Page 16 of A Simple Scandal (Millionaires of Mayfair #3)
Fifteen
“ W here is she?” Dane’s head throbbed from all his bellows.
“She had visitors.” Winston held out his palms in an attempt to keep him calm.
“Who called on her? For how long? Where is she now?” He didn’t care who heard his rant. He wanted Grace in his bedroom, and the blasted woman had not been to see him in three hours. She couldn’t leave him again. “I cannot rest if she isn’t here.”
“Yes, Your Grace. I will fetch her immediately.”
As soon as Winston turned to leave, Grace entered the room. “What is the meaning of all that shouting? You sound like a rooster and one that isn’t very jolly.”
His butler smiled in relief and went to greet her. Grace held out a bottle, and Winston muttered something before leaving the room.
With another bout of dizziness, Dane collapsed against a pile of pillows. “Finally, you’re here.”
“You remind me of a petulant child.”
“You saw my body. I’m anything but a child.” Color painted her cheeks, and he grinned. Ah yes. His Grace had enjoyed the view. “Are you blushing?”
“Stop,” she scolded, then softened her voice. “Is your fever returning?” Grace came to his side and laid her cool palm against his forehead.
“Yes. I’m fevered because I am burning for you.”
She scowled at his flirting.
He took her hand in his and pulled her near. “I’ve missed you.”
She sat on the bed next to him. “I’ve only been gone a few hours.”
“My heart can’t tell time. It just knows when you’re absent.” He waited for her to offer a sarcastic comment as he studied her. Instead, her blush reminded him of rose buds. He scooted over and patted the bed. “Who came to see you?”
“Quite a cast of characters who sang your praises.” Composing herself, she narrowed her eyes playfully. “I met the vicar, the muffin man, Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Morris, and finally Mrs. Grimalkin. Somehow, they were aware that I had spent the night with you. Mrs. Grimalkin brought you this and instructed me that you take a spoonful day and night, as well as when you have a fever.” She handed him the bottle, then picked up a spoon from his side table. “Winston says the woman is known for her herbal remedies.”
Dane opened the bottle and sniffed. “I’ve had this before. It’s a miracle potion.” He took the spoon and poured himself a dose. When finished, he returned the bottle to Grace, who set it on the side table.
“She also brought you a witching ball.” Grace grinned as she pulled the glass ball from her pocket. “She will use every weapon in her arsenal to see you well.”
Dane took it and carefully placed it on the side table. “She brings one every time she visits.” He patted the bed. “Sit with me.” He was on his best behavior. Perhaps he was acting juvenile, but he didn’t want her far from his side. When Grace rose from the bed and reached for a chair next to the bed, he took her hand. “I meant sitting next to me here.”
Grace released a heavy sigh, then scooted next to him. “I was sitting in this exact position last night.”
“And this morning, you hugged me in this bed.” He turned to view her better, then waggled his eyebrows. “I’d like you to repeat that if you don’t mind.”
“I was trying to push you off. You are quite heavy, and you had me pinned under you,” she protested but smiled. “I’m glad you’re feeling better. I was worried about you last night.”
“I have an excellent nurse.” He brushed a stray lock of hair off her forehead and tucked it behind her ear.
She mimicked his pose. “Molly and Sarah from the Jolly Rooster also visited me. Did you have Winston send them to me?”
“No,” he murmured as he stared into her face. From what little he remembered of that night, Grace was livid when she saw him with the women. He slammed his eyes shut as memories flooded his thoughts. For the love of all men, Molly and Sarah had dressed in silk gowns that were split down the middle, revealing their breasts. He remembered playing against Brixworth, and Molly and Sarah thought to distract the man if they showcased their cleavage. The story was even more horrific when he remembered that other women, members of the demimonde, were present as well.
No wonder Grace had been so angry with him.
She scowled as she bit her lip, revealing her apprehension.
“How did you know where to find me?”
She released a painful sigh. “Marbury. When he returned from finding you at the Jolly Rooster, he told Athena to pack and that they were leaving first thing that morning. He told me what he’d discovered as soon as she left us. I was so angry with you that I made Winston send for a carriage. I wanted to find you, give you the devil, then terminate our agreement.”
He had to keep his emotions under control. His inn and employees were important to him, but Grace was everything. “And then when you found me?” he asked, spacing the words evenly.
“It reminded me of the last time we’d fought over the Jolly Rooster.”
He nodded slowly. “Grace, they were not there with me, and more importantly, I wasn’t with them.” He took his hand and entwined their fingers together.
“Molly and Sarah told me what you were doing.” She glanced at their hands. “You wanted to win a property and then banish him from the Jolly Rooster.”
He brought their clasped hands to his mouth and kissed the top of her knuckles. “I lost track of time. I never should have stayed there that long. I think the fever made me dull-witted. But it’s more than that. Brixworth had something that didn’t belong to him. I’d been trying to win it for years.” He wouldn’t tell her it was her father’s summer estate until he knew the whole story. He didn’t want to upset her needlessly. “It was a warning to anyone who dares to treat the people I care about in a demeaning manner. I’ll do everything in my power to protect them.”
“That’s very noble.”
“That’s me, a knight in shining armor.”
“Hmm,” she hummed sleepily. “By the looks of you last night, your armor needed a little polishing.”
“Are you saying I’m sullied?” He wanted to shout to the heavens when she leaned against his shoulder. But he decided against it since he’d been loud enough last night to wake everyone in Pelham Hall. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her waist and tugged her closer to his chest. He pulled her near, never wanting to let her go. “What happened to your father’s summer estate?”
“The earl owns it.” Her voice softened. “Ask him.”
“I will.” It was now or never for him to explain what happened all those years ago. He turned slightly. “I need your forgiveness for what happened nine years ago.”
Her slight snore was his answer.
He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Rest now, Gracie. I have plans for you this evening. But if you’re wondering, I feel much better now that you’re where you should always be. In my arms.”
Dane didn’t know how long they slept, but it had grown dark outside. Grace was still sound asleep beside him when he woke. Careful not to disturb her, he slid across the bed and then walked to the other side. As he peered down at her, he smiled and then bit his lip not to laugh aloud. She resembled his Grace from old. A smattering of freckles frolicked across her nose and cheeks, and a slight smile tugged at her lips. He leaned down, gently pressed his lips to her forehead, and then closed his eyes. He wasn’t a religious man, but then and there, he said a silent thank you for having her back in his life. He’d do everything in his power to make her happy. He tucked the bedcovers around her, then quietly entered the attached salon.
Two footmen stood outside his apartment doors.
“Your Grace, how are you feeling,” John asked.
“Much better, thank you. I shall take another bath. Would you bring another tub and place it in here?” He glanced at the closed door to his bedroom. “Hmm, Lady Grace is still resting. I don’t want to wake her.”
Ever efficient, his staff had his bath prepared in record time. Thankfully, Winston had sent several trays of food for them to eat. Dane wanted to stay in the cocoon he and Grace had created over the last day, so he dismissed the footmen.
He slid into the warm water and relaxed as he washed. Tonight, he would take responsibility for his deplorable actions. He only prayed it would be enough to earn Grace’s forgiveness. He was no longer that wounded young man who thought to strike first before someone could hurt him. He wanted the life they had planned to share with one another.
He would devote his life to making her happy and ensure that her days were filled with love and laughter. After everything she'd done for his family and him, that was the least he could do for Grace. He just hoped it was enough to make amends for his past.
“I wondered where you were.” Grace strolled into the room. She glanced at the tub, and instantly, her cheeks reddened. “Shall I give you privacy?” She walked toward the door.
“Come to me, Grace,” he held out his hand. Water sluiced down his arm, some dripping on the carpet below. He could have cared less. His only concern was her. “I need you.”
She raised her gaze and studied his chest. He leaned back against the tub and rested his arm against the side, giving her a better view of his body. Her cheeks were even redder, if that was possible when she raised her gaze to his. He wanted to preen like a peacock that his hen was so enthralled with his body. But now was not the time. He needed to say his piece.
After hesitating, she came to his side and sat beside the tub. “The physician should be here soon.”
“I’m sending him back to London. I don’t need him.” He cupped his hands and threw water on his face. “Not when I have you. The best medicine anyone could offer me.”
She rolled her eyes and then locked her gaze with his. “Dane, don’t be ridiculous.”
“I’m not. I’m being truthful.”
She clasped her hands around her bent legs and stared at her stockings. “So, you’re feeling better.”
“As long as you’re by my side.”
“I need to return to London.”
“Not yet,” he whispered. “We should discuss our past.”
She sighed, the woeful sound tugging at his heart. “I understand what happened last night,” she said, blinking twice. “However, I don’t understand the time you had naked women on your lap when we parted.”
He wrung out the linen toweling, then rested against the back of the copper tub, feeling a devastating shame wash over him. If only he could wash it away. Oh, he could throw out some pithy saying that he was a duke and could do what he wanted, but this was his Grace . She deserved the truth, no matter how foolish it sounded.
“I was young and prideful. When I told my father that I was marrying you, he forbade me. He punched me in the face after I said I would defy him. The only thing I could think about was proving to him that I was a man and didn’t need him or his approval.”
Her eyes widened in shock. “Your father was the one who hit you?”
Dane nodded once.
“No parent should hit their child no matter how old he is or what he said.” Her eyes glistened with tears. “I’m so sorry, Dane.
He wanted to lean over and comfort her. But he had to tell her everything before he could earn the right to touch her again.
“I had no idea he thought so ill of me.” She shook her head. “But your father should have explained his reasons.”
“He didn’t think about us. He only wanted control over his heir and the dukedom.”Dane waved a hand, sending water splattering against the copper tub. It hit him square in the face. Fitting. He sniffed, then wiped his face. But none of that mattered—not his father’s schemes, not his wounded pride.Only this. Only her.
“My father is not what’s important. My confession is.”
His breath shuddered as hot tears burned his eyes and nose. He tilted his head back, blinking furiously at the ceiling, as if the answer to his idiocy might be written there in bold letters: PELHAM, YOU ARE A COMPLETE AND UTTER FOOL.
“I wanted to win money so we could marry in Scotland,"he rasped.“I wanted to set us up in a modest home and never have to crawl to my father for help. I wanted to care for you, Grace. I wanted to be your hero.”His throat thickened with emotion and the sheer foolishness of his past. “And this is the shameful part. I was a damned fool.”
His voice turned hoarse, and his hands trembled, but he made himself look at her—really look at her.At the tears shimmering in her beautiful eyes. At the heartbreak he had put there.
“I was flattered, Grace.”The admission tasted bitter on his tongue.“Those women…they laughed at my jokes. Which, let us be honest, aren’t even that good.” He let out a short, humorless laugh. “They sat in my lap. Told me I was charming. And did I send them away like a man with half a brain would do? Of course not. I basked in it like a complete and utter buffoon.”
His chest ached with disgust at his arrogance.“And after I won Scoville’s money, they wanted to take me to bed to celebrate. And do you know what I said?”His breath hitched.“I told them it was a lovely offer, but I had the woman of my dreams waiting for me.”
He dragged a hand through his wet hair. “Which, in my mind, meant I had acted with honor.” He let out a sharp, self-mocking laugh. “And yet, somehow, I missed the obvious. Letting them linger, letting them fawn over me, and allowing them to turn me into some prize stallion at Tattersalls made me an absolute arse. All in front of the Jolly Rooster patrons. They saw my stupidity.” His voice broke at the next humiliating part. “You were waiting for me, thinking the worst. And why wouldn’t you? I gave you every reason to.”
A single tear slid down his cheek, and he wiped it with a rough hand. But it wasn’t enough—it would never be enough because nothing could erase the hurt he had caused her.
“Know this, Grace.”He leaned forward.“If I had known the cost of my vanity, I would have thrown every last guinea at their feet and run like the devil was on my heels because I lost you that night. The most important person in my world.”
Tears streamed down her face now, each one slicing through his heart like a blade. He reached out on instinct before catching himself.
Right. He didn’t have the right to comfort her. Not yet. Maybe not ever.
“Don’t cry, Grace.”His voice was wrecked, broken.“I’m not worth it.”
She inhaled a shaky breath.“But we were.”
His stomach twisted.“God, I know. I know.”His shame threatened to suffocate him.“The thought that you would believe I was unfaithful sickens me. Not because I don’t deserve your mistrust—but because I hurt you. I witnessed what infidelity did to my parents. I saw the destruction it caused to them, my sisters, and me. I promised I would never be like them, Grace. I would never do that to you, the woman I loved. And I didn’t.”He let out a sharp breath, shaking his head. “And yet, with my sheer, unmatched stupidity, I committed something just as heinous.”
Another tear fell, then another.“There isn’t a single day that I don’t regret what I did. Though I won Scoville’s money, I lost everything that mattered.”
He bowed his head, the weight of his failures pressing him down, making breathing impossible. But he forced himself to lift his gaze—to meet hers.
“I hope you can forgive me.”The words were barely above a whisper.“And if you can’t… it’s what I deserve. If you want to throw something at me, I won’t even dodge.”
She nodded with a grin, then stared at him for an eternity, her tears glistening like tiny, unbearable stars. “I forgive you,”she whispered.
The breath left his lungs in a shudder. He had no right to it—no right to hope or redemption.But she had given it to him anyway.
He swallowed hard, his voice rough with solemnity.“For the rest of my life, I will prove that your forgiveness was not in vain.”
She held his gaze, and for the first time in years, something fragile and precious flickered between them.
“It’s done, Dane,”she murmured.“I understand. We were both young and foolish.”A tremulous smile curved her lips, soft and bittersweet.“Thank you for telling me. Let us look to the future.”
He let out a breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding.
The future. With her. It was more than he deserved.But God help him, he would spend every moment ensuring he did.
He lowered his voice. “Let’s think about tonight as well.” He reached for her with a trembling hand, expecting her to pull away, but she didn’t. He trailed a knuckle across her cheek, marking her with a glistening water trail on her delicate skin. “And us.”
A cloud of doubt darkened her honey-brown eyes. “We should discuss your duchess before we do anything we regret. You haven’t even met all the people I had planned to introduce to you.”
“I don’t want them, Gracie. I told you last night I found her.”
“I thought you were hallucinating.” A hint of teasing brightened her voice. “You had a high fever when you said that.”
“Minx,” he growled. “We’re talking about our future.”
She chuckled softly, then rested her head on her knees while wearing an impudent grin.
But as the seconds ticked by, she grew serious, and her gaze gleamed with wonder and hope. He felt the same.
“Let me show you what I feel for you.” He leaned near, the movement jostling the water in the tub.
She halved the distance between them. Their breaths mingled much like a prelude to a kiss. But she didn’t move any closer. She simply stared into his eyes.
“I won’t kiss you unless you tell me it’s what you want.” His voice broke with huskiness.
She nodded.
“Say the words,” he demanded softly. “Tell me.” Inch by inch, he trailed his fingers across the silk of her dressing gown that hid her collarbone. Her pulse pounded in her neck, the movement mimicking her heartbeat.
When he lifted his gaze to hers, the longing in her eyes almost undid him.
Like water breaking from the dike, the words escaped Grace. “Kiss me.”
Without hesitation, Dane stood, and she did the same. He stepped out of the bath and wrapped her in his strong embrace. She didn’t care that his body was wet; he had her in his arms, and the comfort felt like home, a place she’d missed for so long. But it was new. He’d changed through the years just as she had. She nestled against his strong shoulder, then tilted her head and wrapped her arms around his neck. She could put the past behind her. They had been so young and headstrong back then. She could forgive him and start anew.
With a wicked grin, he studied her for a moment. “I will kiss you, Grace, but know this, tonight?—”
She pressed her finger against his lips. “Tonight is for us.”
“Tonight is for you.” He grinned.
When he brushed his lips against hers, it was the first volley in this newness between them. There was only one thing she could do, and that was willingly surrender everything—her reservations, her thoughts, and her very being—to Dane, the only man she’d ever given her heart to. The world around them faded away as she focused only on the sensation of his touch. She reveled in the sound of his groan against her mouth, a primal noise that ignited a fire that she never thought would extinguish.
His kiss deepened, and he pressed the tip of his tongue against her lips, beckoning for entry. When she opened herself to him, his tongue slid against hers in a movement so familiar that it felt as if they’d done this every day of their lives. Her arms tightened around his neck, pulling him near as he held her against his body. He tasted of mint and something else that reminded her of the sweet air of a summer storm, electrifying her senses. Her heart raced as her head spun from the sensations. At that moment, all thoughts of their pasts disappeared from her mind. She was fully present and blissfully lost in him.
Where she was soft and malleable, he was hard and unyielding. Her skin burned from the heat between them, her breasts heavy and craving his touch. And where his hard cock pressed against her abdomen, she longed for him to take her—all of her.
She let out a small whimper of protest when he pulled away slightly. His presence surrounded her, his arms providing a safe haven as she melted into him. Dane had been correct when he declared that this night was a singular moment they shared. No one would discover what they did in his apartments. A heady feeling gave her the affirmation to take what she wanted tonight without fear of reprisal.
“More?” His gaze was unrelenting as he searched her face.
She nodded.
He pressed a kiss to her nose. “More what?”
“Mmhmm,” she hummed softly, her eyes falling shut as his lips pressed kisses against her neck in a feather-light touch, sending shivers down her spine.
He moved his head and brushed his mouth against the shell of her ear, sending tingles through her whole body.
“You have to tell me what you want.” His lips gently grazed the shell of her ear again as if he were testing the waters. Then, they moved across her cheek and to her jawline, leaving tiny kisses in their wake. “Because I will never disrespect you again.”
“Do tell,” she retorted playfully. “So, no more wildcat?”
“Someone is being very witty tonight.” He trailed his lips across her cheek. “Or perhaps you’re being naughty.”
“I don’t want to be either. I simply want you.”
“To do what?”
She gulped a breath and lifted her gaze to his. “Make love to me,” she said softly.
He finally quit teasing her when his lips met hers in a soft, tender kiss that sent warm tingles through her body. His touch was feather-light, and she melted into it, losing herself in the moment. She closed her eyes and inhaled his fresh scent of sandalwood and pine.
His touch was gentle yet powerful, making her feel safe and vulnerable. His lips trailed down her neck, leaving kisses and gentle nibbles, making her shiver with anticipation.
Their faces were inches apart, his warm breath fanning across her cheek. She leaned into him, her chest rising and falling rapidly. The movement tortured her sensitive nipples. As he explored her mouth with his once again, his hand inched higher, stopping just below her neckline.
She moaned into the kiss, her fingers threading through his soft hair as he trailed his thumb over her skin, resting it on the pulse point at the base of her neck.
“I feel your heartbeat thundering. It matches mine.” When he kissed her this time, there was an urgency, a hunger that wasn’t there before. His hands roamed over her backside, learning every inch of her once again.
“Dane,” she murmured.
“I’ve waited for you and this night for nine years.” Without another word, He swept her into his arms and started toward his bedroom.
She squeaked in surprise as she tightened her arms around his neck. “Are you strong enough?”
Dane immediately stopped, his eyes latching on hers. Then, like the arrogant duke he was, he winged a haughty eyebrow.
“I meant, have you recovered enough?” Like a schoolgirl, she blushed.
With a wicked grin, he pinched her bottom. “You will just have to wait and see.”
Dane laid Grace on his bed. There was no rush tonight. He planned to savor every inch of her, wanting her to know how precious she was to him. Without breaking her gaze, he climbed over her.
“Touch me,” she begged when she pulled his hand to her breast. “Here.”
He traced her collarbone, and Grace growled. “Not there.”
He nipped her shoulder, then squeezed one breast gently before lowering his hands and untying her dressing gown. He pulled the folds apart. Underneath, she wore a chemise. His breath stilled at the way her breasts pushed against the muslin fabric. Her nipples poked through the thin material.
“Let’s get this off you.” He helped her remove the garment, then sent it sailing through the air. He stared at her perfection. The last time he’d seen her naked body, she’d been young and lithe. But now, she was a woman with endless curves. And he planned to explore each one tonight, starting with her breasts, which could always send him into a frenzy. They perfectly fit in his palms.
“Grace, what witchery is this?” he murmured, lifting his gaze to meet hers. When her eyes opened wide, he chuckled. “You’re more beautiful than ever. You enticed me when we were younger, but now?” He lowered his voice. “You’ve enchanted me. Perhaps a better description is that you’ve bewitched me.”
When she blushed, he felt rejuvenated in body and spirit. He wanted to fill her with all the compliments he would have given her if they’d married all those years ago. They’d wasted too much time quarreling and bickering over nonsense. He should have begged her forgiveness years ago, but he’d been a damnable fool. Tonight marked a new beginning for them, and he wouldn’t waste this opportunity.
His mouth watered to taste the stiff peaks of her peach-colored nipples. He lowered his mouth to one breast and sucked the nipple into his mouth. She took his hand, guiding it to her other breast. She arched into his touch, commanding him for more. He was hers to rule, and she was his to pleasure. He teased her nipple with his tongue, then sucked. The other nipple deserved attention as well, so he rolled it in between his fingers. He smiled when she mewled in pleasure. All he wanted tonight was to please her and re-explore every inch of her glorious body. Every move, touch, and caress was another commitment, a testament to how much he revered her.
He slowed and braced himself on his elbows. By then, she was panting, hungry for more, as their eyes met. No words were exchanged, but he could tell from the swirl of emotion in her gaze she understood how momentous tonight was for both of them. He moved down her body, kissing her every inch of the way, exploring every curve and every soft dip of her body he could find.
After he placed a reverential kiss on each defined hip bone and the soft swell of her abdomen, he lifted himself off the bed and knelt on the floor. He pulled her to the edge of the bed and spread her legs.
“What are you doing?” Grace leaned against her elbows to see him better.
“Touching you,” he said nonchalantly. “Your every wish is my command. Now, be a good girl and watch.”
“Dane,” she protested softly.
“You always remind me that I am a walking scandal.” He winked. “Allow me to prove it. I think you will enjoy it.”
Gently, he separated her folds, then licked her from her entrance to the bundle of nerves designed for pleasure.
Grace moaned, but her eyes stayed on him. As he swirled his tongue, she let out a long, low moan that echoed through the room. Her taste, sweet and salty with desire, was more intoxicating than his finest whiskey. He slipped one finger inside her, feeling her wet heat and the tightness of her muscles. His hard cock jerked at the thought of her squeezing him. She gasped when he slipped another, then another finger inside her.
With each thrust of his fingers and circle of his tongue, Grace moaned louder. She collapsed on the bed, her hips rising to meet his touch. He wouldn’t rest until she had come on his hand, his tongue, and his cock. He wanted to worship her every day for the rest of his life.
“Please,” she whispered, her voice shaking. “I can’t withstand much more.”
“Yes, you can,” he murmured against her skin. “Trust me.” Without hesitation, he stretched her slowly but firmly. She bit her lip, her nails digging into his scalp. Her panting increased as she bucked her hips against his face as he sucked harder.
“I need you.”
He smiled against her skin, then lashed his tongue against the sensitive skin. He thrust his fingers in and out of her as his cock wept for attention. He closed his eyes and fought the need to take it in his hand. His pleasure would come later.
He knew she was close to climaxing as Grace pulled his hair. She screamed his name, and her body squeezed his fingers as her orgasm roared through her. He continued to stroke her with his tongue, but he gentled his movements. Grace moaned his name again and combed her fingers through his hair. Slowly, he rested on his haunches as he watched her catch her breath. Unable to stand it anymore, he trailed kisses up her body, then took her into his arms. He kissed her, then nestled his head against her neck. “Shall I continue to show you how strong I am?”
She giggled and stroked her fingers up and down his back. “I think you should.” She pushed her hips against his. “I need you inside me.”
“Grace,” he murmured. “You’re tight.”
Another pink blush washed across her cheeks. “I haven’t been with anybody since you.”
For a moment, he couldn’t utter a word. He’d been her first and only. If he had his way, he would be the last man she ever made love to. He squeezed her tighter, then took her hand and wrapped it around his cock, letting her feel the girth and every inch of his hardness.
“I do this to you?” she asked innocently.
“You’re a minx and a she-devil combined. With a healthy dose of Scottish wildcat.” He laughed against the softest of her neck. He grew serious as he lifted his gaze to hers. “We don’t have to do this. We can always be creative and find other ways to pleasure each other.”
She smiled gently. “I can’t bear it unless we’re together.”
“Gracie,” he murmured, then nipped her chin. “I don’t know how gentle I can be. I’ve wanted this for so long.”
“As have I. I don’t want you to be gentle.” Boldly, she pulled his hair and stole a kiss. “I’ll not wait. Think of me as the one who claims you. The one who will make you mine.”
Dane lowered his forehead to hers. “Then I shall pray that my strength holds until I give you everything you want.” He grinned. When she laughed, he moved his body over hers. He rested his weight on his elbows to watch her. “You’re more beautiful than I ever imagined.” He slid his cock through her wetness, barely entering her. He closed his eyes, desperate to control his runaway heartbeat.
When he looked at her again, she gifted him with a tender smile as she wrapped her long legs around his body. His heart tumbled into a freefall. He hadn’t felt anything like this since their last time together. Ever so slowly, he worked his way inside her. She was tight and hot, and the urge to slam into her grew fierce, but he took his time, letting her adjust to every inch of him.
Another jolt of lust sliced through him as her sultry moans filled the room. He thrust again and circled his hips to stretch her. He had to make this good for her. He wanted her to come undone in his arms. He wanted her to see that no matter what they’d experienced in the past, they were always destined to be together.
He pushed deeper. Her fingers dug into his shoulders. Her breath danced across his chest, and she moaned again. Dane steadily increased his pace, and her body trembled with anticipation.
The scent of their sweat and desire mingled with the night air, making him lightheaded. He gripped one hip and pulled her closer. Soon, his hips met hers in a ruthless rhythm as he moved in and out of her. His movements were rough, and her body met his with equal force. Her inner walls gripped him tightly, her nails digging into his back as he slammed into her, their skin slapping together in a primal rhythm.
Grace’s breath grew ragged, and her eyes were half-closed as she seemed to lose herself in the moment. Her breasts bounced enticingly with each thrust, heightening the intensity of his passion.
His free hand found its way to her clitoris, teasing and circling as he moved deeper and faster. Grace shuddered beneath him, her body arching off the bed. Dane lowered his head and nestled against her neck. With a groan, he scraped his teeth against her tender skin marking her skin, marking her as his. She tasted like an intoxicating mix of wine and fresh air. With every breath and moan that filled the room and echoed off the walls, he lost track of time and space as their bodies moved in perfect unison.
Her moans turned into whimpers, and he bit his lip to stifle his own cries of pleasure. Her body tightened, squeezing his cock as she writhed under his touch.
“Dane,” she cried.
He picked up the pace, driving into her with a fervor that matched her sultry cries. Their rhythm of movement turned into a dance older than time itself. He could feel the heat rising between them. With each forceful thrust, he drank in the sight of her body. Her hair had turned into a golden halo surrounding her on the bed.
His need to fill and claim his beautiful Grace was too great to go slow as her walls tightened around him. Grace’s eyes fluttered open to meet his gaze. He felt every inch of her wet warmth envelop him. Her fingers dug into his back with a desperation that mirrored his own. Sensations from his back to his ballocks ricocheted through his body. With a final groan, he let go. Her tightness gripped him like a vice as he spilled inside her.
He bit into her neck, claiming her, tasting the saltiness of her sweat and the sweetness of her skin. She moaned, her body trembling underneath him as her walls squeezed him over and over again, milking him of every last drop.
Repeating her name like a mantra, Dane praised her softly and cooed soft words of love. As their bodies cooled, he pressed gentle kisses to her neck. He had no idea how long they lay in each other’s arms, but he knew one thing. He’d never felt so sated or such contentment. Everything was right in the world.
Grace turned in his arms, her eyes searching his face. “That was…”
“Incredible,” he said with a grin.
She frowned in concentration. “I was going to say amazing.”
“Again, I’ll ask if it is your opinion that I’m strong enough?” He entwined their fingers together, and then he brought her hand to his mouth.
“I’m not certain I have enough information to form an opinion.” She kissed his chest. “Perhaps you should demonstrate it again?”
He sucked in a breath. “Give me a moment or two?”
They both laughed, basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking. Time seemed to stand still as their hearts beat in unison and their breaths synchronized.
He sighed in contentment. He thanked the heavens that she forgave him. Once again, he was hers, and she was his. It had always been their destiny.