Page 11 of A Duke Of Her Own
How many nights had she lain alone in her cottage, denying the feelings creeping upon her for this man? How many nights had she wished she was a young lady of society with a good reputation and he was a gentleman who could court her? A yearning so powerful opened, and it felt like an almost physical ache coursing through her veins, flooding her senses.
Somehow, her lover reached between the tight fits of their bodies and positioned his length at her opening. Once he was tucked at her sex, he moved his hand in a warming caress to her hips, gripped her flesh and urged her downward. The penetration was deep and immediate. Francie moaned into his mouth at the erotic bite of pain swirling within the deep pleasure. She instinctively lifted her hips and glided back down on his manhood. His groan vibrated inside her, and she broke their kiss to gasp at the sensation.
“Ride me,” he growled.
“Help me,” she whispered achingly.
He wrapped his arms around her, caging her into his embrace, and used his strength to rock her hard and deep onto his cock. He did so over and over until Francie trembled with the force of passion sweeping her upward. They burned with raw passion for several minutes before another powerful wave of pleasure shattered her senses. Alexander moved, spinning her so that her back pressed into the bed, thrusting deep a few times before pulling from her to release his seed.
Their harsh breaths sounded faint in the background of the rain that still sleeted down outside. He rolled and hugged her against his chest, and she contentedly listened to his heart.
CHAPTER6
Francie and Alexander lay sprawled on a blanket, surrounded by the natural beauty of the lakeside setting. The sun painted the sky with warm hues while the lake shimmered as if sprinkled with diamonds. A gentle breeze whispered through the trees, and the occasional chirp of birds created a peaceful symphony.
Between them lay Alexander’s sketchbook, its pages filled with detailed drawings of birds he had observed in the surrounding woodlands.
“These sketches are absolutely stunning, Alexander,” Francie said, her eyes widening in admiration as she flipped through the pages of his sketchbook. “This one is my favorite.” She stared at the lifelike drawing of a pair of birds huddled together. “I cannot explain it, but it seems as if they are connected.”
“A love story between birds,” he murmured, his eyes gleaming.
“A love story?”
“When it comes to courtship, birds go to great lengths, employing intricate and flamboyant displays to both allure a prospective partner and outshine their rivals. Some are very loyal to each other when they get together to mate and build their nests.”
Francie smiled and turned the page. “There are dozens of different birds here. I would not think there are so many in England.”
“In my travels, I also take time to visit nature and engage in birdwatching. I sketch and paint as much as I can,” Alexander said, a note of fond remembrance entering his voice. “This right here is a pair of swans, and these are goldfinches.”
Francie turned her head slightly to give him a sidelong glance, her interest piqued. “Have you ... traveled to many places?”
“Oh, a fair number, I’d say,”Alexander said, his mouth curving in a smile. “From the cloud forests of Costa Rica to the rugged landscapes of Australia, and even the tranquil shores of the Mediterranean. Each place offers a unique backdrop for observing different species of birds.”
Francie’s eyes widened. Somehow, she had never thought he would be so capable in his traveling? He has always seemed a very simple and straightforward country gentleman, even if he owned to elegant manners. She wondered at Alexander’s background and connections. It hovered on her tongue to query, but the fear that he might query about hers stopped Francie. Instead, she asked, “What is the most exotic bird you’ve ever seen on your travels?"
Alexander chuckled softly. “That’s a tough question. But if I had to pick one, I’d probably say the Resplendent Quetzal. I saw it in Guatemala. The vibrant colors and long tail feathers are lovely. It’s as if someone dipped a bird in a palette of greens, blues, and reds.”
She could almost picture it in her mind, a dazzling bird set against the backdrop of a lush forest. “That must’ve been an incredible sight to witness.”
“It was,” he confirmed. “Look at it here.” Alexander reached over and turned his book several pages.
Francie stared in breathless wonder at the image depicted. It was just as he described. “Your talent is beautiful,” she whispered, awed. “I wish I could have seen this myself.”
“The beauty of birdwatching is that you don’t always have to go to far-off places to find something remarkable. Even local woods and parks can be treasure troves for bird enthusiasts. I will show you one day.”
Francie smiled.If only this could be true. “It sounds like a beautiful way to interact with nature and a chance to find something extraordinary every day.”
“Precisely so,” Alexander said, his eyes meeting hers. “And sometimes, the most extraordinary experiences come when you least expect them, like stumbling upon a rare bird—or meeting someone your heart constantly longs for.”
Her heart stuttered, and they stared at each other for a few beats. Memories of the long hours loving each other rose in her thoughts. The wicked gleam in his silver gaze assured Francie he thought of the same. Blushing, she glanced down at the book, turned the page, and arched a brow. “Why does this one have a fish in its mouth?”
“Ah, that is a kingfisher. He is trying to entice a mate.”
She laughed. “Truly?”
Alexander reached out to tuck a wisp of her hair behind her ears. “The courtship among kingfishers is notably straightforward and devoid of extravagant displays. When a female kingfisher lands on a perch within a male’s designated area, the male assesses her presence. If he finds her a suitable mate, he embarks on a succinct yet poignant courtship gesture. He takes to the air, skillfully catches a fish, and then flies back to present his catch to her. The offering of the fish serves as both a gift and a testament to his hunting prowess—a promise of reliable sustenance for the potential offspring. If the female is receptive to his advances, she makes her intentions known by inching closer to him along the perch. If she is disinterested in his efforts, she will not move. Once the female takes the fish from the male’s beak, she is accepting his courtship.”
“I wish I could make these observations myself.”