Page 72 of How to Capture a Duke

He jerked. “My God.” He watched her with hooded eyes.

She licked down the shaft, then up, then used her hands and lips to take him fully into her mouth. She had no experience, and she worried that she was doing it wrong. But when his fingers tightened in her hair and he groaned, she renewed her efforts.

His urgent response and harsh breathing made her grow wet between her thighs. Who would have thought giving pleasure would heighten her own need? Fueled by his response, she continued until he grasped her shoulders.

“Stop. Or I’ll spill.” He gazed down at her, the ferocity in his eyes stark. “I want you, Olivia. All of you.”

Her heart pounded. She knew what he meant, that he was willing to risk everything, all his fears, to be with her.

Still, she had to ask. “What about children?”

“There are ways.”

He lay her down on the settee. He was too tall to lie down, but he didn’t hesitate. Bracing one foot on the floor and the other knee on the cushions, he loomed above her. His expression was dominant and possessive, like a predator stalking its pray, and she experienced a moment of unease. But then he placed a plush cushion beneath her head and another beneath her buttocks, gave her a lingering kiss, and her misgivings left.

The head of his hardness traced across her slick bud. She recalled the wondrous release he could give her, and she arched against him. He adjusted the pillow beneath her, and his hardness rubbed that sensitive point with just the right pressure, and she moaned. Then he pressed the tip of his rock-hard shaft against the opening of her body.

Bracing himself on his elbows, he inched inside her. “I want you to feel pleasure the first time.”

Another inch. His expression was tense, and she marveled at his restraint.

Another inch. His biceps bunched, and she was enthralled by his strength. Then he fully thrust inside her, and she gasped from the sudden fullness.

He held still. “Are you all right?”

Sweat beaded on his brow. She drew a breath then released it. She wiggled beneath him.

He groaned. “Hold still, love.”

How could she? He pulled out slowly, and she thought he was to leave her, then he eased back inside. Each thrust touched that secret place, and she felt passion rising in her like the hottest fire. She surrendered to the aching response deep within her. Instinct took over, and she moved with him. Soon, she met each of his thrusts with her own, arching her back and clutching his shoulders.

“Wrap your legs around me.” His voice was hoarse.

She did, and the sensations built. She opened her eyes and found him watching her, his ferocious gaze taking in every tremor, every gasp. This was even greater, more emotional, than before.

She shuddered as their eyes locked and their breathing came in unison. For her, this was much more than the connection of their bodies, but a tug on her soul that would bind her to him. He was in her blood, and there was no turning back now. Her feelings for him were too strong.

He jerked inside her, and she rose to meet him with an uncontrolled passion, a moan slipping through her lips. She raked her nails down his back to grip his buttocks, her entire body straining. He lowered his head to capture her scream as she reached a peak, and her body vibrated over and over with ecstasy.

He thrust twice more, and she heard his rough groan as he pulled from her body, and she felt a hot lash across her stomach and breasts.

Their ragged breathing filled the room, and she buried her face against his throat. “Now I know what the ladies whisper about at the Raven Club. Is it always like this?”

“No. This was better, much better. Miraculous.”

Miraculous. It was just a beginning to describe what they’d shared and how she felt. Her heart squeezed tight as she acknowledged her undeniable feelings.

She loved him.

Her heart had been lost to him when he’d played hoops with the children in the gardens, had taken her for a ride in the park and allowed her to ride Atlas, and when he’d shared his hopes and dreams for the Soldiers Bill. Everything had irrevocably changed for her, and she loved him…

Would he feel the same for her one day?

He left her briefly to go to his discarded coat and return with a handkerchief. He gently cleaned her of the evidence of their lovemaking then joined her on the settee and cradled her in his arms. Her pulse leaped at the heart-rending tenderness of his gaze.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

He looked at her incredulously. “You thank me? You gave me a precious gift, my lady. I’ll never forget what took place here tonight.”