Page 59 of A Countess of Convenience

They had arrived at the lovely little bower at the end of the garden where they had decided not to marry so many weeks ago. The landscape had changed drastically now. Completely covered in tiny white flowers and hanging vines, the alcove had become almost invisible. John pushed aside some of the vines and they entered the little enclosure.

Once inside, her eyes adjusted to the dim light, saved from total darkness because the roof was open to the night sky, admitting the faint light of the stars. He led her to the wide wicker bench where they sat side by side in companiable silence until John said, “You looked very beautiful tonight, my love.”

A peace offering, no doubt, for his little fit of jealousy.

“Thank you, John. You were quite elegant in your dress as well.” That observation was nothing but true. His sky-blue suit of silk moiré was excellently cut, setting off his dark coloring to perfection. She had chosen her gown, in the robe a la française style, of dark blue silk brocade with gold trim to complement his ensemble and suggest their close connection as a couple.

Warm lips touched her skin, nuzzling her nape. She stretched her neck, inviting even more caresses. A pleasant heat began to grow at her core.

“How would you like to do something a little wicked, my love?” His warm breath filled her ear, sending goose flesh pebbling across her skin.

“Only a little?” She turned to him, slipped her hand behind his head, and pulled his mouth to hers. Fire leaped from him to her, making her want to be as wicked as possible. She thrust her tongue into his mouth, reveling in the taste of him.

He slipped his hands into her tightly laced bodice and scooped up her breasts, pulling them free of the stomacher but leaving them perched atop it.

She gasped at the sudden chill on her exposed flesh.

“Or we can be very wicked if you’d care to indulge your husband.” He leaned forward and licked first one nipple then the other.

Immediately, they peaked in the cool air, contracting into hard little points and sending a bolt of desire all through Judith. “I love being wicked with you, John,” she said, her voice low and husky.

He grinned. “I was so hoping you’d agree. Here, stand up for a moment.” When she complied, he reached underneath her gown and around the back.

“What are you doing?”

“You’ll see… Ah, there we go.”

Her underskirt and petticoat were suddenly loose and dropped to the ground, along with her panniers, leaving her lower body covered only in her short chemise.

“Oh my.” She certainly hadn’t expected this when they entered the alcove, although by now she knew John’s appetite for her was voracious. Had they been having full marital relations, she had no doubt she would’ve been increasing by now.

He rose, kissing her nipples then her mouth before lifting her and laying her down on the padded bench. “Can you play with your nipples while I remove some of my clothing too?”

“John!” The idea was exciting and embarrassing all at once. “I can’t—”

“Oh, I think you can.” He mouthed the word “wicked.”

Heart thumping so loudly he must hear it, she quickly stroked one nipple with her thumb.

“That’s a start.”

She jerked her head up to find him gazing at her, a lustful smile on his face.

“But I think you can do better.” He pulled off his coat and dropped it to the ground. “You play with them and for each time you do, I will remove another piece of clothing.”

Now that was a challenge she would accept with pleasure. Placing one hand on her other breast, she cupped it and squeezed.

“Much better.” His praise was voiced in a lower, needful tone. Dutifully, he unwound his cravat and tossed it onto his coat. “More.”

Trying to be inventive, Judith pushed both breasts together and lifted them until they pointed at the sky.

“Excellent, my love. But you’d best hurry. As you can see, you are inciting a riot in me.”

Her gaze fell to his breeches, obviously tented. The blue material seemed to strain at the seams.

Her own need growing, she flicked her nipples several times then stroked them until the peaks were tightly furled. She shifted her hips on the bench, her need growing as her core heated. His clothing flew off like magic until he stood, bare chested in only breeches, stockings, and shoes, his hand at the fall of his trousers, breathing heavily. Panting, she pinched the hard tips of her nipples and moaned softly.

The buttons of his fall flew everywhere. The material fell open and his cock thrust straight out. John grinned as he walked toward her.