Page 13 of Abducting his Duchess

I hold on to him, needing his solid strength. As his muscles bunch under my hands, my inner walls flutter again, gripping him tightly as another release causes me to bow up against him. A soft growl drifts from his lips as he shoves his desire for me through the bond.

It’s overwhelming, a cacophony of sounds, feelings, and emotions as they run through me. Bright light flashes in front of my eyes as my lips part in a silent cry. Every muscle in my body screams at me, tightening up as my body explodes again.

Thrashing about, I grip his biceps, unable to even say a word. But I don’t have to. He hears me. He always hears me. Bringing his hand down, he wedges his finger in between us, pulling the knot away so I have a small modicum of relief.

It’s short-lived, however, because soon, his knot begins to swell. Grunting, he snaps his hips once, twice, three times before letting out a shameful groan. His knot engorges, pressing against my poor abused inner walls and the dilator in my bottom.

Black encroaches my vision as yet one final release slithers through my body, spurred on by the heat of his seed as it bathes my insides. The moans that leave my lips drift up into the air, barely audible over the loud growl of satisfaction that pours from his body. Letting go of the rope, he skims his hands along my back, making quick work of unbinding me.

Though the rope between my thighs remains, imprisoned by our bodies, the relief at no longer having that blasted knot grinding into me has me floating on the ether. With a tender grasp, he gathers me into his arms and turns us so I can lie on top of him.

In truth, the moment he does this while we’re conjoined by his knot makes my heart sing. Even though I adore the stifling heat of his body as he envelops me, there’s something so considerate, so loving in this action. Letting my thighs part even more, I straddle him and nuzzle deep into his chest.

Just as he did mine, I run my fingers over the mark I gave him. Though not nearly as ragged or deep, it signifies something which will never be taken from us. He’s as much mine as I am his. With a soft sigh, I allow myself to drift, lulled by his throaty purr and the gentle skimming of his hands down my back.

* * *

Darkness surrounds me as I open my eyes. The only light visible is from the dying fireplace. No longer is my husband underneath me. Instead, I lie wrapped up in his coat on the floor.

Panic threatens to eat at me, but I hold it at bay, reminding myself of his love for me. He wouldn’t just abandon me.

“That’s correct, my incorrigible kitten. I merely prepared for our departure while you slept. Between the nightmares and…well…the broken bond, you’ve not been able to sleep all that well. Any chance I can give you to rest, I ensure you remain undisturbed.”

Rising, I groan as my muscles cry out in protest. “Honestly, I feel as if I could fall back asleep if only I were submerged in a hot tub.”

His throaty chuckles bring another wave of arousal thrumming through my body, but instinctually, I know we cannot act on it. Not while nighttime looms over us. Running my hands over my body, I feel for the rope in between my thighs and find it absent. Same as the dilator. Somehow, I feel so empty, but it’s a ridiculous emotion.

With a heavy tread, William walks over to me and gathers me into his arms. “Not ridiculous, my love. You always feel depleted and morose after an intense session with me. It’s normal and to be expected. Come, let me take you home and bathe you. I’m sure Cook has some sweet treats for you which I know will set your spirit to rights.”

I give him a watery smile, still unsure as to how I managed to snag someone like him. “I just don’t understand. It makes no sense. I should be happy, beaming, and yet, I feel as though I wish to crawl into a hole and sob my heart out.”

“Ahhh. But it doesn’t have to make sense. I know you, my love. I know when I push you hard, when I break you open, you are prone to fits of melancholy. If I wasn’t already accustomed to such actions within The Rose and Thorne, I’d call for a doctor and some leeches. But it seems good food, a hot bath, and me holding you in my arms puts your humors to rights.”

A small smile creeps across my face. “And here I thought you’d use it as an excuse to use your knife on me.”

“Ahhh, my love, you give me far too much credit. I am not versed in bloodletting and would rather not cause you more harm than good. Come now, let’s get you dressed and fed.”

We remain silent as he helps me into my clothes and positions me near the door. Most everything else is gone, no doubt packed away while I was sleeping. He really does think of everything. With one final sweep, he extinguishes the fire and gathers me into his arms.

A full moon lights our way as he carries me over to his stallion, Storm. Pausing near his muzzle, the massive beast knickers softly as I caress his warm, velvety nose.

“Enough of that. You’ll spoil the horse.” But even in his gruff words, I hear the smile.

Setting me down, William grips me by the waist and lifts me up, placing me on his saddle. The pommel digs into my hip, but I don’t feel it. Honestly, the moment my love hoists himself up and pulls me into his lap, I feel nothing but his warmth surrounding me.

I snuggle into him, running my fingers over his chest. Since that day I was taken from his side, I still reassure myself that he’s real and this isn’t just some dream I’ll eventually awaken from. Purring, William wraps his arm around me and holds me close.

“We will never catch up with your family at this rate,” I murmured.

“Never you mind. We are, in fact, heading back to London. There is still much to do to prepare for our honeymoon. Soon, we will go to Whitmore Manor and join our family. It’s not too far from the coast, and I’d so love to see you looking out over the ocean.”

At the very thought of seeing waves crashing against the shore, my spirits lift a touch. “And Blackport won’t mind?”

William throws his head back and laughs. “Call the poor bastard Robert. He’s your brother now.”

“But he has not given me permission.”

“No, but I am. And if he has an issue, he can bring it up with me. Besides, Robert headed back to London as well to finish up his business. He only accompanied you ladies, so he could ensure no harm came to you all or me in this little farce.”