Page 88 of Maid for the Marquess

“You have a strong bond with Edward.”

I nodded, sipping the claret I had chosen for the meal. It was rich and decadent, the flavor bursting on my tongue as I drank it. “We have been like brothers. I know no finer man than he. We experienced so much of life together. Good and bad. We made an oath as young men we would stand by each other until the end, and I believe we both mean to stick to those words.”

“It is good you have him.”

“I think so as well.”

We were silent for a moment. I slipped my hand into my pocket and laid the delicate gloves on her bare knee. “I saw these and thought you would like them.”

She gasped in delight, slipping one on and admiring the lace. “Alexander, they are beautiful!”

“I have no desire for you to cover your hands, but if you wish to, I should like it if you wore those, not heavy leather ones.” I picked up her hands and studied the palms. “The salve the healer made for you has lessened the scarring, and they are no longer rough.”

“It has. But it will never be totally gone.”

“These light gloves will help hide them.”

She leaned forward and kissed me. “Thank you. I will wear them. I would feel better in mixed company if they were covered. And these are so lovely!”

I touched her ear where the small knot of pearls lay I had given her earlier. “I am pleased you are happy with my gifts.”

“I am spoiled by all your gifts.” Her eyes glowed. “Though none is as dear to me as the gift of your love.”

I dropped to my knees in front of her, wrapping my hand around her neck and pulling her face to mine. I pressed my lips to hers, groaning as she immediately opened for me. She tasted of sweet berries and lemon. Of life and love. Of Maddie.

She sucked my tongue, as desperate for me as I was for her. I kissed her deeply, exploring the sweet recesses of her mouth as though it were new to me. And it was—every time. She flung her arms around my neck, tearing away the band of leather holding my hair back and delving her fingers into the heavy strands, pulling and twisting them. I slid my hands to her knees, pulling them apart and pushing the fabric of her chemise out of the way, feeling the warmth of her bare skin under my fingertips. I stroked up her legs slowly, still kissing her. She mewled in frustration as I teased her thighs, throwing her head back. “Please, Alexander. I need you.”

I smiled against the heat of her neck, licking, kissing, and biting along the delicate arch of her throat. “You want my hands on you, my sweet? My fingers inside you? Are you wet for me?”

“Yes to all,” she panted, shivering as I bit down at the juncture where her neck and shoulder met. “Can it be done here—outside? Is your arm⁠—”

I stopped her words. “My arm is fine. And as for doing it outside, yes, my sweet. I will happily show you.” Impatiently, I tugged at her bodice, wanting her nipples in my mouth. She wiggled, exposing her luscious breasts, and I wasted no time in drawing a stiff pink nipple into my mouth, teasing and sucking, then doing the same to the other one. She gripped the back of my head, whimpering my name. The low, hungry sounds she made in her throat made me frantic. More desperate for her. I slid my fingers up her legs, finding her silken heat, wet and ready for me.

“Ah, Maddie mine,” I groaned. “How good you feel,” I praised as I stroked her, my thumb strumming her pearl as I slid two fingers inside her. She gasped, sliding down in the chair, widening her legs. She reached blindly for me, and I aided her in unbuttoning my falls so she could reach in and pull out my cock, stroking it perfectly as I worked her. Our mouths never separated as I passed circles over her clit, slowly increasing the pressure until she was trembling and moaning, her breasts rubbing on my chest, the material of my shirt abrading my skin. I wanted to feel only her—only us—but I wanted her to succumb first.

I moved my fingers faster, curling them the way that always made her come. She stiffened and inhaled quickly, her sweet cunny tightening around my digits as she climaxed. Her grip on my shaft loosened, and then to my utter shock and delight, she pushed on my chest, sending me down to the blanket. Faster than I expected, she climbed over me, settling herself on my thighs and once again grasping my cock. She drew me inside, her walls still quivering from her spend. She was wet, ready, and began to move. She braced herself on my chest, then frowned and pushed her hands under the linen to my skin. With a grin, I grasped the middle and tore it in half, exposing myself fully to her. She traced over my muscles and chest, lingering on my flat nipples, pulling and teasing them, making me groan. She undulated her hips, rocking slowly, taking her pleasure and giving me mine. My cock was bathed in her heat. Saturated in her wetness. Delirious with passion and rejoicing in her taking charge.

“Ride me, Maddie,” I pleaded. “Harder. Take me as deeply as you can.”

She leaned over me, gripping my thighs as her head fell back, her hair tickling my knees. I was as deep inside her as I could possibly be, the sensation incredible. We moved like a wave, flowing and ebbing, rising higher and higher. The pleasure grew, expanding and rippling down my spine, sending shards of ecstasy throughout my body. Nothing in my life had prepared me for this woman. For the passion I felt for her. The love.

With a roar, I sat up, wrapping her in my arms. Covering her mouth with mine. Swallowing her cries of pleasure. Drowning in my own. I spilled inside her as she gripped my cock, milking me. Taking all I had to give. Until we were spent. Exhausted.

Blissfully wrapped around each other.

I floated in the cool water, Maddie’s arms around my neck, her voice still shocked. “Alexander, I still believe you lie! This is not done.”

I laughed quietly, pressing a kiss to her crown. “But we are doing it, my sweet.”

“Naked in the water. What if a person came by right now? They would be scandalized beyond comprehension!”

After our frantic, passionate coupling, we were both hot, sticky, and a mess. I convinced Maddie to swim naked with me in the brook, assuring her I did it all the time and we were fully protected by the trees. When she had protested, uncertain and worried, I had laughed and drawn her into my arms.

“You just rode me on this blanket for anyone to see, my love. Let me suck your breasts in the open. Think of how cool and refreshing the water will be against our hot skin.”

I knew her to be overheated and uncomfortable and the offer too tempting when she gave in quickly. I laughed as I watched her remove her chemise, her gaze seeking the trees and fields constantly. She moved swiftly to the water’s edge and let me tug her in with me, her low inhale of air as the water lapped around her waist and chest almost a sigh of relief.

“If someone happened by, all they would see are our heads. Far less than they would have seen only a short while before.”