Page 52 of To Ensnare a Duke

"I'm not clairvoyant, my dear. You will have to use your words if you want any hope of getting what you desire."

"Argh," she rasps out, the frustration evident in the rigid lines of her body. "I need to release. I wish for you to do it or allow me to."

"Oh? Is that all? Perhaps it's time I show you my gift."

Her eyes widen as her gaze drifts down to my pocket where the objects bulge it out. In all her desperation, she seems to have missed it.

"This will help prepare you for our wedding night. Because we both know you will not be able to last the next several days."

Her eyes narrow as she plants her hands on her hips. "How is it fair that you can, no doubt, release whenever the mood strikes you, yet I'm supposed to keep to myself?"

"I am not the one who ensnared the other, am I? I do not need to prove to you my repentance, do I?"

Her face falls, and for a moment, I worry I've gone too far with her.

"It's only because I know we'd make such a good match." Her gaze tips up to mine, blazing with irritation. "If you weren't so stubborn, you'd see that."

"And I suppose a simple conversation couldn't have occurred? Trapping me was the only way to accomplish this? Much less putting yourself in danger with the likes of Lord Harhall."

"What is your grudge against him? He seems perfectly nice and-"

I leap off the bed and come within inches of my naïve, little hoyden. Unable to resist the smooth column of her neck, I slide my fingers around it and hold tight. With each swallow, I feel the muscles convulse under my hand.

The power is erotic, holding her like this, owning her like this. Her eyes dilate just a touch as I push her toward the wall, the power of my stride compelling her with each step. Once her back hits the hard surface, I tighten my grip, reveling in the feeling of her pulse fluttering under my fingertips.

"A wolf in sheep's clothing will often appear nice. Beware those who put on a pretty facade for society yet harbor dark intentions deep within."

Again, she swallows, her hands pushing against my chest in soft, insistent motions. One by one, I loosen my fingers, allowing her to breathe fully.

"And you? Are you a facade I should fear?"

"Oh no, my little minx. I am wholly the devil you know, the monster lurking beneath the surface is one you should be well acquainted with by now."

Her breath hitches in her throat, drawing her breasts up to graze against my chest. Her nipples pebble under the thin fabric of her night rail, drawing a ragged groan from my lips.

"How you vex me," I murmur against her neck as I refuse the siren call of her arousal. "Now, on the bed, so I might give you a show of my true affection."

The moment I fully release her, she flies over to the bed, her body wriggling with anticipation. I don't even have to say a word. The little wanton lies down on her back, lifts the edge of her night rail, and spreads her legs. Arousal glistens on her thighs and glosses her lower lips and thatch of curls.

How she tempts me to indulge. But she'll never learn if I give in. As much as I want to watch her fall apart for me again, I need to impart this lesson. Even if it kills us both.

"And what form of a gift do you think I bring?"

Her fingers lower, pausing at her mound. "You said true affection. Does this not involve giving me a slight respite? I've been such a good girl. I haven't touched myself even though I've wanted to. Please," she begs so prettily. "Please allow me a release so I might once again be in a right mind. I fear I'm about to go mad."

Humming deep in the back of my throat, I stride over to the bed and look down at her, seeing the desperate longing in her eyes. "Have you ever considered it is your madness that I crave? You certainly are being such a good little wanton. But my words are firm and resolute. You will not see a release until I grant it to you on our wedding night. Do not ask again. Beg as much as you want, but I will not indulge you."

The chit sits up and drags down her night rail, harrumphing as crosses her arms and glares at me. The absolute nerve of this woman.

"In that case, your very presence torments me. I wish for you to leave my bedchamber."

"Such a haughty minx," I chuckle, drawing my gift out of my pocket. "Do you not wish to know the present I brought you? Am I really so odious an Alpha?"

Again, her curiosity peaks as she cranes her neck forward to see what's in my hands. "Very well. You may give me your gift. Then I will still ask you to leave."

I shake my head, my tone dry as I slide closer to her. "Well then, Milady. With your permission."

When I hand her the glass dilator, she rolls it about in her hand, her brows furrowing. "Is it to hold liquid? Or a flower perhaps? It's not quite big enough for the bouquet you gave me this morning. And besides, they already have a container to hold them."