Page 58 of A Rogue to Forget

The fabric of her dress seemed to take a life of its own as it slid down her shoulders and on past to land in a pool on the floor. Henry lifted her from the pool at her feet and carried her to the bed. Then he placed her upon the bedding gently.

Never taking his gaze from hers, he undressed. First his jacket, then his shirt, exposing broad expanses of his body. When he undid the ties of his breeches, Hannah looked away, not prepared to see him fully undressed.

She heard the thumps of his boots and then the soft rustle of fabric. Finally, she dared to look at him, and the sight of Henry devoid of clothing caused her breath to catch.

It occurred to her in that moment that men were actually built like the statues from past centuries. Often she’d averted her gaze when inspecting one or the other, but every so often she’d pretended disinterest while studying the male body.

So now, as Henry climbed into the bed, she realized that he was indeed most perfectly formed.

“What are you thinking?”

A soft giggle escaped at the truth. “Would it insult you if I said your body is like the marble statues of times past?”

“I am about to make love to my wife for the first time and already she is comparing me to statues,” Henry grumbled. “I do hope to be more lifelike.” With a soft chuckle, he nibbled at her neck. “I pray to change your mind about me being a stone creation. Although I will admit being flattered that you believe me to be like a piece of art.”

“Oh you are,” Hannah replied hurriedly. “Perfect.”

All words were lost to her when he came over her, the weight of his large body somehow feeling just right.

Hannah dared to slide her hands down his back, loving the fact she had every right now to touch every inch of him. So strange that although his skin was soft to the touch, at the same time, there was hardness underneath.

The feel of his hands moving up her sides to cup her breasts made all thought evaporate. Then his mouth covered one tip, taking her in and suckling gently each time sent rivulets of heat down the length of her body.

So lost was Hannah in him that when his hand moved between her legs, she barely noticed.

“Ah!” she called out.

The combination of his mouth moving from one breast to the other and the sliding of his fingers between her sex sent the room reeling.

“I-I cannot withstand it,” Hannah stammered, the flames of need lapping across her body in a way that made it impossible to remain coherent. “Please.”

While at the same time clutching the bedding and kicking her legs, unable to control the reactions of her body, a thrilling fear filled her.

There was a nudge between her legs, and instinctively she knew it was his manhood. Hannah took a shaky breath and tried to remember what Felicity had said.

What had she said?

Henry’s staggered breathing took her attention, and she pressed her lips against his. The kiss turned passionate, his tongue delving deep into her mouth as she suckled at it and dug her fingernails into his back.

Inch by inch, he slid into her, his hands firm on each hip. He looked into her eyes and then with one hard thrust pushed past her virginal barrier.

Hannah flinched at the unexpected feeling. It was not as painful as she’d expected.

“Are you in pain?” Henry whispered against her ear, his warm breath fanning her overly sensitive skin. “I love you.”

“It does not hurt now,” she replied. “I must admit, I thought there would be more to this. Felicity said you are supposed to move.”

Henry chuckled. “I am so very grateful that Felicity told you what I should do next. Otherwise, this would be a rather unremarkable occasion.”

Knowing he kidded, Hannah gave him a bemused look. “Well?”

Although new to what occurred, Hannah understood Henry was gentle in his movements, not wishing to cause her discomfort. He kissed her while driving in and out of her, fluid and steady.

The intimacy of the moment was beyond what she’d expected. Hannah enjoyed the closeness and feeling of his body against hers. She sighed and closed her eyes, basking in the warmth of him.

“Hannah?”

“Mmm?”