Page 35 of A Lyon’s Promise (The Lyon’s Den)

K ing knew that Lucretia was hesitant, but he hoped to convince her to trust him enough to show her that his touch would be gentle.

His intentions were honorable. His goal was to help her move beyond what had occurred before and replace those memories with the truth of what he held in his heart for her.

He loved her. If he failed by coming on too strong, or seeming not to care beyond satisfying his own needs, he risked losing her forever. He refused to do that, because losing her would be to lose the other half of his heart.

He opened the door to their bedchamber, pleased to see her reaction. Though there had not been enough time to renovate by painting the walls yellow, he hoped the pale blue counterpane with yellow flowers and sprigs of green embroidered all over would please her.

“It’s like flowers blooming in a meadow beneath a soft summer sky.”

King nodded, noting that the brown-and-gold patterned rug would need to be replaced.

Lizzy had told him Lucretia’s favorite colors, which he’d relayed to Lady Aurelia.

He would be sure to inform the countess that her choice of bedcovering pleased his wife.

The yellow pillows on the pair of brown wing-backed chairs did little to enhance the upholstery, but if he narrowed his eyes, he could imagine yellow flowers blooming in freshly turned earth.

The chairs sat beneath the window facing the walled garden, and he hoped the view would make Lucretia feel at ease.

“You are free to make whatever changes you wish, love. I know you are partial to yellow.”

She smiled at him. “Mayhap over breakfast we can discuss the household budget. I have been parsimonious for years, and will continue to be. You do not have to worry that I will spend your coin willy-nilly.”

King reached for her hand and pulled her into his embrace.

“We can do so if you like, but I do not want you to feel that I would be upset with you. As soon as things have been ironed out regarding your inheritance—and the repayment of such by Bancroft and Sons—you will be in control of your coin to spend however you wish…with one exception.” King did not like the way the light in her eyes dimmed, and rushed on to say, “Not one penny of your inheritance shall be spent on the improvements to our home. It is my responsibility to provide you with a roof over your head, food on our table, and whatever else you wish.”

“You forgot to mention clothing.”

“Did I?” He slipped out of his frockcoat and carefully placed it over the back of one of the brown chairs.

Her eyes widened as he unbuttoned his waistcoat. “Erm…you did.”

King tossed his waistcoat at the chair, knowing he was close to losing control, and strained to regain it.

He loosened his cravat and unwound it, carefully placing it on the growing pile of clothing.

He turned around, thinking to remove his cambric shirt, but decided to assist Lucretia in undressing. She needed to catch up.

“May I undo your buttons?”

“Lizzy should be arriving any moment to help me.”

“I told her we would not need her until after breakfast.” Disappointment shadowed her lovely eyes.

This would not do at all. “I’m aware my hands are callused, and promise to be careful not to snag your gown.

” When the buttons had been unfastened, he shifted the sling to press his lips against the nape of her neck.

“You taste of lilies. I shall always acquaint the scent with the softness of your skin.”

He trailed a line of kisses from her nape to between her shoulder blades.

Her sharply indrawn breath told him what he needed to know.

She was not immune to his kisses. “Your hair carries the scent as well.” He lifted the lock of hair off her shoulder and shifted her gown so he could kiss a path from the center of her back over the sweet flesh he uncovered.

“Gavin… I…”

“May I uncover your shoulder? It begs to be kissed.”

“I… It does? Yes.”

“Mmm…” He would learn every delicate swath of skin that covered her luscious body. Mayhap not tonight, but one bit at a time. He pressed his mouth to her shoulder, kissing her softly before his tongue sampled the same flesh.

Her whimper was music to his ears. His wife had sensitive shoulders. He brushed the tip of his finger across the dampened flesh, delighting in her shiver. “Do you like that?”

She whispered, “Yes.”

He turned her around to face him. “I’m growing warm. Do you mind if I remove my shirt?”

Uncertainty filled her gaze, but only for a moment. “I know what lies ahead of us, Gavin. I’m working myself up to it.”

King tamped down his urge to laugh. Her innocence, despite her being married before, was not something to laugh at. She had been misused, abused by the constant examinations she had been forced to endure when she failed to conceive. “I can be a patient man when it matters. You matter, love.”

Lucretia hated acting cowardly. She knew they had to seal their vows.

And what a lovely surprise the pretty counterpane had been, along with the touches of yellow.

Gavin was being more than patient, but she knew a man’s patience could only hold out for long.

Well, if a man had any. Her first husband did not know the meaning of the word.

As soon as that thought entered her mind, she shoved it out. Tonight was between her and Gavin, and it was high time she showed him her courageous side.

“If I help you off with your shirt, will you help me off with my gown?”

His eyes darkened until they resembled summer storm clouds. “It would be my pleasure. Let me untie your sling.”

She thought to turn her back to him, but he closed the distance between them and reached behind her neck. The heat of him intoxicated her. “Shall I put this on the chair with my pile of clothes, or would you prefer your own chair?”

Somehow, she sensed that her choice mattered to him. “With yours, please.”

His eyes flashed, and for a moment she was lost in their enigmatic pull. He blinked, and the familiar desire was there once more.

She helped him off with his shirt by holding a sleeve one-handed. Then the other sleeve. “I’m afraid I won’t be much help pulling it over your hea—”

Her words got tangled with her tongue as the beauty of Gavin’s carved pectoral muscles were revealed.

He turned his back to her to put his shirt on the chair, giving her a view of his impressively muscled back.

Her heart fluttered like a trapped bird, but she was determined not to shy away from the beautiful man who captured her gaze—and her heart.

His wicked smile told her he was well aware of her reaction to him.

“My job can be quite physical at times. Strength and agility are required to perform my duties.” He moved closer and placed his hands on her shoulders.

“May I help you remove your gown? Physician’s orders that you are not to use your injured hand for another few days. ”

She pushed past her embarrassment to ask, “What about our marital activities?”

“I will treat you with the utmost care and go slowly.”

Lucretia bit her bottom lip and said, “I believe the lieutenant said something about keeping them to a minimum.” She felt her face flush, but needed to finish what she wanted him to know, no matter how awkward it would be to admit.

Finally, she blurted out, “I am accustomed to activities short in duration.”

Gavin’s blank look worried her until he sighed and said, “Sampson’s recommendation will be heeded, but who is to say his idea of a minimum is the same as ours? Will you trust me?”

She nodded and thought she uttered a reply. His next words confirmed it: “I’m going to lift your gown and slip it over your head. I’ll guide your injured hand so it doesn’t become tangled in it.”

“Thank you.”

“You have no idea how much pleasure it gives me to undress you, darling.”

Thank goodness her face was momentarily covered by her gown, or else he’d see her shocked expression. He’d called her darling this time. She could not decide which endearment she treasured more— love or darling . Mayhap she could see how he reacted if she did the same.

Free of the gown, she watched the care he took folding it and placing it on the seat.

When he turned back to her, he pulled her flush against him, sliding his hands from her neck to her wrists and back again until he was gently cupping her shoulders in his hands.

“You do know what you are about,” he said.

The depth of his voice had her pulse skittering. “Do I?”

“Yes, dearest, you most definitely do.”

His heart thundered against her chest as his firm lips met hers and he claimed her with a searing kiss that left her legs weak.

He swept her off her feet and carried her over to the bed.

Gently placing her in the middle, he studied her until she felt her face flame.

“You are a rare beauty. I promise not to bruise your petals, love. I shall take great care to ease our joining—but need your permission.”

She bit her lip and knew her inexperience was showing. “I don’t understand.”

“As your husband, it will be my duty to manipulate you, so you will soften and accommodate my shaft when I enter you.”

She closed her eyes. “I am not quite sure how you will manage to do that.”

“Open your eyes, darling, and I shall teach you.” When she did as he asked, he frowned. “But first I need to remove my boots and socks—then your chemise.”

Lucretia knew it was time to bare herself to him. “It would be easier if I were standing.”

“You’re certain you are steady enough?”

“I think so.”

“All right, wait a moment.”

She watched as he uncovered his feet and marveled that even his feet appeared strong. I am addlepated , and it’s all because the man I married is built like a Greek god!

Gavin chuckled. “Hardly.”

Her hands flew to her mouth. “I said that out loud, didn’t I?”

“You did and cannot take the compliment back. I rather like being told my form resembles that of a god.” He offered his hand and helped her to her feet. “Ready?”

She searched his face and knew she had to ask one last question. “Will you promise not to berate me for the size of my hips or lack thereof elsewhere?”

His gaze solemn, he rasped, “You have my word.”

“Thank you.”