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He watched her intently as his movements increased in pace. His skill at pleasuring her was incomparable, especially when the drive of his hips ensured that he was hitting that sensitive area inside of her. With each stroke, the sensation became more intense. Pleasure roared through her body and threatened to take her over the edge. But she wouldn’t succumb until he was ready to climax with her.
He bent his head and sucked one of her nipples into her mouth. She arched her back, offering him more. He continued to kiss and nip her tender skin. If he continued much longer, she would come too quickly. She pulled his head to hers, then ravished his mouth with hers. His groan encouraged her to meet each thrust of his hips with hers. Her tongue was relentless in stroking and exploring his mouth. She tightened her muscles around his thick cock.
“Lizzie, that’s exquisite, but I’ll come too fast.”
“Please,” she begged. “Come with me. I can’t…” She couldn’t finish as her orgasm roared through her, making every muscle tighten. As pleasure ripped through her, she called his name.
With a soft cry of her name in answer, Ash squeezed his eyes shut as he climaxed with her. His hot seed flooded her, and they both gasped. He collapsed on top of her as they both struggled to calm their racing hearts and breathing.
“I must be crushing you.” Quickly, he rolled over and brought her on top of him. Gently, he pressed his lips to hers. “I love you.”
“Oh, Ash,” she said. The deep affection in his eyes stole her breath. “I love you.” She laid her head on his chest. “I have no regrets about us or our lives. Do you?”
When he didn’t answer, she lightly rested her chin on his chest and gazed at him.
Slowly, he opened his eyes. “Just one.”
She smiled at the bittersweet tone in his voice. “What is it?”
“I wish I’d been the one found with you in bed.” Gently, he stroked her hair, pushing it off her face. He cupped her cheek and smiled. “Then I would be the one married to you.”
Her body froze, and for a moment, she could think of anything to say. Normally, after they made love, he was playful and teasing. But today was different. She’d never heard him so forlorn as he was now.
“Oh, darling.” She pressed a kiss to his mouth. “Do you feel as if you’re not a part of us?”
He cupped her face. “No. Not that. Never.” He wrapped a hand around her neck and brought her close enough that her head rested beneath his chin. “I have no doubt that you both love me just as I love you.” He exhaled slightly. “It’s for the simple reason that if I’d have married you, then Robert would have been free to make his own decisions about how he would live his life.”
He couldn’t have shocked her more. “I never knew you felt that way.” She leaned away, determined to understand his reasoning.
“Perhaps that would have kept Eleanor from having any leverage over him.” Ash adjusted her so that she lay in his arms. “We would all be living in Wickford.”
“You know she would have been hounding him about marriage.”
He released a painful sigh. “I suppose you’re right. But I hate that he has to bow to her expectations.”
She placed her hand over his heart and snuggled close. Soon, the gentle and even rise and fall of Ash’s chest signaled he’d fallen asleep. But sleep was elusive to Elizabeth. Both of her husbands carried heavy burdens within their hearts. Robert was hurting because he couldn’t leave and blamed himself for her failing health. Ash hurt because he thought he’d left Robert the burden of marrying her when they’d been discovered together.
By the determined tone of Ash’s voice when he spoke to Dr. Camden, it was apparent he planned to discuss with Robert the idea of her leaving London with him. She had to stay here, no matter what the arguments were between her and Robert and Ash. She would never leave Robert in town while she and Ash went back to Overton Hall.
Just then, the connecting door to her room opened. Robert strolled into the bedroom with a sentimental smile on his face. Once he reached Elizabeth’s side, he bent down and pressed a kiss to her lips. “Are you feeling better?”
“Fit as a fiddle. Dr. Camden says I can go to the soiree.”
“I knew Ash would take good care of you.” He took off his shoes, morning coat, and waistcoat then slid under the coverlet. With a kiss to the side of her neck, he pressed up against her. “I need to touch you. I raced home to be with you both. Time for a quick rest before the soiree?”
“Indeed, my love.” Elizabeth smiled as her other husband wrapped an arm around her waist.
Somehow they had to find a way out of this mess.
Or their lives would never be in their control.
Chapter Six
Ash entered the bustling ballroom half an hour after Elizabeth and Robert had arrived. It was all to keep up with appearances. Afterward, he’d have to go to White's, the most popular gentlemen’s club in London. It helped ensure that others saw him separately from Robert and Elizabeth.
He disliked socializing at White’s. He was a man who preferred the country, and he preferred evenings with his family. The smell of liquor, cheroots, and masculine sweat was not to his liking. Nor were the boasting that always accompanied any visit there.
He’d much rather spend an evening reading then making love with Elizabeth and Robert than staying a minute at White’s.
