Page 22 of A Simple Marriage (Millionaires of Mayfair #2)

Pippa had never seen such an erotic sight in all of her entire twenty-four years, her Hugh tugging on his engorged cock and staring at her body. She did that to him. She excited him the same as he excited her.

“Hugh, come to me.” She held her arms out to him.

He crawled over her with an expression that reminded her of a prowling tiger intent on pure seduction. Desire blazed in his eyes as he held his weight on his elbows.

“You’re mine,” he whispered as he took her in a kiss that curled her toes. She wrapped one leg around his hip. His cock pressed against her tender nub. It felt divine. No, it was better than divine. It was the place where she knew there were no judgments, no disappointments, and no criticism.

This was what she always wanted, to be held and cherished. What made the love tender and sweet was that it was Hugh.

He was insatiable as he kissed her. His tongue tangled with hers, and a low moan echoed in the room. Hugh reached down and put his tip next to her entrance. “Are you ready?” He pressed a kiss to her nose.

She nodded.

“Thank God,” he murmured. “I don’t know how much longer I can stand without being inside you.”

She kissed his mouth. “I can’t wait any longer either.”

“Put me in, love,” he growled.

She hid her head against his neck at the endearment. It was the first time he’d ever called her that.

“Are you turning shy?” He pressed a kiss to her cheek.

“No. You called me ‘love.’”

“Pippa,” he whispered as he cupped her cheeks and stared down at her. “I love you more than anything else in this world.” He searched her gaze. “You know that truth, don’t you?”

“I do.” She pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. “I love you.”

“Let me make you mine now and forever.”

He guided her hand down to his swollen cock. She brought it to her entrance, where he gently nudged it inside.

“More,” she said.

He pushed in deeper.

“More?” he asked. “I can wait for as long as it takes until you’re comfortable.”

“I want all of you.” She wrapped her legs around his trim waist. “Now.”

Never looking from away her, Hugh pushed further until his wide girth was seated inside of her. She’d never felt so full, but she had no qualms about being with Hugh. She loved him and wanted to share everything with him including her body.

And how appropriate that they were making love in Mignon’s apartments.

He leaned down and kissed her as if he were worshipping her. The tenderness they shared between them was another thing she’d not forget about tonight.

He swiveled his hips and ground against her. She sucked in a breath. His pubic bone hit her in the perfect spot. Sensations shot through her. It was similar to her body’s response to him pleasuring her.

“I’m going to move, and I want you to move with me.” He pressed a kiss to her mouth.

Never taking his eyes from hers, he slowly pulled out, then tilted her hips as he pushed back in. His cock hit a spot that sent a wave of sensations through her. She sucked in a breath.

He stopped and studied her. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, do it again,” she whispered.

Again, he hit that spot that stole her breath. Her body accepted him, and she lifted her hips to meet him. He repeated the motion, and pure pleasure swept through her.

Hugh started to move faster and braced his weight on his forearms. “Look at us.”

Her gaze shifted from his handsome face to the sight of his cock entering her over and over. As if he couldn’t control himself, his hips moved faster and faster until they reminded her of pistons. Still holding her, he pulled her closer. His eyes clenched as he fought for control. She could feel another orgasm building inside of her. The earth could fall apart around them, and she wouldn’t care. All she wanted was him.

He kissed her, then called her name.

She couldn’t answer as her body pulsed with another release. Her muscles contracted around Hugh’s cock, and he closed his eyes. His mouth was open as if in agony, but then he roared her name. She could feel his release flooding her. Afterward, he collapsed atop her body with his head nestled into her neck.

“I love you, Pippa Ardeerton.”

She had no idea how long they stayed in the position. His weight pressed upon her, but she didn’t care. It felt like home, and she never wanted to leave it.

She ran her fingers through his damp hair. “I love you, Hugh Alexander James Calthorpe, the Marquess of Ravenscroft.”

He stayed in position but chuckled slightly. He pressed a tender kiss to her neck, then rolled them until she was the one on top of him.

“This is much better,” he said, then pressed a kiss to her lips.

She placed her hand over his heart, the strong, steady beat comforting under her hand. “I’m glad we made love here for the first time.”

“Why is that?” He asked tenderly as he brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. He cupped her cheek and caressed the skin with his thumb, slowly moving her cheekbone.

“Well, everything started because of this place.” She pressed a kiss in the center of his chest. “I wanted to marry in order to have this shop, and you stopped me.”

“Do you have any regrets?” His hand stilled as his gaze locked with hers. “Do you have any regrets about me?”

“Hugh, I love you.” She pressed her lips against his. “I knew that you loved me when you gave me the key to the shop.” She wiped a tear from her eyes. “This is where we consummated our love. This is where I found my family.” She pressed another kiss to his lips. “This place brought you to me.”

He rolled them over again. “I love you with every part of who I am.” He grasped her head with his hands while holding his weight on his elbows. “I can’t believe I was actually asinine enough to believe that I could walk away from you. Will you forgive me?”

She nodded. “I think both of us were too afraid to take a risk on our happiness.” She traced his lips with her finger. “We were both scared. But there was one key difference. You had parents who loved you with all their hearts. I hope I can learn more about that and about you from your mother.”

He smiled. “She would like that. But remember, your brother and sister love you with all their hearts.”

She smiled as the rush of affectionate memories crowded her thoughts. “Indeed. They were my salvation and my strength as I grew up. As an adult, I always knew that no matter what would happen, I’d have their support.” She gazed at him and sighed. “Honor and Trafford will be thrilled we’re marrying. Pelham will be as well.”

He rolled onto his side. “I agree. He’s been through this before with Trafford and your sister. Besides, your brother and I have been friends forever.” His gaze searched hers. “Speaking of forever, will you love me that long?”

“Always and then even more,” she said softly as she bent to kiss him. His tongue flicked against her lips, and she moaned.

“I want you. I have wanted you the first time I saw you. I’ll never stop wanting you.” He wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss. Suddenly, he stilled. “Do you hear that?”

Pippa didn’t breathe as footsteps sounded below them. “I do. Someone is here.”

Hugh pressed another kiss against her lips and then stood quickly. “I locked the door. I don’t know who that can be.”

“Do you think someone broke in?” Pippa covered herself with the coverlet.

“I don’t know, love.” Hugh picked up the clothes that lay scattered around the room. He threw her dress and chemise next to her on the bed. “I’ll go see. Get dressed, darling. Lock the door behind me.” Quickly, he pulled on his breeches and buttoned the fall. Then he threw on his shirt.

In seconds, he was making his was down the steps.

Pippa jumped from the bed and slid the bolt on the door. Quickly she threw on her chemise, then donned her gown.

There was no noise from downstairs. She pressed her ear against the door to see what was happening. Her heart raced at the thought that Hugh might be in danger from the intruder.

“Bloody hell,” Hugh called out. “It’s you.”

“It’s me,” a sarcastic but muffled voice called out.

She couldn’t tell who it was, but she relaxed. If Hugh knew the man, then they weren’t in danger.

“When I’m done with you, you’ll rue the day you were ever born,” the stranger threatened. “Now, where is my sister?”

Her head fell against the door with a thud. She couldn’t decide whether to pound or rest it against the wood.

Bloody hell, indeed.

Of all the rotten luck. He had to be here now.

It was Pelham.

Hugh crept down the stairs not making a sound. Whoever was in the shop walked in his direction. As the footsteps came nearer, Hugh squared his shoulders and widened his stance. On many occasions, he’d used such a posture to discourage riffraff from thinking they could rob him when he was alone walking the streets. If that didn’t work, the dressmaker shears he held would discourage the perpetrator.

The steps were louder, and Hugh waited to confront the person. Just then a familiar blond head came into view. “Bloody hell. It’s you.”

“It’s me.” Pelham arched a perfect aristocratic eyebrow. His gaze slid to Hugh’s slippers, up his naked calf, followed his torso, then rested on his face. “No need to dress so formally on my account.”

Hugh exhaled and laid the shears on the small table beside him.

“I wouldn’t have put those down if I were you.” Pelham’s mouth hitched on one side like an angry dog. “When I’m done with you, you’ll rue the day you were born. Now, where is my sister?”

There was no use playing games with his friend. “Upstairs.”

Pelham cursed and pursed his lips. He shook his head, and his body trembled with anger. “Et tu Brute?” He regarded Hugh with a coldness he’d never seen before. “First, it was Trafford who mauled my oldest sister. Now, you with my youngest?”

Hugh held up a hand. “Don’t rush to judgment.”

“Seriously? The way you’re dressed? Do you think I don’t know what happened? Don’t be coy. It’s not becoming,” he growled.

Pelham actually growled. Hugh had never seen him like this except when he’d discovered Trafford in bed with his sister. Hugh would not apologize for loving Pippa, but there was no denying his friend deserved better than to find Hugh in a state of dishabille because he’d made love to his best friend’s sister without the benefit of marriage. “I’m sorry.”

Pelham lifted his palm outward. “Enough. Who needs enemies when I have best friends who defile my sisters behind my back.” He stood in a stance of pure fury. “I’m going to take Pippa home and see that she’s all right. Then”—Pelham pointed at Hugh’s chest—“you and I are going to meet at Hampstead Heath at daybreak. Name your second.” He huffed out a breath. “I’d name Trafford, but I’m certain he’ll take your side.”

“Dane,” a soft voice scolded from behind him.

They both turned to find Pippa with her hair thrown into a messy chignon and her dress gapping in the back. She’d only been able to tie the top fastening.

“You will not fight a duel with your best friend.”

“I don’t have any.” Pelham ran a hand through his hair, grabbing at the ends as if trying to control himself. He took a deep breath and went to Pippa’s side. He took her hands in his and squeezed. “Darling, are you all right?”

“Glorious. Fit as a fiddle,” she answered with a smile.

Finally, she turned her attention to him. “Are you all right, Hugh?”

Pelham recoiled at the tenderness in her voice as she used his Christian name. “I think I’m going to be ill.”

“Dane, that isn’t helping.” Pippa rolled her eyes.

“I’m not here to help. I’m here to rescue.” Her brother took off his coat and placed it around her shoulders. Not letting go of Pippa’s hand, Pelham pulled her toward the shop door. “Ravenscroft, be at my house at the first break of dawn, or there will be hell to pay.”

With a decisive slam of the door, they were gone, leaving Hugh alone. He buried his head in his hands. This was a disaster, and it was all his fault. He shouldn’t have made love with Pippa without marrying her. Hell, he couldn’t marry her unless he courted her properly. She deserved such respect, especially since she’d been so hesitant about marrying in the first place. What had he done except make her life more difficult? Now, she had to face her angry brother.

Who just happened to be his best friend and was livid with him.

Livid was perhaps to tame a word. Enraged was more like it. Guilt coursed through Hugh’s veins. No one was more protective of his sisters than Pelham, and he had every right to call Hugh out for his behavior.

He turned around and headed back upstairs. Quickly, he finished dressing and then locked the door.

As he walked to his carriage, he grimaced slightly. He’d never felt more alone in his life. A full moon shone bright in the sky, but he didn’t have a shadow trailing him. Even it had abandoned him.

“My lord?” his coachman called out. “The Duke of Pelham was looking for you. When he saw your coach, he had his carriage stop and asked where you were. Did he find you?”

“He did.”

All the while finding more than he bargained for.