorts of delicious visions.
He pushed her legs apart and made room for his bulk between them. His stare struck a chord deep inside her.He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. “Your scent is driving me mad.”
“My scent?”
He shoved her nightgown and dressing gown up her legs, baring them. After he pushed her thighs further apart, he inhaled again. “Here it’s so strong.” He trailed his fingers along her inner thighs.
She trembled with each delicate touch of his fingertips. A jolt of desire went through her when he brushed his lips against her skin. The light stubble on his jaw enhanced the sensation, tearing a moan out of her. He brought her legs over his shoulders until she was sprawled in front of him, her legs wrapped around his neck. He shot her a predatory glare before dipping his head. The first lash of his tongue sent a shudder through her body and caused her toes to curl. She gripped the bedsheet as he took his time to kiss her deeply, pushing his tongue inside her and teasing her nub with his lips. His thumb stroked her now and then, slipping inside her gently.
The pleasure was so intense she couldn’t speak, only moan. As he drew slow circles with the tip of his tongue, the onslaught of pleasure caught her by surprise. The release was almost painful, going through her body like a bolt of lightning. An incoherent sound came out of her. Her back arched of its own accord. She fell limp on the bed, enjoying every last ounce of herrelease. He grazed her inner thigh lightly and kissed his way up to her breasts.
“You’re too sweet. I can’t resist.” He shoved aside her garments and latched his mouth around her nipple.
Crying out in pleasure, she wrapped her arms and legs around him. He followed her, never stopping tonguing her nipple. She writhed and rolled her hips, desperate to touch more of his skin.
“Take me, Ethan. Please.” She tangled her fingers through his thick hair and pulled his head up for a savage kiss.
He stretched out on top of her without hurting her though. A green fire set his eyes ablaze with hunger. His chest heaved as he sheathed himself inside her with one smooth thrust. The sensation of being filled and stretched made her jerk her hips up to meet him and feel him deeper. He cursed under his breath before kissing her lips. His features were contorted with desire as he thrust in and out of her.
“I love you, Cora,” he said.
His dark husky voice and the possessiveness in his gaze were a stark contrast with the tender, slow movements he made in and out of her. He contained his strength for her sake. His restraint was the most romantic gesture she’d ever received, more romantic than Jacob’s serenade or flowers.
They laced their fingers together, staring at each other, joined by their bodies and souls, sharing their breath.
“I love you, Ethan,” she whispered as he pumped into her.
They found their release at the same time, lost in each other’s gaze. He pulled out of her at the last moment but kept holding her hands and breathing with her as she trembled underneath him. He rolled off her and gathered her in his arms, forming a protective shell around her.
“Nothing will harm you as long as I live,” he said, kissing her neck.
She’d been wrong to lose hope. She’d been wrong to poison her moments with him with dark thoughts. Their love would never be crushed by whatever happened to them.
She squeezed him tightly. He stroked her hair and back until she fell asleep in the safety of his embrace.
twenty-three
GOING THROUGH THE mail had never been so nerve-wracking for Cora. She and Ethan had barely time to step into his house in London before they rushed upstairs to his study and went through all the letters, bills, and messages he’d received. The amount was twice bigger than what Jacob received. Despite Ethan employed a secretary, the amount he had to check himself was impressive. She removed her gloves and tossed them on a chair while he searched for Finn’s letter.
He drew in a long breath. “It’s this one.” He showed the message to her before skimming it. “Finn found Mrs. Marshall. Damn. She works in Mrs. Sterling’s house,” he said the lady’s name with a strained note.
“Is that a problem?”
“Mrs. Sterling isn’t exactly fond of me.” He sat on the chair next to her. “Her husband, James, was one of my lieutenants. We fought together against the Thorne Pirates. A good man but never followed my orders. He disobeyed me and died when the pirates blew up a warehouse. I’ve never told Mrs. Sterling the truth about why James died. She considers me responsible for his death because I didn’t protect him. She keeps refusingthe allowance that would allow her and her daughter to live decently. That’s how much she hates me.”
“If James had followed your orders, would he be alive today?”
“I can’t answer that for certain. Surely, he wouldn’t have died that day, but there had been other battles. But Mrs. Sterling is a wife who lost her beloved husband. She can say whatever she wants. She can blame me or insult me. I would never complain or judge her. If blaming me helps her carry on, I’m all right with that. But she might influence Mrs. Marshall and forbid her to testify.”
She exhaled, releasing her frustration. Everywhere they turned, there was something against them. “We should talk to Mrs. Marshall and hope she wants to get involved in my legal quandary. And if she refuses, we’ll find another way.” She leant back in the chair. “I’ll send a message to Mrs. Marshall immediately.”
He smiled. “You’re being more optimistic.”
