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She tilted her head back as her body quaked. Her muscles tightened against him until he couldn’t help but go over the peak with her. One last plunge and he exploded with the pleasure of making love to his dearest friend. The woman he loved more than he ever thought possible.
Chapter 21
LOUISA AWOKE, FEELING a thick muscular arm wrapped around her, clutching her breast. She sighed, enjoying the feeling of him holding her tightly against him. Last night had been the most incredible night of her life. Making love with Harry left her sated and fulfilled, unlike anything she had ever felt. And yet, she thought slowly, neither of them had admitted any lasting affection for the other.
Not that she could put the blame entirely on him. She had not professed her feelings, either. Perhaps there hadn’t been that perfect time. Maybe he’d been too busy kissing her for her any rational thoughts to cross the haze of passion.
Or in truth, she was simply afraid to tell him.
“What are you thinking about?”
“What makes you believe I’m thinking about anything?” she replied.
He nipped her shoulder with his teeth. “You are always thinking about something.”
“Perhaps I am just lying here, enjoying the warmth of your body and the feel of you next to me.”
“Hmm, I like that.” He paused. “I don’t believe you, but I do like the sentiment.”
Her stomach decided to announce its lack of nourishment with a loud grumble.
Harry laughed. “I believe we have three things to accomplish this morning.”
“And what would that be?”
“The three Bs. Breakfast, bath, and bed.”
She turned in his arms with a smile. “I rather like the thought of those Bs, especially the bath. I feel a bit....”
“Sticky?” he suggested with a quick kiss.
“Yes.”
“Very well, bath or breakfast first?”
Louisa giggled as her stomach growled again. “I think we had best feed the beast.”
He tossed her on her back and kissed her stomach. “I believe you are correct. There is something very wrong in there.” He flung off the coverlet and then dressed in his trousers and dressing gown. “I will ring for breakfast in my room. When you are dressed, join me. I’m in the last room on the left.”
She watched as he left the room and then put her night rail on. Glancing in the mirror, she was happy to see she didn’t look that different, except she felt different. She now knew the secrets the matrons whispered about at balls when they thought no one could hear them. It made her feel as if she had joined an exclusive club, of which only married women could become a member.
Except, she wasn’t married. And there had been no talk of marriage between them.
Her heart went cold.
Surely, in the heat of the moment, he had forgotten to speak of love and marriage. Hadn’t he? But he would. He must!
Mustn’t he?
She sat back down on the bed and wondered. There was nothing but honor on which to demand marriage. Harry was a gentleman and would be honor bound, wouldn’t he? Her father could not mandate a marriage since he was supposed to be dead. Raynerson, as her brother-in-law, could act on her behalf, but that could put her sister’s husband in danger. With a child on the way, Louisa could not allow him to do such a thing.
Where did that leave her?
Nowhere. She was entirely at Harry’s mercy. This would never do! She’d always said she would never attempt to trap him into marriage, but she could not take the chance of being with child. For now, she would leave it be and let him bring up the subject. The chances of her being with child, after it took Tessa nearly two years, were very slim.
Her stomach rumbled again, forcing her to leave her pondering for another time. Cracking the door open, she peered both ways before running down the hall to his room. Hopefully, the servants would have brought up the food and left by now.
As she shut the door behind her, she leaned back against it and sighed. The man was far too handsome for her senses. Even with his back to her, she couldn’t help but stare as he struggled to button his breeches. His muscular back flexed as he worked to cover himself.
