Page 21 of A Simple Marriage (Millionaires of Mayfair #2)

When Pippa had slid across the carriage bench and into the warmth of Hugh’s body, she instinctively tilted her head toward him.

“Did you tell Stanhope yes?” The tentativeness of his voice echoed softly through the carriage.

“No. I couldn’t,” she murmured.

“Thank God. Then I can do this.” His arms came around her as he pressed his lips to hers in a kiss that could only be described as tender and mellow. When she wrapped her arms around his neck, she deepened the kiss. Her tongue traced the seam of his mouth, and he moaned deeply as he allowed her to deepen the kiss. Her tongue instantly found his in a dance that slowly revealed the passion that always swirled around them.

As she kissed him with everything she possessed, her mind whirled with one thought. She wanted him. She always had. Every time she’d ever seen him at her home or at a social event, she always made certain that she had an opportunity to chat with him. No one made her feel seen as he did. Whenever she was by his side, he turned his attention to her. He made her feel important just by the way he treated her.

For all her life, she’d remember this night. She could tell by the yearning in his kiss that he still wanted her. But it still didn’t answer the question of why he didn’t fight for her.

The carriage came to a slow halt, and Hugh broke away. But as if he couldn’t resist her, he pressed another kiss to her lips. “We’ve arrived.” He stood as the door opened.

She realized he’d exited the carriage by the gentle swaying motion. But it was still pitch black, and she didn’t have a clue where they were.

“Come toward me. He leaned in and took her hand. Careful of falling, Pippa stood, and with Hugh’s help, she found the carriage door. As she took a step, her world tipped upside down. She was falling but she never hit the ground. Instead, she was swept into Hugh’s arms. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.

He chuckled softly. “Did you think I’d let you fall?”

“I don’t know what to think,” she softly retorted.

“My lord, it’s open,” a voice called out.

Someone closed the carriage door, followed by a creak of wood, which indicated that someone had climbed onto the driver’s bench.

“Thank you, John,” Hugh called out. “I don’t know how long we’ll be.”

“Take your time, my lord. We’ll wait for you in the back.”

“Who is that?” she asked.

Hugh opened a door while balancing her in his arms. “My coachman John and groomsman Jasper. They’re loyal and won’t tell anyone what we’re doing.”

“What are we doing?”

“We’re crossing a threshold. Are you ready?” When she nodded, he carried her inside somewhere, then gently set her down to stand. “Don’t take the blindfold off until I say.”

“When did you become so overbearing?” The slight smell of bee’s wax permeated the air, indicating that a candle was lit. Pippa couldn’t deduce much else as the cravat was still tied around her eyes. She took a deep sniff to see if she could tell anything else about her surroundings. A deep floral scent fragranced the air. It was something she’d smelled before but couldn’t place.

“Are you ready?” His deep voice wrapped around her.

“Yes.”

In seconds, he had untied the necktie and took it away from her face. Instantly, she opened her eyes.

“Mademoiselle Mignon’s shop,” she said in awe as she turned slowly around. The familiar rolls of fabric that decorated the shop stood like soldiers against the wall. Each one arranged for whatever dress they were needed for. “No wonder I recognized the floral scent.” She pointed to a vase of flowers. “Mignon always has fresh flowers delivered every day.”

But the flowers would stop soon. It wasn’t Mignon’s shop anymore.

Nor was it ever going to be hers.

She turned to Hugh. “I discovered today that Mignon sold the shop.” She wiped away an errant tear. “Pelham tried to buy it for me today, but it had already been sold. So, it must have happened recently. I don’t know who owns it.”

“I know who owns it,” he said nonchalantly.

“Is that how you got the key? Why are we even here?” She didn’t hide her sarcasm or the exasperation in her voice.

Hugh bit his bottom lip and then smiled sheepishly. “Because this is yours.”

She shook her head, too afraid that she’d start crying in earnest.

“It’s yours, sweetheart,” he crooned. “I bought it for you. I don’t want you to have to sacrifice your happiness to have the life you want.”

“What?” Her eyes blinked rapidly as she tried to make sense of it all. “Why? When?”

It was inconceivable. The dream that she’d had for the last several months had evaporated. It had slipped through her fingers like water. Now, Hugh was giving it to her?

“Why would you buy this for me?” We never even discussed such a scenario.” She closed the distance between them and grabbed his lapels as she looked him in the eyes. Giddy, she shook her head. “What does this mean?” Was it an apology for not fighting for her when he’d known that Stanhope would propose to her?

Did it mean that he had feelings for her?

Did it mean that he wanted her as his wife?

She let go of his coat and took a step back.

He reached for her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “This is for you. All of it.” He squeezed her shoulders as his eyes shined with emotion. “If you had wanted to marry Stanhope, then I promised myself I’d walk away and accept it. However, I wanted you to have a choice. I don’t want you to have to marry a man that you don’t love.”

She rested her hands on his chest. Instantly, she could feel the pounding of his heart with his racing beat matching hers. She closed her eyes, refusing to shed any tears, though she felt as if the world had fallen beneath her feet, leaving her in a freefall with no idea where she’d land.

Once she felt in control again, she opened her eyes.

“Sweetheart,” he crooned as he cupped her cheeks. “I had an epiphany, and I won’t let you go until I say my piece.” He smiled slightly. “One thing I realized is that your happiness is paramount. I can’t be happy if you’re not. Even if you marry another.”

She shook her head slightly, trying to understand. His words contradicted his actions…or lack of action. “I thought you didn’t want to fight for me.”

He scowled, and the urge to smooth away the lines on his face was nigh impossible to resist. So, she didn’t.

Pippa pressed her fingers against the furrows that lined his brow. He closed his eyes then took her wrist in his large hands and brought it to his lips. He pressed a kiss to her pulse, then licked her tender skin, sending a cascade of sensations through her.

“Stanhope said that he told you that he was going to ask for my hand, and you didn’t say a word.” Her dratted eyes filled with tears. “I never saw you. And that hurt, Hugh.” A single tear slipped, and he quickly brushed it away.

His eyes slammed shut as if she’d just slapped him. “No. Darling, no. That’s my problem. I did and do care, but I was incapable of moving. I didn’t know how to act. I want you more than I want my next breath, but I didn’t think I could give you what you wanted and needed.” He tilted her chin until their gazes met. “I didn’t know how….”

“Then what changed your mind?”

He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing as it betrayed the heavy emotion in his voice. “Aunt Edith and Mother shared some of the lessons they’ve learned through the years. Life is made for giving, and love is the greatest gift. I want that for you. I don’t ever want you to regret your decisions. I don’t want to regret mine. And I was doing that.” He exhaled, and his breath kissed her cheeks.

That’s when she knew that he loved her. He didn’t have to say the words, she knew the depth of his feelings for her. He had to give her this shop as it was the only way he could show her how much he truly cherished her.

She wanted to shout to the heavens as her heartbeat quickened. He did care, and he did fight for her once he found his way.

“Tell me,” he whispered. His eyes searched hers. “Why didn’t you say yes to Stanhope?”

Another tear fell, but this time she didn’t brush it away. She couldn’t help but smile tenderly. “Oh Hugh, I told him I could not marry him because I was in love with someone else.”

Relief and something else blazed in his eyes. “For the first time this evening, I feel like I can breathe. Tell me.” His thumbs caressed her cheeks. “Who is the lucky man who has won your affection?”

“You.” She kissed the palm of his hand. “You’re the only man I think I could ever love.”

He let out a shuttered breath as he rested his forehead against hers. “Thank you. I don’t know what I would have done if you’d married Stanhope. Trafford told me that there is a family dinner planned and I wasn’t invited. I knew then that there was a good chance I’d lost you. But I had to try.” He pressed his lips to hers. “I had to.”

“I know.” She returned the kiss. “Come. I want to show you something.” She took his hand, and together, they went upstairs to the second floor. Without hesitating, she opened a door. It was Mignon’s old living quarters.

“What are we doing here?” Hugh said as she opened the tinderbox and made quick work of lighting a candle.

“I wanted to show you the rest of the store.” She looked over her shoulder. “Shall we make a fire?”

He took the candle and went to work preparing a fire. It didn’t take long until the glow of the fireplace lit the large room. When he was satisfied with his work, he brushed his hands then came to her side. “Am I ever going to get to kiss you?”

“Perhaps,” Pippa teased as she pulled him to the bed against the far wall of the room. “This coverlet? I made it for Mignon as thank you for teaching me how to make black velvet manteaus.” She pulled the ribbon that kept her simple chignon in place. Her hair fell in waves around her shoulders.

“Beautiful,” he answered with a smile. He took her hair and wrapped it around his fist and pulled her in for a kiss. “Just like you.”

“Now, we’re going to teach each other something.” She gently pushed him onto the bed.

A smile tugged his lips as he propped himself on one elbow and reached for her hip, pulling her on top of him. “What shall we learn?”

She pressed her lips to his. “How to make love to one another.”

Her world tilted as he quickly rolled them over, being careful not to lean his full weight on her.

His chest shook with laughter. “I plan on being a star pupil.”

Hugh pressed his mouth to Pippa’s. His darling didn’t need any coaxing. She opened her mouth on a whimper, and boldly, he deepened the kiss. His tongue tangled with hers, and he groaned. She was perfect in his arms. Pippa Ardeerton made him want to be everything she thought he was. His future was with her, and hers with him. For the first time in his life, everything old was new again. And it was all because of Pippa.

He pressed two rushed kisses against her lips. “This is my first lesson. Exploring everything that makes you wonderful.” Hugh trailed his lips up her neck and nudged her ear with his nose. “What would you like?” He bit her earlobe. “Shall I kiss you everywhere or focus on one specific part?”

Nothing in his world had felt so perfect than having Pippa in his arms. She was his, and he’d make love to her in a way that she would never doubt how much she meant to him.

“Quit teasing me,” she grumbled. “Make love to me.”

He leaned on his elbows and regarded her. “The first time I make love to you, I want to see all of you.” He moved from the bed and took her hand. His Pippa appeared to be drunk with desire. Her smile was warm, and her gaze was bright. The smile she wore was one he’d never seen. Somewhat shy and somewhat bold. That was Pippa. The beautiful woman who stood before him would always surprise him with her love and zest for life. No matter what he did in this world, there would be nothing greater than loving her and ensuring her happiness every single day they had together.

He quickly untied her gown and let it slip to the floor. She quickly pulled the laces of her stay and discarded that piece of wardrobe. The only thing left was her chemise.

“Now you.” She pulled him to a mirror that stood close to the bed. She tapped her finger as she walked a circle around him as if he were a statue.

Which was appropriate as his cock was so hard it could be mistaken for marble. Without an invitation, he pulled off his coat, unbuttoned his waistcoat, then pulled his shirt over his head. When he unbuttoned one side of his falls, she placed her hands on him. “Allow me, please.” Her eyes flared with passion. “I want to feel you. All of you tonight.”

“All right.” He held her gaze as he toed off his slippers.

She knelt and untied the ribbons holding his socks.

“I’ve never had someone do that for me.” His voice had turned husky with desire. “Do you have any idea how much I want you.”

“As much as I want you.” She slipped off his stockings and threw them off to the side. Then with a grace a ballerina would envy, she stood and unbuttoned his falls. Immediately, they fell to his hips, revealing his swollen cock. She took him in hand and pressed her thumb on the glistening crown, spreading his leaking seed. “Just as I thought. You’re perfect with or without clothes.”

“So are you,” he said softly as he pulled the tie at the neck of her chemise. She wriggled slightly and the garment fell to the floor.

In the firelight, Pippa stood like Aphrodite. He reached out and brushed the back of his hand against one hardened nipple. She sucked in a breath at the intimate touch. He stilled when he found the creases and lines that marred her perfect skin. “Oh, darling, what is this?”

“It’s from my stays.” She shrugged. “Because of the size of my breasts, my stays have to be tight, or else the dresses don’t fall correctly.

“Face the mirror,” he commanded gently.

She turned and he pulled her into his embrace with his chest meeting her back. He cupped her breasts and squeezed. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back until she was resting against his shoulder. Then, he caressed each and every line and dip he could find.

“I don’t like it,” he growled in a deep voice. “You should never wear them again. I think I’d prefer you never wore a single stitch of clothing again. You’re beautiful as you are.”

“Thank you for saying that.”

“I did it for you as much as for me, he declared. “However, I believe I’ll change my mind. I don’t want anyone staring at your beautiful body except for me. I don’t care if I’m being selfish. It’s all for me, and I don’t share.”

She giggled softly. “Let’s both be selfish. I’m not sharing you with anyone either.”

This was the way it should always be with them. Easy, loving moments designed to strengthen the bond between them.

Still cupping one breast, he slid his hand down her ribs, past her mid-drift, until he ran his fingers through her curls. The blond strands glistened with her arousal. His cock twitched as his fingers moved through her soft, wet folds. When he circled her clitoris, he canted his hips.

“I want you. I want all of you.” He murmured into her hair. He let her go, then stood before her. He dropped to his knees and pressed a gentle kiss to her folds. “I’m a starved man, and I’m going to feast on you before I take you to that bed.” He slid his tongue through her folds.

She moaned at the hunger of his kiss, then placed one hand on his shoulder as she gripped the long sides of his hair.

He chuckled, then ran a finger through her wetness. He pulled away slightly and held up his wet finger. “This is what I’ve wanted since the first time I met you. I want you. Just like this. As anxious for me as I am for you.” He sucked his finger, and her eyes widened. “You’re all I’ve thought about and desired. I’ve taken myself in hand at least three times a day since I met you in Hyde Park.” He pulled her leg and placed it around his shoulder. “Now, be a good girl, and let me taste your sweetness. Hold on to me.” He wrapped his arm around her other hip to keep her steady. “Now, watch and see how beautiful you are when you come.”

God, this woman stood before him, giving her heart and body to him. Never had he received such a precious gift. He reverently kissed the tender nub hidden between her folds. Then he licked all the way from her entrance to her clitoris, then did it again. She mewled her pleasure, and he smiled against her.

“Again,” she sighed with pleasure. “Lick me again.”

This woman would be his equal in life and in his bed. He inserted one finger, then another.

She pulled his hair as she cried his name. He could feel the muscles of her core tighten in preparation of her orgasm. He inserted another finger, then gently moved them in an act that would soon be his cock. He circled her nub again and again. He dragged his teeth against her tender flesh.

“Yes,” she hissed. “Again.”

He did as she asked. “Look in the mirror, my darling.”

He tilted his head and saw the minute her gaze latched onto the image, looking back at her. Unable to stand anymore, she closed her eyes as she screamed his name. As she shuddered in his arms, he continued his slow torment of licking and sucking her.

A wave of emotions swept through him at her cries of ecstasy. How could he have ever denied his love for her? From now on, his days would be devoted to pleasing her, pleasuring her, and protecting her with his life. He wanted to build his entire life around this woman.

What a fool he’d been to deny these feelings for her.

She leaned her weight against him as if she couldn’t hold herself upright any longer. Without hesitating, Hugh swept her into his arms and took her to the bed. Holding her tender gaze with his, he looked his fill. He’d never seen a more beautiful sight in the world than his Pippa, satisfied and waiting for him to make her his.

Unable to resist, he took his self in hand and jerked his swollen cock once, then again.

“Let me do that.” Pippa reached for him.

His slowly shook his head with a wicked smile. “We have all night, love.”