Page 85 of The Viscount of Shadows

Chapter 29

With Mitchell tucked away at Damon’s residence and Doctor Drew Hornsby called in to attend to him, Claudia and Oliver returned to the viscount house with Bryan. Drew Hornsby would call in on Byran and give an update on Mitchell as soon as possible.

Mitchell had told him recently that when detectives were allowed to carry a firearm after the murder of two policemen in ’84, very few took the option, Mitchell included. Oliver wondered if he now wished he had?

Meanwhile, his brother was upstairs, hopefully sleeping. Bryan waved away any food, but he did sip brandy before heading upstairs. Oliver had never seen him so subdued. He also did not want to speak about his ordeal. Rett stayed with Mitchell and would report his condition to the inspector while discovering any updates on the Danaher situation.

A plate of uneaten sandwiches sat on the table between him and Claudia as they remained deep in thought.

“I think a long honeymoon is just what we need,” Claudia murmured. “I will gladly lounge about on a beach in Spain. And as soon as possible.”

“In San Sabastian, I have read the water is turquoise, and the sand is the most beautiful golden shade. We can rent a villa there, right on the beach, and make love to the sounds of the crashing waves with the moon reflecting on the water.”

Claudia jumped and vaulted herself at Oliver, straddling his lap and facing him. “Oh, I am so tempted to ravish you here and now. It must be the excitement of our adventure. My heart is pounding like a battle drum.”

Oliver cupped her face and stared into her lovely eyes. “Only because of the adventure?”

Claudia wriggled her hips until she firmly placed her feminine core against his aching, erect shaft. “No. Not only.” Claudia started rocking back and forth, rubbing his cock for all its worth. Even through the layers of leather and wool, he felt her heat.

Why not indulge in a little simulated sex?

“Ride me,” Oliver demanded.

* * *

Hell’s bells.

Rett and Doctor Hornsby could return at any time, but the prospect of someone walking in on them merely heightened Claudia’s desire. Rubbing against Oliver’s stiff shaft excited her beyond compare, and she lost herself in the stunning sensation. She moaned, keeping as quiet as possible. But it was near impossible, for the feelings tearing through her made her giddy with joy. What will making love be like? With the man she loves? Claudia couldn’t wait.

“Yes,” Oliver growled. “Right there. Faster.”

Faster it is.

Claudia could feel the peak building, like climbing a mountain. Then it slammed her hard. She cried out, smothering her release against his leather coat, quaking from the sheer bliss of it.

Oliver thrust his hips faster until he groaned, burying his face in her neck. Their breathing was erratic as they reached their peaks. Their bodies shuddered as one. They held each other close until, at last, they calmed.

“My,” Claudia whispered. “That was rather intense.”

The door burst open, and they started.

“My pardon, I should have knocked first,” Rett said, laughter in his voice. “I can come back later.”

Grasping Oliver’s shoulders, Claudia reluctantly stood. Then, she quickly took a seat next to Oliver at the table.

“Great timing, Cousin,” Oliver admonished as he pulled his chair closer to the table. “What news?”

He sat across from them with a smile still plastered on his face. “I would guess you two will be married as soon as possible, am I correct?”

“I have said yes to Oliver’s proposal. And it will be as soon as his parents arrive,” Claudia replied.

“Then my heartiest congratulations, and welcome to the family, Claudia.”

“Thank you.” Impulsively, Claudia jumped from her chair, ran to Rett, and kissed him on the cheek before returning to her seat. “I am looking forward to meeting everyone. I love Oliver to distraction. I know we will be happy.”

Rett glanced between them. “Yes, I can see that. You both look completely blissful.”

Claudia exchanged a knowing look with Oliver.