Page 40 of The Duke of Pain

“I am looking for any sign of anxiety or trepidation. I see none.”

“That’s correct, Your Grace. But look deeper, and you will see much more. Such as desire—and trust. As I said, as much as I can muster. Whatever I have, it’s all for you.”

Gideon unfastened his trousers, then pushed them down and kicked them aside. His naked body was a visual feast of masculine perfection and carved lean muscles.

Beautiful.

There was no other word to describe him. In their brief relationship, Olivia innately understood that Gideon was not perfect. But underneath his cold exterior, she knew a man of deep feeling resided.

They both carried a lot of hurt and rejection. And vast buried damage.

Gideon reached for her hands and placed them above his heart. With the tips of her fingers, Olivia explored him; through the light dusting of black, curly hair over to his nipples. She caressed them into firm peaks and then leaned in to suckle them. A low, rumbling growl left Gideon’s chest. His large hand clasped the back of her head, holding her in place.

Heavens, he’s enjoying it.

How would it feel to have him do the same to her? Her insides dipped at the thought.

Gideon suddenly cupped her face and tilted her head to look up at him. His intense gaze sent her heart fluttering. How did she ever think this man cold and indifferent? His dark eyes sparkled and shone as if black flame danced in the irises. Their gazes locked.

“I cannot believe this is happening to me,” Gideon whispered. “After all these years.”

Before she could ask what, he captured her mouth. His kiss devastated her. Gideon plunged deep, tasting, licking, and swirling every inch of her mouth.

He moaned. So did Olivia.

For a man who claimed he had never kissed during his assignations, he was certainly skilled.

After several minutes, Gideon ended the kiss. His fingers roamed through her hair. Grabbing a fistful, he gently pulled her head back, so she had no choice but to stare up at him.

“No one is welcome in what we share,” he said vehemently. “I am at heart a selfish man, greedy even. I have never felt like this before. I want to possess you, claim you—love you in a way I did not think I was capable of. I will never share. Never.”

“I agree,” she whispered.

His fervent words sent a thrill of desire through her.

Love? Could it be possible?

He kissed her again, hard and brief, then moved behind her and slowly removed her corset, laying hot, insistent kisses on every inch of exposed skin.

His large hands traversed her naked body, leaving a trail of sizzling flame in its wake.

“No one has ever brought me to such a state. Only you, Liv.”

His words.

There was such feeling and emotion in his husky voice.

They lay on the bed, Gideon rising above her. He then thoroughly explored her body with hands, lips, and teeth. Cupping her breasts, Gideon lowered his head and suckled a nipple. It pebbled under his lips and hardened into a sensitive nub. Flicking his tongue, Olivia writhed and moaned in response. His free hand teased her curls.

“God, you are so gloriously wet. As I surmised.”

He caressed all around her feminine core, stroking with care and tenderness, then inserted two fingers, thrusting at a slow pace.

“Do you want me to stop? Is what I am doing too much like—like—”

“My assault? It’s all right, Gideon. I know it is you touching me. I will let you know if it becomes overwhelming.”

In his leisurely explorations, he found her nub. The sucking at her breast and the stroking of her clit were all done in perfect rhythm. Such finesse.