Page 54 of How to Best a Marquess

She worked the buttons of his placket and slipped her fingers inside.

Oh my.

He was like steel encased in velvet. Fascinated, she ran her forefinger up and down the length, then grasped the base. His harsh breath mingled with hers. She touched the tip to find a pearl of moisture there. She swirled it with her forefinger, and his groan vibrated through her.

He tossed her onto the bed. She rose on elbows, her loose hair cascading down her back. Hugh towered above her, like a conquering warrior. She became achingly aware that she was fully naked and he still wore his trousers and boots.

A different doubt crept into her head. Hugh was experienced. Actresses. Widows. How could she compare?

“I’ve never done this before. I may not please you.”

His look was utterly male and fiercely possessive. “I have no doubt that you will please me. I only hope to please you.”

Her heart slipped another notch.

With efficiency, he took off his boots and trousers. Her gaze lowered and widened. He was even larger without clothing. His erection stood bold and proud. She stared, eyes wide.

Will that even fit?

“Trust me. It’ll fit.”

Her eyes flew to his. Had she spoken out loud?

He’d asked her to trust him. She’d trusted him once with dire consequences, but this was different, this was on her terms. She wanted this, wanted him.

The mattress dipped as he placed a knee upon it, then he hovered above her, his expression wolf-like.

She should feel fear, but she felt an intense satisfaction that she could make such a masculine man look that way. For her.

He kissed her breasts until she squirmed beneath him. All the while his hands lowered down her stomach to the hidden place that ached for his skillful touch. His fingers found her most intimate spot, then caressed the aching bud. Her head fell back against the pillows.

“I was right. You do have freckles on your lovely breasts.”

“Freckles are not lovely.”

“They are to me.” He lowered his head and licked one. Then another. He kept going, spending time on each one. Her core tightened even more, and she shivered.

“See? Beautiful.”

He made her feel beautiful. Everywhere. Suddenly, she was grateful for the freckles.

Only when she was quivering with desire did he cover her body with his. She felt his hardness between her legs. She parted her thighs for him, and he settled between them.

She felt a steady pressure, then a stab of pain took her unawares. She knew there would be discomfort her first time, but she hadn’t quite anticipated this pain. Her gaze flew to him.

Hugh’s breath was ragged and his eyes were closed. He didn’t look like he was enjoying this part, either.

She tried to squirm.

His hands clamped on her hips to hold her still. “Don’t.”

“I have to move.”

“Not yet.”

He pressed forward another inch. How was she not to move?

He kissed her forehead, her eyelids, her lips, all the while whispering words of praise. Her muscles eased a bit.

Then he thrust his hips until he was fully embedded inside her.

He captured her gasp with his lips. “Easy, love.”

His biceps bunched and the muscles of his neck strained. She felt him shudder. Was he in as much discomfort?

Then he kissed her again and his chest brushed against her breasts. He moved his hips. The pain faded, and just as surprisingly, the pleasure returned. With each small thrust of his hips, her need sparked and grew until she was matching his movements. He increased his tempo, thrusting deeper each time. She soon grew desperate and dug her nails into his back.

She felt it now. The growing need in her body that only Hugh could ease. Her eyes met his, and the fierce desire combined with the possessive longing in his gaze made her heart nearly burst. This was what true intimacy felt like, not just a physical craving, but an emotional one that tugged at her soul. Helpless to separate the two needs, she embraced the connection. They rode the wave as pleasure built deep inside her. Each thrust brought her closer and closer until she unraveled in his arms and mewled her pleasure. With two more thrusts, Hugh followed, and she felt the spurt of hot liquid across her belly.

He held her close. She rested her head on his chest and could feel the strong beat of his heart as she caught her own breath. Then he rose and returned with a cloth to cleanse her of the evidence of their lovemaking. She sat up when he was finished.

“Where do you think you’re going?” He joined her on the bed and gathered her in his arms.

She’d thought she could exorcise Hugh from her mind and body. She realized her mistake.

Could she risk her heart and hope for more?