Page 52

R ising, he lifted her into his arms, carrying her into the bedchamber.

Her body slid against his when he lowered her to the floor.

Mary swallowed, and her nerves flared. This, them going to the bedroom, was all going so fast. Though she hadn’t been worried last night, she was now.

She prayed he didn’t expect her to know what to do.

Kit cupped her cheek, spreading his fingers so that his thumb could graze her lips. “I love you.”

She could do this. Everything would be fine. “And I love you.”

His lips teased and cajoled as they had last night. She opened her mouth, and his tongue met hers. Mary slid her hands over his broad shoulders and around his neck as his arms pulled her against him. He tilted his head, delving deeper into her mouth, possessing her as if he could not get enough.

She gasped as her bodice loosened. “I’m a little afraid.”

Nuzzling her neck, he said, “I understand. I’ll be as gentle as I can.” He gazed down at her. “Has anyone spoken with you about what goes on between a man and a woman?”

Mary fought the blush rising in her cheeks. “No.”

Although she’d been raised in the country, Mama had forbade her from being around the pastures during breeding season, and her father and brothers had continued to enforce the rule.

Concern and consternation showed in his face. “Let’s take this a bit slower.”

Unable to speak, she nodded, grateful she didn’t have to say more.

All Kit wanted to do was sink into Mary and make her his.

Part of him wanted to forge ahead without explaining what would happen, and just ensure her first experience was good enough that she’d forgive him for any pain.

Yet it was her body, and she deserved to know what he’d do to her. What they’d do together.

Clothing off first.

Kit bent his head to Mary’s, taking her lips again. Without breaking the kiss, he removed his cravat, then started to shrug out of his jacket.

“I want to help.” She pushed the sides apart, shoving and pulling his jacket off, then unbuttoned his waistcoat. He hadn’t planned on her wanting to be involved, but it might give her more confidence if he allowed her to remove his garments and set a precedent for him to remove hers.

Soon his chest was bare, and Mary slid her palms over his stomach and torso, seemingly mesmerized.

Her curiosity was good. He carefully removed her hair pins, placing them one by one on the night table.

Running his fingers through the fine silky strands, he’d never felt anything so soft and fine.

He almost groaned. It shimmered gold, curling and reaching to her waist. He took her lips again, untying her stays and the ribbons holding the shoulders of her chemise, then pushed them slowly down, uncovering her breasts.

“Beautiful.”

“Am I?” Her voice was higher than usual. Reminding him she’d need reassurance.

“Never doubt you are the most exquisite woman in the world. From the first moment I saw you, I wanted you.”

“What are you doing?” she asked in more of a squeek.

“Worshipping you.”

He nibbled his way down to her nipple, taking the furled nub into his mouth.

Mary moaned. God, she tasted so sweet, so good.

He had to remind himself this was for her.

Cupping the other breast, he rolled the nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

She pressed into his hand. How easy it would be to lose himself in her and forget she was an innocent.

As quickly as possible, he divested them of the rest of their garments, all the while distracting her with his mouth and hands.

Her light mews were a symphony to his ears. He lifted her, laying her on the bed.

His hands trembled a bit, knowing he was the only man who would ever touch her. He kissed and licked her body until her fingers speared through his hair, gripping his head. He had to tell her now, before they went any farther.

Mary writhed against him. “Why are you stopping?”

Kit took her hand, placing it on his shaft. “This is my member.”

She touched it gently, running her fingers down it. “It’s soft and smooth, almost like a baby’s bottom.” He clenched his teeth as she caressed him. “What does it do?”

Unable to take any more of her ministrations, he removed her fingers. “It has a couple of functions. The one that concerns us now is mating. I will enter you, using my member. That is how babies are made.”

Her forehead pleated. “Where does it go?”

Nothing like having to give one’s bride a lesson on anatomy before making love to her. “Have you ever seen a male dog on top of a bitch?”

“Once, but my governess took me away immediately.”

Now, how to explain it? “When you have your courses—” She nodded. “It fits in that same passage.” Or it would. “It will be tight at first, and there is usually pain associated with the first time.”

She sucked in a breath.

Damn, he’d scared her. There should be a book or something to explain this to a lady. “Don’t be afraid. I’m told the discomfort does not last long.”

Her eyes grew wider. “Do you mean you’ve never done this before either?”

God help him. “I have, but not with a virgin.” He kissed her. “If I could do this without hurting you in any way, my love, I would. As it is, I’ll do my utmost to make it as pleasant for you as possible. Trust me, please.”

What choice did Mary have but to trust Kit? Why hadn’t her mother told her? If only she’d asked her friends. They all seemed to enjoy their husband’s attentions. “I do.”

“Relax and allow me to pleasure you.”

His hands roamed her body as he plundered her mouth.

When he sucked her breast she arched up against him and thought nothing could feel better, then he kissed her all over, heating her skin, lighting fires in her veins.

He moved inexorably lower, and when she pushed against him, his mouth took hers again.

Mary grew hot and achy, tension thrummed within her, and she wanted him and wished she knew what to do.

Then he stroked her mons, and the growing tension in her body coalesced there.

When he inserted his fingers, she arched against him.

Soon it grew until she couldn’t stand it any longer. Oh God, what was he doing to her?

“Let it go,” he murmured. “Trust me.”

His hand gently squeezed her breast, and she spun out like fine glass in a fire. Just as she thought she’d die, an inferno swept through her, and Kit was over her, bracing on his arms, kissing her again.

Suddenly he was buried inside her. She cried out at the sharp pain, and he stilled. “What happened?”

His fingers brushed her hair from her face. Kit’s face was tense as he touched his forehead to hers. “I entered you. It will only hurt for a little while.”

But why did it have to hurt at all? “I don’t understand.”

“Your maidenhead tore. I’m sorry, my love, I didn’t want to cause you pain. Sadly there is no way around it.”

She’d heard of a maidenhead, but never knew what it was. “Does it always feel like this?”

“God no. As I said, only the first time. How are you feeling?”

The twinges receded, and all she felt was him. This must be what was meant by becoming one. “It’s better. What do we do now?”

“We’re not finished yet.” He kissed her hair. “I’ll make it good for you. I promise.”

His lips roamed over her face and neck. She grabbed his head and kissed him, trying to forget the pain and possess him as he had her. She caressed his tongue with hers, and he groaned. Then he moved inside her again, and gradually the sting was replaced by the fire she’d had before.

“Wrap your legs round me.”

Mary did as he asked, then clung to him as he thrust harder and deeper.

Their bodies were slick, and her hips reached up to meet him, as if she already knew the strange, intimate dance.

From deep within, she began to tremble again and forgot the pain, only concentrating on reaching the peak as she had before.

Just as the flames took her, she called out for Kit, and he shouted her name.

For a few moments, their hearts beat a tattoo, then he rolled off to her side, but brought her with him, slipping one arm under her, holding her as if she would break .

Kit felt like the worst scoundrel in the world.

He wouldn’t blame Mary if it took her a long time before she wanted to try it again.

He waited for her recriminations; instead she was so quiet.

Still, she’d come for him twice. Perhaps she wouldn’t think it was so bad.

He stroked her back, waiting for her to do something, anything. If only she’d forgive him. “I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t be. It wasn’t all dreadful. In fact, at the end it was quite nice.” Mary rolled slightly, placing her palm on his chest. “What is what we did called?”

“Lovemaking.” Kit settled her more firmly against him. “It is pleasurable, or will be the next time.”

He glanced at her, and was not surprised to find her unconvinced.

Mary drew her brows together. “You are positive it only hurts the first time?”

“Yes.” He’d make damn sure she never experienced pain again. “You may be sore for a day or so, possibly less.” If only he knew what else to tell her. “I’m sure Phoebe or Caro could elucidate it more fully than I am able to.”

He wished to God someone had had the foresight to explain matters to Mary. It would have made this so much easier, for both of them.

“What shall we do now?”

Not engage in more lovemaking. He was glad Lady Theo had thought of the hotel, but it was a bit awkward now.

“We’ll order baths. The warm water should help you feel more the thing.

Give me a moment.” He rose from the bed, looked at her and .

. . blood. How could he have forgotten? Taking a linen cloth from the wash stand, he knelt next to Mary.

She rose up on her arms, and stared at him. “What are you doing?”

“Cleaning you.” He carefully wiped between her legs, and she winced.

“For what reason? I thought we were bathing.”

“There is blood, from when your maidenhead tore.”