Page 14 of A Simple Marriage (Millionaires of Mayfair #2)

By all rights, Pippa should be mortified and doing everything in her power to hide from Hugh. She should have her mouth washed with soap. But when your parents threw filthy words at one another instead of rocks, you quickly pick up the meaning of such things. Thankfully, Honor’s small library of erotic literature and poems gave new meaning to those words, and when a man had his hardened cock between your legs teasing you, it seemed as good a time as any to try out the new vocabulary.

She nestled her head under Hugh’s head as he walked to the fireplace. “Slow down.”

“Hmm?” he murmured, then stopped. “Have you changed your mind?”

“No.” She pressed a kiss to his neck where the first signs of his evening beard had appeared. Like a cat, she rubbed her face gently against his skin. “I thought if we would take it slow, then I’ll be able to remember everything.”

He pressed a kiss on her forehead. “I quite like the sound of that.” Gently, he set her down but held her arms tight until he was certain that she could stand on her own two feet. He made quick work of laying a throw on the blue and green Axminister rug in front of the fire.

He pressed his mouth to hers then groaned. “You taste like summer and fresh berries. Lay down for me, darling.”

As she scooted into position, Hugh grabbed a pillow from the closest sofa and placed it under her head. Never taking his gaze from hers, he slowly pulled the linen shirt over his head. Inch by inch, his waist and chest were revealed. She always sensed by the cut of his coats and waistcoats that he had a narrow waist, but seeing his naked skin was another matter entirely. From his abdomen to his chest, every inch of him was perfection. Dark hair swirled at the center of his chest, then tapered to a line that extended below the falls of his breeches. Her fingers itched to trace all the beautiful dips and curves of his muscles. She longed to tangle her fingers in his chest hair.

When she was at Pelham Hall, it wasn’t unusual to see some of the laborers and tenants without shirts when they worked in the fields during the blazing heat of summer. Most of the men were lean, but they didn’t have the definition that Hugh possessed.

If she had her way, she’d suck and lick the two small brown nipples that adorned his chest. A vision of her exploring his body caused her to suck in a breath which elicited a chuckle from him.

He made quick work of his boots and stockings, then lay down beside her. A soft sigh reached her ears as the heat of his body melded with hers. She couldn’t tell whether the sound came from him or her. Perhaps both. But it didn’t matter. This was paradise, and she never wanted to leave this room or him. For the first time in her life, she wanted a man beside her, one who would share kisses and touches with her but also her dreams and disappointments.

He covered her body with his and rested his full weight on his elbows as his lips met hers with a slight touch. Instantly, her arms went around his chest as if it were the most natural thing in the world to hold Hugh Calthorpe, the Marquess of Ravenscroft, in her arms. His warmth and scent were heady things. She almost felt drunk as the sensations began to build. His body was so different from hers. Where she was soft, he was hard—his chest, his legs, his cock. Good lord, he was in her embrace, and she didn’t think she’d ever let him go. But he was hesitant. He wasn’t kissing her. Instead, he was staring at her. She didn’t know if the tentativeness was because of the new level of intimacy they’d achieved or if he thought he might hurt her.

“I’m not breakable,” she whispered against his lips.

With a groan, his tongue invaded her mouth. It was a sweeping kiss, and she met his fervor with the same intensity. It was as if a bonfire had ignited between them. Their tongues clashed but they would both be the victor in this exchange.

He pulled away and balanced his weight on one elbow. He took one of the strings of the tie knot on her dressing gown. “May I?”

“Please.” For a moment, she couldn’t even recognize the huskiness of her own voice.

He grinned slightly as he pulled the knot, then spread the sides of the gown. He swallowed as his gaze swept slowly down her chest. When he reached the apex of her thighs he closed his eyes.

“Absolute perfection.” He inhaled deeply and stared at her. “Do you know what I’m going to do now?”

She shook her head, unsure if she could speak. The smoldering desire in his eyes promised untold pleasures awaited her. Perhaps her wish to take things slow was offered in haste.

“I’m going to taste every inch of you. Not a single part of you will escape me.” He leaned down and kissed her before he dragged her mouth over her jaw. He licked the indentation of her neck, then trailed light kisses over her collarbone. He trailed a line of kissed down her chest, then nestled between her breasts.

Every touch, lick, and kiss sent her skin on fire. She lifted her head to see what he was doing as she angled her fingers in his luxurious black locks.

“Please,” she moaned.

Gently but firmly, she encouraged him where to place his mouth on her body.

“Ah, ah, ah,” he chided. “This is my exploration. You can have yours next.”

“It’s unfair,” she whispered. Even with him over her, she arched her back. The effect of which moved her breasts closer to his mouth.

He pulled back, then cupped one of her breasts. The feel of his large, warm hand on her skin teased her. She wanted more of his touch. More of him.

While still cupping her, he rubbed his thumb around and around her nipple. His gaze swept from her face to her breasts. “I always imagined your nipples would be pink like raspberries. But I was wrong.” His gaze met hers. “They’re the most beautiful blend of persimmons and peaches.” He lowered his head and swiped his tongue against one nipple.

She moaned at the tender touch.

“They’re my favorite fruit, but there’s a difference.” He lifted his gaze to hers. “You’re sweeter.” He lowered his mouth again, but this time he sucked her nipple into his mouth and swirled his tongue.

This time, she wasn’t gentle with him. She grabbed his head and pulled him close for a kiss. The force of her actions seemed to increase his own desire. He groaned against her mouth, then nipped her lower lip. The exquisite pleasure followed by pain was more than she could bear. Everything within her seemed to be exploding. She arched her back, begging for more.

Hugh transferred his attention from one breast to the other. His lips were tender this time. In turn, she combed her fingers through his black locks. He knew so much about lovemaking, and he was teaching her. When the passion became overwhelming, he became tender, slowing the heat that threatened to turn into an inferno between them.

Her heart ran laps in her chest as she tried to focus on his touch. Like a cartographer, he mapped every inch of her with his mouth and tongue. He trailed kisses across her ribs, her navel, and then a hip bone. His lids were lowered as he hummed softly, relishing her.

Well, she certainly relished him and everything he was giving her this evening. No matter what her future held, this night with Hugh would be a memory that she would treasure. Whenever she felt lonely or alone in the world, she would think of this night and how he made her feel as if she was someone precious whom he cherished above all others.

By then, he was between her legs and staring at the most intimate places of her body. Slowly, never taking his eyes from hers, he trailed a finger through her nether curls until he traced the line of her folds.

She closed her eyes as her legs fell open.

He reverently kissed one of her thighs as he watched her. On the other thigh, he trailed kisses from her knee to the apex where her leg met her hip. He pulled back and studied her there.

“So perfect,” he murmured as he placed a kiss on her there.

A ragged sigh escaped her. Good heavens, he was playing her like a cat with a mouse. She couldn’t escape him or the sensations. Thank heavens she didn’t want to. Everything within her was screaming for more.

“Please,” she begged.

“Patience,” Hugh soothed. He ran his tongue through her folds until he found the most sensitive part of her.

Instantly, she canted her hips. Her breath grew shallow as she became demanding, wanting more. Needing more. She had no doubt that she would savor kissing every inch of him. He was a divine specimen of a man. It was almost as if heaven itself had created him for her pleasure.

Such ridiculous thoughts to be having when a man was making love to you with his tongue.

But there were other matters that needed her attention. Namely, Hugh’s mouth. With his eyes still watching her, he licked her clitoris, then sucked it gently. Every nerve ending stood at attention as waves of sensation washed through her.

At first, he was gentle and slow in his ministrations. But the more he tasted of her, the more frantic he worked his tongue and mouth against her. He groaned when he entered her with one finger.

Every muscle within her tightened at the invasion. But as she became accustomed to it, he withdrew, and she groaned in disapproval. But then, he entered her with two fingers. All the while, his mouth was doing heavenly things to her sensitive nub.

Her climax built as he devoured her. But throughout it all, his touch was tender and attentive. Her heartbeat raced as her pleasure multiplied. She couldn’t get close enough to him as she twisted her lower body. She anchored herself to the blanket with a tight grip. It was the only thing that kept her in place.

“Hugh,” she cried when his tongue entered her, taking complete possession of her. It all became too much. She was at a pinnacle, unable to control anything.

“Let go,” he demanded. “I want to see you come. I want to feel your pussy clamp down on my fingers. I’ll imagine it’s my cock inside you, milking me until I come, making you mine.”

Pleasure radiated throughout her entire body. Everything within her tightened, pushing for her release. The tension climbed higher, much like a tightly wound coil. When it exploded, Pippa cried out as her every muscle spasmed. Everything ceased to exist except her and the blissful orgasm.

“Oh, my god. Hugh.” She couldn’t keep her eyes open.

As her body slowly came back under her control, Hugh whispered sweet nothings against her skin as he continued to kiss her most intimate parts.

Slowly, she released her death grip on the blanket and moved her hands to his shoulders. Hugh slowly kissed his way back up her body. He took care to kiss the tender skin of her wrists, and the insides of her elbow. She never dreamed those parts of her body would be so sensitive to his touch.

He turned his attention to her breasts once again, but only briefly. His gaze was locked with hers. He rested above her, staring as if memorizing her appearance. She closed her eyes to escape the intensity of his gaze.

“Look at me,” he demanded. “I want to see you.”

Slowly, she opened her eyes.

“I don’t ever want you to forget this moment with me.” His dark eyes burned from within. “I won’t. You belong to me tonight. You’re mine.”

She bit her lip but refused to look away from him. If any man spoke to her in such a manner, she would give him the cut direct and never look at him again. Yet, when Hugh Calthorpe, the Marquess of Ravenscroft, uttered them, they excited her. She wanted to beg him to say it over and over.

They were words a lover would share, and they stole her breath.

Under no circumstances had Hugh experienced anything remotely astonishing as Pippa falling apart in his arms. But that wasn’t half of it. Her beauty was only enhanced by the sensual sounds she uttered when he pleasured her. She tasted like something heaven sent—sweeter than ripened strawberries with her own unique musk. He could feast on her for days and never tire. Such was the magic of Pippa.

When she bit her lip, he groaned aloud. He wanted her to experience everything that he had when he pleasured her. As his mouth met hers, she slid her tongue across her lower lip, then nibbled it.

The woman was driving him insane. Such a simple act, but the feel of her mouth against his sent pleasure roaring through his body. His cock ached with need, and he rubbed himself against her. When she brought her legs around his hip, he pulled back. It would take little for him to free his member and plunge into her molten heat. It was everything he wanted.

However, he would not dishonor her. He cared for her too much.

“Pippa, we must stop.” He cupped her cheek and caressed her skin with his thumb.

She turned and pressed a kiss against his palm. The movement was so endearing his breath caught.

She grinned up at him, her blue eyes rivaling the midnight sky. Carefully, he rolled onto his side and then pulled her close. Her hand traced the contours of his chest, paying particular attention to his nipples. When he couldn’t take it anymore, he pressed her hand against his heart.

“Sensitive as mine?” she asked.

He nodded.

“That’s information I shall remember. Her gaze slowly skated down his chest. Her brow furrowed when she saw the evidence of his arousal. She looked up at him. “May I touch it?”

Hugh said a brief prayer of thanks to the powers that be. His conscience shouldn’t object to a bit of exploration. “Please.”

Before he could do himself the honor of unbuttoning the falls of his breeches, Pippa had already completed the task. He swallowed hard as she pulled the material away from his body. Her eyes widened when she saw his thick, ruddy cock, but a wicked smile tugged at her lips.

Her delicate hand wrapped around him, and he was bewitched by the sight. He hissed at the pure agonizing pleasure of her touch.

“Hugh?” She stilled for a moment, then looked at him. “What did I do to cause you pain?”

“Nothing, darling.” He flipped on his back. “Do what you like to me.” If he was going to hell, he might as well make the trip exquisite.

She nodded, but her gaze was trained on his body. She gripped him again, then rubbed her thumb across the crown. “You’re wet too.”

At the words, he rocked his hips, thrusting into her hand. “Because of you.”

“I want to see you come,” she purred.

“Then I’ll need your help.”

“Do you want my mouth on you?”

At the image of Pippa’s plump lips around his cock, his eyes practically rolled back in his head. “Next time.”

It was amazing that he could say the words. He placed his hand around hers and tugged. “I like it when you pull hard. Let me show you.”

He jerked his hand several times. When she smiled up at him, he felt like the king of the world. The movement of her hand made her breasts jiggle. He bit his lip at the sight. All he wanted to do was suck that tender skin into his mouth and feast.

Searing pleasure started to build at the bottom of his spine as his sac swelled. It wouldn’t be long before he reached his orgasm. He pulled harder and faster as he focused on his pleasure. With Pippa’s soft hand under his, he surrendered everything. He growled as he closed his eyes and threw back his head. Ropes of his hot seed hit his stomach.

After several moments, his body relaxed. Pippa’s hand was still wrapped around his semi-hard erection.

She looked up with a satisfied smile. “That was amazing.”

“Because you’re remarkable,” he countered, then took her in a blinding kiss. Instantly, he felt the blood rush to his cock.

He closed his eyes and willed away the vision of plunging into her heat and making her his forever.

For the love of heaven, what was he thinking?

With his eyes still shut, he gently took her hand off his cock and brought it to the middle of his chest. “Do you feel that? The bloody pounding of my heart? You did that.”

She giggled softly. “I must be a sorceress then.”

“The best kind of magical being.”

Pippa took her hand away from him to slip it into a pocket on her dressing gown. She pulled a handkerchief and started to wipe his stomach.

“I can do that.” He placed his hand over hers.

“Let me,” she said. Slowly, she wiped the soft cloth against his skin. “May I ask you a question?”

He propped himself on one elbow and studied her. There was a new seriousness about her. “Ask away.”

“I imagine you’ve had all sorts of lovers. Is it always like that?” She smiled timidly.

“Is it always like what?” He brushed a lock of hair from her cheek and slipped it behind her ear. “That’s better. I can see you.”

Her gaze dipped below his stomach. If she kept looking at him like that, chances were that they would do more than just pleasure themselves. Neither one of them could take the chance. He took her hand in his and entwined their fingers together.

“Look at me,” he commanded softly.

Slowly, her gaze lifted to his.

“I’ve had my share of lovers.” He wouldn’t lie to her. Ever. “Just as I told you when I kissed you for the first time, I’ve never felt what I felt tonight.”

“What does that mean?” Pippa tilted her head with a look of bemusement.

“It means…that when there’s affection between two people, sharing each other’s bodies is something extraordinary.” He sat up but didn’t release her hand. He expected her to make some quip about him having affection for her. Instead, she turned to stare at the fire. Worry seemed to surround her.

Gently, he tilted her chin until they were staring at one another. “What is it? Didn’t you enjoy it?”

“I did. Too much, I’m afraid.” After she donned her dressing gown, she scooted away from him.

Though it was only a couple of inches, it felt like a mile. She was withdrawing from him for some reason, and he would not allow that to stand. Not after what they shared. “Tell me what’s wrong?”