Page 83 of Duke in Darkness

Lilian inhaled shakily, and he smiled at the sight of her taut nipples pressing against the bodice of her nightgown. At least he wasn’t the only one about to lose his mind through sheer lust. After fetching the cream-colored towel she returned to stand behind him, and his breath hissed between his teeth as she dabbed the mildly coarse fabric across his skin.

He braced for an avalanche of memories, to be yanked back to his French prison. Yet he couldn’t hear those voices. Couldn’t see himself trapped in that hell being tortured. All he could feel was the towel as she paid special attention to his backside and inner thighs, and the sweet ache of his currently neglected and hugely engorged cock. Finally, finally she moved around to his front, and his fists clenched in an attempt at control as she dried his shoulders, arms and chest, then crouched to attend to his legs.

“Done,” she said huskily. “Sir.”

“I think not,” he replied sternly, as his still-wet cock bobbed against his stomach. “You missed a section.”

Her eyes widened. “Did I? Oh dear. For such a shameful dereliction of duty, what is the punishment for a wayward lady corporal?”

Gabriel licked his lips. “Get undressed.”

ALTHOUGH HER WORDS had been saucy, in truth Lilian had welcomed the chance to kneel, both while bathing and drying him. And now she welcomed his instruction to disrobe.

He had forgiven her. The relief was so great, her legs were as wobbly as a newborn colt. Emily had said plain speaking declarations were important, and she was right. But they certainly weren’t easy. Vulnerability never would be, especially when your response came from a place of great pain, or embarrassment. She had known Gabriel to be a man of strength and courage and resilience. But today, just now, had revealed exactly how deep that went.

Obediently, she removed her nightgown and chemise, shivering as the cooler air danced across her taut nipples and anticipation dampened her core.

“Take my cock in your hands. Stroke it.”

The words rasped across her flesh like a caress. But joy twirled with the heat, for he was placing his trust in her, allowing such an intimate touch.

“Yes, Your Grace,” she whispered, lovingly circling his thick erection with her hands. His cock was smooth and warm, and yet so hard, and fascinated with the contrast, she gently moved her fingertips up and down his length, learning where he was most sensitive, learning the pressure he liked. Soon drops of pearly moisture appeared at the swollen tip, and intensely curious, Lilian raised her head and looked at Gabriel. “May I taste you?”

His cock thrust against her hands. “You may.”

Keeping her gaze locked with his, Lilian darted out her tongue and lapped away the drops, surprised at the salty earthiness of them on her tongue. Odd, but not unpleasant. Wanting more, she continued to lick the head of his cock, then very daringly took it between her lips.

“Yes,” he groaned. “Suck me. And touch yourself. I want to watch you…stroke your clitoris. Finger that tight little cunt.”

Shocked at the order—not even when bathing had she dared to explore her own body in such a manner—Lilian hesitated. “Ummm…”

“Now.”

Quivering at the wonderfully stern command, she took his cock a little deeper into her mouth, and at the same time, slid her right hand down to her mound. Parting the crisp hair, she brushed a fingertip over her throbbing clitoris.

Oh God.

It was almost too much sensation. Gabriel’s hot, hard cock in her mouth, dripping seed down her throat. His lusty, avid gaze on her, flicking between her lips and breasts and core and making her feel so beautiful and sensual. Her wayward fingers wet with her own juices, learning the secrets of petal-soft folds. And yet her hot blood reveled in the freedom to be curious. The freedom to be wicked with the man she loved.

“Stop, Lili. Stand up.”

For a moment she thought she’d done something wrong, until Gabriel cupped her face and kissed her fiercely. Her lips, her cheeks, her neck, as though he couldn’t decide which he wanted most. Then his hands dropped, one to her left breast, where he tweaked one aching nipple, while the other hand trailed down over her belly to cup her mound.

Lilian’s head fell back as he expertly toyed with her slick, tender folds. “Mmmm.”

“So wet. Tell me what you need.”

“I need you, Gabriel. So badly. Your arms around me, your mouth on mine. And your cock very, very deep inside me.”

His indrawn breath was harsh. “To hold you. Kiss you. Fuck you hard.”

“Yes,” she said, tilting her hips in blatant invitation, unable to bear a minute more of his languid teasing. “Colonel.”

“Respectful. Good,” he praised, as he leaned down and flicked his tongue across her lower lip before nipping it, making her burn, making her clitoris throb in envy. “But you don’t get to come…just yet.”

Lilian moaned. “What must I do?”

“Go and brace your hands…on the end of the bed. Legs spread. Eyes down.”