Page 80 of To Dare a Duke

“Don’t worry, love,” Robert said, huffing a little with effort as he turned to lean against the bedroom door, forcing the handle down with his elbow and barging inside. “I’m going to right now… or at least, once I get my breath back.”

She squealed as he flung her so hard onto the bed she bounced, and then clambered over her, staring down and grinning like a lunatic.

“Well, duchess, how do you like married life so far?”

“I like it fine,” she said, smiling up at him.

“Fine?” he exclaimed, leaning down to nip at her earlobe and nuzzle against her neck. “Are you certain that’s the correct word?”

Prue arched her neck to allow him better access as he kissed a trail down to her collarbone.

“Very fine,” she offered, hearing a snort of indignation. “Well, try harder,” she suggested.

Robert lifted his head, a glint of challenge in the green. “Right you are, your grace,” he murmured, smirking a little as he gave her dress a sharp tug, pulling it completely from her shoulders and exposing her breasts.

“Ah, there you are,” he said with a happy sigh. “No more hiding behind night dresses.” He trailed one finger, round and round her left nipple, never touching, just circling slowly as her skin prickled with anticipation and the soft bud tightened to a peak.

Prue felt her breathing speed up, holding her tongue against the urge to demand he hurry and kiss her as he had last night. She stared at him, willing him to do it and frustrated when he didn’t.

“Tell me,” he said, his voice low and sinful in the dim light of the room. “Tell me what you want, how to please you.”

“I can’t!” she exclaimed, horrified by the idea.

He chuckled, amused, and moved to lie beside her, his head braced on his arm. “You must learn, darling.”

Prue frowned at him. “Why?”

His face grew serious and he reached for her hand, drawing it to his lips and kissing her fingers. “Because I never want to do something you don’t want, or don’t enjoy, and if you don’t tell me, or tell me instead what you think I want to hear….”

He shrugged as she studied his expression.

“I won’t be a villain again, Prue. Never on purpose, but not from ignorance either. I’d do nothing to hurt or offend you, but you must help with that. You must be honest, especially here,” he added, leaning down to press another kiss to her lips.

“Very well,” Prue said, understanding what he was saying. “Though, I don’t yet know—”

He grinned at her and kissed her again. “I know, but we can enjoy finding that out, can’t we? Just never worry about telling me no, or stop, or not yet. I won’t be offended or annoyed, you have my word.”

Prue reached up and traced his jaw with a fingertip, smiling as he shivered under her touch. “I love you,” she said. “And… and I would very much like for you to kiss me like….” She swallowed, blushing a little but determined. “Like you did last night.”

The smile that brought to his lips was broad and smug. “Your wish, duchess, is my command,” he murmured, ducking his head.

Prue gasped as the wet heat of his mouth covered her and he sucked and teased at her delicate flesh. Her hands went to his head, stroking his hair and his neck as she held him close, not wanting him to stop. Each gentle pull at her breast seemed to tug at something deeper inside her, hot and liquid as her breathing grew erratic.

Lifting his head, Robert blew a stream of cool air over her skin, making her shiver with desire. He stared down at her, a questioning look in his eyes.

“Yes,” she said, struggling to sound grave when she only wanted to laugh with delight. “I liked that.”

With a snort of amusement, Robert plucked at the fabric of her dress and pulled a face. “There are too many clothes involved in the proceedings.”

“Well, take them off, then!” Prue said, impatient now for what came next.

The next few minutes were full of laughter and frustration as they wrestled with buttons and ties, eager fingers fumbling the delicate fastenings and tugging and yanking at boots and chemises, stockings and shirts.

At last, an untidy heap of clothing lay beside the bed, and Prue could finally look at her husband in all his glory. He lay back on the bed, perfectly at ease, one arm crooked behind his head as he allowed her to look her fill.

“Do I pass muster?” he asked, green eyes alight with amusement.

“Hush, I’m investigating,” she scolded him, lips quirking. “May I touch you?”