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She felt his one hand leave hers and fumble with something at his waist. With one movement he pushed his pants down, and she could feel his hardened length against her.

Eleanor moaned into their kiss. If this was what love could feel like, she understood why Sarah and others chased it. This closeness, this vulnerability, the act of two people fully giving each other to someone else was intoxicating.

She felt the cool air of the study before she felt pressure.

“Eleanor, look at me.” Derek’s words were gentle as he placed soft kisses around her face. Both of his hands were back to holding hers above her head.

Eleanor opened her eyes she didn’t realize were closed.

“Are you ready?”

The tenderness in his eyes shifted something within her. She nodded her head yes, her words stuck in her throat.

He gently pushed into her. The movement stretched and burned, but it wasn’t as bad as others made it seem. In fact, she wanted to feel more of it.

She looked up into his eyes. “More.”

Derek looked down, once again in awe of her response. “Happy to.”

His hips moved forward, hitting the sweet spot that had Eleanor crying out in ecstasy.

“Yes, Derek! More, please, more!” Her hips began to move against his, meeting his thrusts.

Her hands pulled against his, wanting to reach out and touch him. His hold tightened against her and his hips moved faster. Eleanor screams were captured by Derek’s kiss.

His own groans filled her mouth.

As his body pushed into hers, she lifted her legs to wrap around his hips which only seemed to drive him further into her. Once again, heat began to build low in her belly. Her hands were in tight little balls under his grip, and her legs began to shake with how tightly she clenched around Derek.

Derek’s movement turned frantic as Eleanor’s orgasm began to peak. With one thrust he sent her over the edge. Her scream echoed off the walls of the study. Derek thrusted into her one more time before pulling out. Eleanor felt warm liquid pool on her stomach.

Derek stood, panting. “Stay there, let me get a towel.”

Eleanor couldn’t move if the house were on fire. She gladly rested there, slowly catching her breath. Her body felt warm and relaxed and deliciously used.

Derek reentered her vision. She watched with curious eyes as he cleaned her up. He put the towel beside them and helped her sit up.

Eleanor looked around at the state of his study. “Oh my. We’ve made quite the mess.”

Derek laughed quietly. “Yes, we have.”

They look at each other. It was then Eleanor realized that her words took on more meaning than just the state of his study.

CHAPTER 24

Eleanor stretched her arms over head, relishing the release of her tight muscles. A small smile twitched on her lips. Memories of why her muscles were so sore flooded her mind.

Images of strong hands and dark eyes vibrated against her skin, and phantom feelings teased her senses. Eleanor took a deep breath and released it on sigh. It had been a long time since Eleanor slept so soundly and was able to awaken so relaxed.

The only twinge of embarrassment she felt was when she recalled how she and the Duke parted ways last night. After she helped him right his study in awkward silence, they shared an even more awkward moment when they wished each other a good night. She scurried to her bedroom without another word.

Eleanor shook her head. Maybe it wasn’t as bad as she thought. She rolled over to the side of the bed and sat up, pushing her feet into the soft plush rug under her bed. She walked over to the window and took in the beautiful summer morning before her.

Everything felt right in her world. She knew her idea would work. All she and the Duke needed to do was get whatever was between them out of their system, and all would be well. They did, and now, Eleanor felt free to move on to more pressing matters like planning her wedding to the Viscount.

She sat down at her vanity and took in her appearance. She tilted her head.Funny. I thought I would look different. I certainly feel different.

Eleanor raised her chin and turned her head side to side.Nothing different. Same Eleanor.