Page 87 of A Stranger’s Gamble

“I care nothing for the money, Sophie.” He released her and stepped back.

Sophie grasped his arm. “You do not want me?”

His eyes darkened. “I want you more than life itself.”

“Oh,” she said again. “But why? I am nothing like Lady Fleming.”

“Good God, no.” He paused. “I told your father I will not accept the money for the births of our children.”

“You did?” She frowned. “You need not have done that.”

“It is done.”

Sophie looked at the carpet. “Imogen will not visit until next month.”

“Is that so?”

“I would not want to lie to her.”

“Lie to her about what?” he asked softly.

“About being a married woman.”

“Then you are saying you now want to consummate our marriage?”

“It is the right thing to do.”

“Do you want me?” he asked.

“A lady does not admit to such things,” she said.

“My dear, a gentleman does not want a lady in his bed.”

Sophie snapped her head up and met his gaze. Desire burned in his eyes. Sophie cried out and threw her arms around his neck. He swept her into his arms and fell with her onto the sofa. His body crushed her into the cushion, and she was enveloped by his musky scent. His hard length dug into her belly like a hungry beast, and she longed to feel his maleness slide in and out of her.

He covered her mouth with his, and before she realized her own intent, Sophie sucked his tongue inside her mouth. He groaned and covered her breast with one large, warm palm. Her nipple tightened in pleasurable discomfort as he kneaded her breast. The juncture between her legs throbbed, and she was reminded of the dream she’d had of him the night after they’d gone to the oyster cellars. Sophie arched her hips and rubbed against his erection. Adam abruptly broke the kiss, and she seized his shoulders and tried to drag his mouth back to hers.

He laughed low. “Easy, my sweet.”

Adam pushed up into a sitting position and pulled her onto his thighs, so she straddled him. He made quick work of the ties on his breeches, and Sophie drew a sharp breath when his cock sprang free, hard and oddly beautiful. Adam pulled her close and yanked down one sleeve of her dress to reveal her breasts. He bent his head and took one nipple into his mouth. Matthew had never done this! When Adam sucked, a bead of desire stretched from her breast to her sex.

“Adam…”

He reached beneath her dress and cupped her buttocks. Sophie wanted to touch him. She fumbled with the buttons on his shirt and yanked the shirt so several buttons flew into the air.

Adam lifted his head and grinned. “Cannot wait to ride me, love?”

No, she could not!

Gaze locked with hers, Adam lifted her up and onto his erection. She braced her hands on his shoulders, and as she settled slowly onto him, the muscles in his shoulders tensed.

“You intend to tease me, sweet?” he asked in a hoarse voice.

Sophie wasn’t sure what that meant, but she liked the way the question made her feel. Adam’s fingers tightened on her buttocks as he gently lifted her, then brought her back down again. He lifted then lowered her several more times, then Sophie braced her knees on each side of him and lifted herself up then down.

“By God,” he muttered.

She lifted again, and when she lowered, he drove into her. Sophie cried out.