Page 49 of A Countess of Convenience

Heart beating faster and faster, Judith deliberately thought of their night at The Sun. “And if I do not wish for you to leave?”

“Then of course, I will not.” His eyes deepened to jet black. “I am more than willing to do whatever will make you happy tonight, Judith.”

“Even if I just want you to hold and comfort me?” Was that all she wanted from him? She didn’t think so, but she was such a jumble of emotions she didn’t want him to expect too much.”

“Then it will be my greatest joy to do exactly that.”

Satisfied, Judith rose. “Then take me to bed, John.”

“With pleasure, my dear.” He released her hand then scooped her up in his arms and strode to the turned-down bed. Gently, he laid her down and drew the covers over her then swiftly moved around the bed.

She couldn’t take her gaze off him, admiring the long limbs and easy stride as he reached the opposite side.

He turned his back to her, and the banyan slithered to the floor, revealing a broad, muscular back that tapered to a small waist. There was only a flash of round, firm buttocks before he slid beneath the covers.

Suddenly, warmth poured though her, as though she sat directly before the fire. Did he feel this hot as well? She risked a glance at him, but he lay with one hand beneath his head, staring up at the ceiling. Now what should she do? On her first wedding night, she and Simon had scarcely been able to constrain themselves until they got to their chamber. This time was so different, although the heat continued to build within her. She should have rid herself of her gown while she had the chance.

John turned toward her, propping himself up on his arm. “Have you settled a bit, love?”

The endearment sounded so natural to her ear. Sweet. She turned to face him, also propping herself up. “I believe so.” She snared his hand and laced their fingers together. “Enough to know I do not want a marriage in name only with you, John. I want to take comfort in your body as well as your mind and soul.”

A slow smile spread over his face. He bent his head to press a fierce kiss to her lips. “It shall be as you wish it, my love. Forever and always.”

“Then please help me get rid of this cursed nightgown.” She sat up, pulling this way and that at the wretched material.

“Judith, wait.”

She stopped tugging at the uncooperative material and raised an eyebrow at him.

Staring at her hungrily, he said, “Get out of bed then take it off. Like you were going to do that night at The Sun.”

“What an excellent idea.” She clambered off the bed then turned to face him. Keeping her eyes on him, she slowly reached down and snared the bottom of her gown. Then, inch by inch, she drew the fabric upward, past her knees, past her thighs.

His breathing grew shallow, his eyes enormous as she continued upward, revealing the mound at the apex of her thighs. He groaned and fisted his hand in the sheets but kept his gaze on her alone.

Up over her stomach, over her breasts that bounced gently as they were freed.

A whimper erupted from John. She grinned, pulled the gown free, and dropped it. In a devilish moment, she turned to the table, giving him a clear view of her backside as she bent to blow out the candles on the table. Then she faced him again and returned to the bed.

Sliding underneath the covers once more, though only from the waist down, she took John’s hand again. “Better?”

“Much.” His voice had deepened, his breathing more ragged as he feasted on her with his eyes.

She moved his hand to her breast. “And now?”

“Better still.” He cupped the tender flesh then slid one finger around the nipple, making it peak instantly.

Judith bit back a moan. She’d never made love to a man other than Simon, and though she’d known John wouldn’t be what she was used to, she’d no idea how those differences would make her feel. Perhaps she’d thought, in the back of her head, that John might be timid in bed. That notion was dwindling fast.

Lowering his head, John fastened his lips to her nipple, drawing it into his mouth, sucking it then laving it with his tongue, sending sparks of heat straight to her core.

Uttering a low groan, Judith lay back on the pillows, baring her other breast, enticing his attention to it as well.

He obliged by stroking it as he continued with his tongue on the other.

Heat built up quickly within her. When he grazed her nipple with his teeth, an ache started to coil in her core. “John,” she panted, pulling his head up. “I’m ready for you.”

“And I for you, love, more than ready.” A pained expression crossed his face, and he lay back on the mattress. “However, we must take some precautions.”