Page 19 of A Bride for the Cruel Duke (Claimed by Regency Devils #1)

Chapter Nineteen

“Y ou look beautiful, by the way,” Anthony said from across the carriage.

The comment caught Caroline by surprise. “Is that so?”

“It is.”

Caroline blushed furiously, not surprised by the compliment, as it was becoming commonplace now, but taken by it nonetheless.

She took a moment to study her husband. He was sitting across from her, dressed in a dark suit, shrouded in shadow so that she could make out only the breadth of his large frame and the glimmer of his dark eyes. In them, she saw beyond the dispassion and coldness that she once did. More than the rude, short-tempered duke who she had married a week ago. If she didn’t know any better, she might have said he was someone else entirely to the person whom she had been forced to marry.

But he is not different, nor is he pretending to be. He is that same man, only now I know the real him.

“Thank you,” she said sheepishly, looking away as she felt her cheeks flush. “As do you.”

“Pretty?”

She snorted. “No...” Again, she looked at him. Glad for how hard he was to make out in the darkness, as it would have made this carriage ride that much more difficult to sit through. Being alone with him like this, the tension existing as it did every time that they were together, it was all she could do to keep her mind on what mattered. Not giving in. “You look handsome.”

“Ah, yes.” He chuckled lightly. “Thank you. Handsome is what I was going for.”

“Consider it achieved.”

The conversation was not so much awkward as it was tense. They had not spoken of what had happened between them two nights ago, and there was no sense they meant to. Caroline was confused by this, as she was certain that Anthony would have wished to bring it up again, if for no other reason than to try for her a second time.

In a way, she supposed she was glad that he didn’t. If the conversation went down that road, with them alone in the carriage as they were, she doubted they would make it to where they were headed. She doubted that she would want to.

“I am looking forward to this evening,” Caroline said, simply because she thought she must.

“I am glad,” he responded. “I had hoped you might be excited.”

“I am. It is very kind of you. And generous.”

“I thought it might do for us to get out of the manor,” he said simply. “At the very least, so people do not begin to gossip. If you were hidden away for too long, the worst might be assumed.”

She laughed softly. “I did not think you would care what people thought.”

“I do not,” he said. “So, maybe I am lying. Maybe I just want you to have an enjoyable evening.”

“Maybe that’s the lie,” she shot back.

“I’ll leave you to decide that for yourself.”

Caroline no longer distrusted Anthony. She was well past that by now. The confusion she felt was entirely internal, afraid to admit how she felt and how much she wanted him, while desperate to do so at the same time. It was her stubborn nature that did it, a lifetime of convincing herself that sexual attraction was bad and not to be pursued.

What she needed was for Anthony to take over and force it from her, giving her no choice in the matter. If he did that, she knew that she would not be able to say no. Nor would I want to.

“I have a surprise for you after, too,” Anthony said.

“Oh?” She felt a ripple spread across her body, wondering what that surprise might be. Hoping... “And this surprise is?”

His smile was coy. “I said it was a surprise, didn’t I? It would not be much of one if I spoiled it.”

“Anything I need to be on my guard over?” She raised an eyebrow at him “You’re not going to try and find a way to trick me into undressing again, are you?”

“Perhaps if you were a better chess player than you claimed, that wouldn’t have been a problem.”

“I am an excellent chess player,” she said. “And I would have won, if we had continued.”

“Won, possibly,” he agreed. “But you would have been naked when you had.”

Caroline’s body ran warm. Two nights ago... what might have happened if she had removed her chemise? I am glad I resisted, while I am somehow furious with myself for doing so.

“And no, nothing like that,” Anthony then assured her. “I promise.”

“I can’t wait,” she said sincerely, to which Anthony smiled.

As for where they were going tonight? It was Anthony’s third ‘chance’ as he referred to it to court her properly and prove resolutely that this marriage was more than a mere desire to produce an heir. Truly, the whole thing felt redundant by this point, as Caroline felt they had passed that point, with all that was left for them to go to bed together.

But she did not complain. Nor did she try and stop him either. If he wished to take her out and spoil her, who was she to try and resist? All this, as she saw it, was further proof of what this marriage had become. No more fighting. No more arguing. And they were much more than merely companionable…

As to where they were going? He had surprised her just two hours ago, announcing proudly that he’d procured tickets for the opera.

Caroline had been overwhelmed by the notion. As one of six children, it was rare for her mother to take them to the opera, as the cost was beyond her, not to mention the challenge in acquiring seven tickets for such an evening. A shame too, as Caroline had always loved the opera, harboring a romanticism toward it, relishing the spectacle, and admiring the beauty. She was nothing if not excited.

“Here we are...” Anthony sat up in the carriage as it began to slow. “Are you ready?”

“Ready?” Caroline frowned. “What for?”

He chuckled. “You really are new to this, aren’t you?”

She looked at him flatly. “I am not some bumpkin. I have been to the theatre before, you know. Obviously.”

“This isn’t the theatre.”

“And there is a difference?” she shot back.

It turns out, there was.

It was the crowds that Anthony had been referring to. The sheer volume of people crammed onto the street outside the theatre as they pushed and shoved to get inside. Even a duke and duchess were not immune to the chaos, meaning that Anthony was forced to take hold of Caroline as she climbed from the carriage and not let her go.

His hand was around her waist as he led her. A firm grip. A commanding one. He was power and strength incarnate, and he led her through the masses, which parted for him as if on instinct. Not once did he indicate he might let her go. And not once did she wish for him to. The feel of his arm around her, she had never felt so safe, despite the crowds.

What was more, she was surprised that it didn’t excite her in the same way that his touch usually did. Sure, she enjoyed the feeling of his arm around her. But it was more than amorous. It was, she assumed, how a wife should feel in the embrace of her husband.

Their seats were in the balcony, a private booth for just the two of them, allowing them to enter via a private door around the side of the theatre. Once they were ushered inside, he moved his hand from her waist, quickly taking her by the hand to lead her down the halls, up the steps, and into the booth.

There, they sat together, his hand still wrapped around her own. And even then, now that they were safe and secure, he held her hand tightly as he rested it in his lap, and Caroline found herself glad for it. It was not uncomfortable. It was not awkward. It was right. It felt natural. It was as a wife and husband should sit.

Despite their being alone, Caroline had nothing to fear about what might happen, as the show started not long after they were seated, providing a perfect distraction. Again, however, it didn’t really matter. All this evening felt like was a night out between husband and wife, and thus she relaxed, enjoying herself like she did not think she ever would around him.

For four hours the show went on, and she was enraptured the entire time. Her mouth hung open. Her eyes were wide. Her breath held, it seemed, for the entire show. At one point, she caught Anthony watching her, smirking as he did.

“What?” she asked him warily.

“Nothing,” he said, still smiling. “I am simply glad to see you are enjoying yourself.”

“More than enjoying myself. This is... I love it.”

This saw his smile grow and he squeezed her hand tighter.

When the show ended, Caroline was more upset than she thought she would be, wishing it could have gone for another four hours. That was until Anthony reminded her of the surprise.

“You haven’t forgotten, have you?” he said, pretending to look upset.

“Oh...” Caroline suddenly became aware of where they were. With the show having ended, their little booth had turned suddenly dark. They were alone. Nobody could see them. And with her hand placed firmly in his lap, she could not escape the feeling that something was about to happen. And that she would not want to stop it. “I... I just assumed you were joking.”

“Joking?” Anthony squeezed her hand tighter, meeting her eyes fully. He held them and her heart began to race. “I would never.”

“What...” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “What is it...?”

“You’ll see...”

A moment then. One in which he looked right at her, and she felt seen again. He sat up, leaned forward, and despite herself, she prepared for him to kiss her. More than that, she wanted him to kiss her.

“Come on.” He rose suddenly and pulled her to her feet.

“Oh...” Caroline’s heart crashed, disappointed because it was clear that whatever this surprise was, it was not what she assumed. Which is a good thing! And it is lucky for him he did not try anything... or so she told herself.

Anthony led her from the booth and down the hallway, but rather than heading for the exit, she realized he was taking her in the direction of the stage. From there, he led her toward the back until they were standing outside a dressing room.

“Anthony, what is...?” She frowned at him, searching for an answer.

“You will see,” he said, his excitement palpable.

He knocked on the door, they were called to enter, and through the door they went. Inside sat a small man with a large nose, dressed in a suit, sipping a glass of wine. He jumped to his feet and bowed as soon as he saw who it was.

“Your Grace,” he said. “It is an honor.” His accent was Italian, but he spoke English perfectly. “And who is this?” he asked when he spied Caroline standing nervously by the door.

“This is who I was telling you about.” Anthony turned and gestured for her to come closer. “Caroline, this is Antonio Abate, the composer of tonight’s opera.”

Her eyes widened. “Mr. Abate!” she said a little too loudly. “It is an honor to?—”

“Ah, ah...” He held up a hand. “The honor is all mine, I assure you.” He swept toward her, taking her hand and giving it a kiss. “But if it is such an honor, allow me please to repay it.”

“I... I do not...” She looked at her husband for an explanation, but he stood back, appearing rather pleased with himself. “There is no need.”

“Of course there is,” Mr. Abate insisted. “Shall we start as soon as possible?”

“Start what?”

Anthony stepped in. “Mr. Abate has offered to help you with your lessons.”

“Lessons?” She had no idea what was going on.

“The pianoforte,” Mr. Abate explained. “His Grace has told me that you’ve started learning. A wonderous instrument, the pianoforte, and I should know as I consider myself a master. It has been a while since I have taught but for you, Your Grace, I relish the chance.”

Her mouth dropped open. “You... you are going to teach me?”

“If it suits you.”

“It does,” Anthony answered for her. “And I will send instructions at once, concerning dates and times.”

“I eagerly await.”

Caroline was rendered speechless. She looked between her husband and Mr. Abate, mouth still open, eyes wide, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Growing up as she had, not once had someone gone out of their way for her like this, seeking to help her for no other reason than it was the right thing to do.

She felt seen , she realized, something which was becoming a commonality in this marriage. More than that, she felt grateful and underserving.

“Anthony...” She did not know what to say. “I cannot —”

“It is fine,” he cut her off. “Truly, if you are going to learn, you best do it properly.”

Knowing not what to say or how to say it, Caroline did the only thing that she could think. She threw herself at Anthony, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him. And Anthony, surprised at first, hugged her right back. It was not sexual. It was not promiscuous. It was a showing of thanks, and she could feel in the way her husband held her how much he appreciated it.

“Thank you,” she said as she hugged him. “For everything.”

“For you, Caroline,” he whispered back, still holding her. “Anything.”

And this time, she believed him fully.

* * *

They climbed into the carriage together, this time sitting beside one another rather than across. Anthony had held her hand as he had led her back through the street, and Caroline hadn’t even thought to deny him. As for sitting so close, so that she was almost on top of him? Again, Caroline hadn’t given it a second thought. It simply felt right to do.

“Did you enjoy tonight?” Anthony asked once the carriage started forward.

“I think you know that I did.”

He was smiling. So strange for him, but a commonality across tonight. “I assumed as much. But it’s still nice to hear.”

She snorted. “Perhaps I should have been more obvious.”

“It would not have hurt.”

She looked at him with a flat expression, one that was meant to be dismissive of his comment. Humorous also, as she could tell that he was joking. However, she found that the time for such things didn’t quite suit, because despite the jokes and the humor, she truly was that grateful for all he had done.

More than that, Caroline wanted to show him how grateful she was. Earlier, she had been worried about the notion of sleeping with Anthony too soon. And not because of what he might do, but because of how she might behave. That she would enjoy it. That she would want more. That she would become obsessed in ways that Anthony could not possibly match, forcing his hand and pushing him away as she so feared would happen in the first place.

Not anymore.

He cares for me. I can see that now. And I know that because of this, no matter what I do or where this night leads, that will not change. So, why do I keep on fighting it? What is even the point?

“Thank you again,” she said.

Anthony smiled at her. “Anything, Caroline. Despite what you might think of me, I want you to know—” And she was on him.

She reached up and took his chin in her hand, turned his face, and moved her lips to meet his. Anthony’s eyes went wide in surprise, but he was quick to succumb as he leaned in and kissed her fully on the lips. A growl emitted from his throat. His body turned rigid, and he moved forward quickly. And what started as a kiss... predictably, soon devolved into so much more.

Which was the plan, if I am to be perfectly honest.

Anthony wasted no time in taking control of the moment. As they kissed with passion, he moved his arm around her, scooped it under her leg, and then lifted her onto his lap so that she was straddling him. Her legs spread and she sank down, and his hands then took her face and held it as he continued to devour her lips and mouth and face.

From there, one of his hands found the back of her neck and grabbed it. The other was around her throat once more. He growled again, turned her head away as he began to kiss and suck her neck as she started to move her hips for no other reason than it felt so good to do so.

His hand at her throat moved down to her waist. Then it cupped her breast, and she heard him moan. He grabbed at the front of her gown, held on tight, and with a mighty roar he ripped it open as if it was paper. Her breasts spilled out and Anthony buried his face in them.

Caroline leaned back, her eyes shut, as Anthony’s lips found her right nipple, and then her left. He moved between them, sucking and licking and nibbling. They turned hard in his mouth. There was pain... but it rolled through her body as pleasure. She moaned, letting him hear and feel what he was doing to her.

His hands then found her buttocks. He pulled her forward, helping her hips to grind as he squeezed. Again, they started to kiss; a messy thing, lips mashing, tongues wrestling, saliva dripping down their chins.

“Caroline…” Anthony pulled away slightly as she kissed down his neck. “I do not know if we should…”

“Should what?” She continued to kiss him.

“Is it not too soon?”

“Too soon? It is too late, by my count.”

Anthony pulled back further and looked at her. There was confusion in his eyes, a sense that he wasn’t sure if he believed her or not. Oh no… Had she gone too far? Had she misread the situation entirely? For a second, she worried that she had…

That was when his eyes hardened, and she saw the hunger behind them. Determination as a decision was made. One that she knew was perfectly in line with her own. Anthony moved quickly, lifting her effortlessly and flipping her onto the seat with her legs in the air. Then, just as quickly, Anthony slid down from the seat and crouched between those legs so that they were on his shoulders. Her eyes were wide, and she opened her mouth to speak.

“We had a deal,” he said to her, a smirk on his lip as his hands began to stroke her thighs above her dress. He gripped them, squeezing… “A promise. Are you trying to break it?”

“I…” She wasn’t sure what to say.

He smirked as he held her eyes, his hands moving up the skirt of her dress, pushing it down her thighs and exposing them. “I told you, I wished to court you, did I not? Five chances to prove that I am not what you think.”

“I know you are not…” Her voice cracked and she could barely think, her mind focused on his hands as they traced her thighs lightly. “I?—”

“I am a man of my word,” he said as he licked his lips. “And I dare you to say otherwise.” And then, without another word, Anthony dived, his head suddenly between her legs.

She cried out the moment she felt his mouth wrap around her womanhood. He latched onto her, devouring her as if he was desperate for her taste. His tongue then slipped inside of her lips, wiggling and licking and sucking so that it was all she could do not to fight him off because the pleasure was too great that it felt wrong. How can something that feels so good not be?

His powerful hands held her thighs steady as he continued to eat her. Each time he sucked, she spasmed for she felt it ripple through her entire body. Each time he licked, she yelped, for she felt it strike right at her heart. How to even describe what he was doing to her? How to even comprehend? She could not! So, she simply let it be.

His head remained between her legs as he began to suck at her pleasure center. Slowly at first, making her breathe and moan and shake. Then, he began to do so with more conviction, somehow sensing the way she was building and moving to that rhythm.

She tried to clamp her legs shut but he held them wide.

She tried to push him away, but he would not budge.

She tried to cry out! Dammit, she wanted to beg him. Not to stop, but to take her finally! She was ready. She had never wanted it more. But she found herself paralyzed, her entire body rebelling against whatever it was that he was doing with those lips and that tongue.

“Anthony…” She stammered, barely able to form the words as she felt that same fire within her start to build. “Anthony… I want you to... I want you too... oh, God...”

She heard him chuckle but he did not stop. If anything, he only worked harder on her. His mouth was around her fully, sucking her and holding her between his lips. He had her. He could do with her whatever he wished!

“Anthony… I want you to… please… I want you to…” She could not get the words out. “Anthony…. Oh God! Yes!” It was here.

Despite Anthony holding her legs apart, she found the power to clamp them closed. They snapped around his head so he could not move. They held him there so he could not stop. Her body writhed. It spasmed. It erupted with a force that had her lifting herself from the seat and convulsing.

“Yes… yes… yes…” she screamed as the sensation took her. “Yes!”

Who was she kidding? What was she playing at? Caroline had no control. She had no power. And she knew in that moment that she never really had. Anthony had her completely, in his thrall—his to do with whatever he damn well pleased. And as she exploded in his mouth and over his face, she decided that, for now, she was perfectly fine with that.

Now, she knew, there was but one thing left to do. No more denying it. No more pretending she did not want it. The next time she and Anthony were together like this, he would have her. Whether he wanted to or not!