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B etween what had already passed between them and what her sister and cousin had shared, Dru had a good idea of what lovemaking entailed. Anticipation rippled through her, knowing she belonged to this man alone.

And that he was also hers.

The bedclothes had already been turned back, but Perry stopped before they reached the bed.

One hand cupped her nape. The other cradled her cheek.

He bent, softly pressing his lips to hers.

That delicious smell of sandalwood, coupled with a masculine scent that was his alone, mixed together, intoxicated her.

She slipped her arms around him, rubbing her hands along the smooth silk of the banyan resting against his back.

He generated a good amount of heat, and she gravitated toward it. Toward him.

The kiss became more demanding, and he urged her mouth open, sweeping his tongue inside. He tasted of the champagne they had just drunk, and she felt the slightest bit dizzy, causing her to push against him for support. He deepened the kiss, causing her to mewl and him to chuckle.

Breaking the kiss, he gazed down at her. “I have never wanted a woman more than I have you, Livia Drusilla.”

She had never mentioned her full, given name to him before today’s marriage ceremony.

When Mr. Harper had used it, Perry turned to her, grinning.

She would need to tell him of all the unusual names in her family, all ten cousins being named after ancient emperors and empresses. But that was for another time.

“Kiss me,” she urged.

“With pleasure,” he said, his voice husky, sending shivers along her spine.

His mouth returned to hers, his hands now moving up and down her arms. Her back. Clasping her buttocks. Each touch caused anticipation to build within her.

He guided her hands to the knot of his belt. “Untie it,” he ordered.

She did so, then pushed the banyan from his broad shoulders.

He let it slide down, falling from his arms, puddling at their feet.

Her eyes went wide, and her fingers immediately moved to explore the exquisite muscles of his arms and chest. She allowed her fingers to dance lightly over him, the muscles bunching to her delight.

They went lower, finding his cock, and she stroked it tenderly.

Knowing how much pleasure he had afforded her when he put his mouth to her sex, she fell to her knees, licking the tip of his shaft. He groaned, his hands clutching her shoulders.

“Do you like that?” she asked, already knowing the answer.

“Yes,” he said hoarsely.

Lucy had told her a bit of what to do next, and Dru opened her mouth, guiding him inside it. She licked and sucked, moving her lips up and down the stiff shaft, hearing the noises which came from him.

“Enough,” he said, breathing harshly. “Or I will not be able to pleasure you.”

Perry took her hands, helping her to stand.

He undid the knot of her dressing gown, removing it and placing it over a nearby chair.

He took her hands in his, holding her arms wide.

She already knew the night rail’s diaphanous material left little to the imagination.

He lifted it over her head, setting it, too, on the chair.

“Do you like what you see?” she asked, worried that she wouldn’t be enough for him.

“You are perfection, my darling. Not a flaw to be seen.”

Lifting her from her feet, her husband carried her to the bed, gently placing her on it.

And then the magic began . . .

They spent a good hour exploring one another’s bodies. Touching. Kissing. Learning what each liked. He slipped his fingers inside her, bringing her to that height of unbound pleasure, causing her to both squeal in delight and call his name in need.

“I want you inside me,” she told him as he caressed her breasts lovingly.

“Do you know what happens when we couple?”

She grinned. “That it makes us both wild for one another, and it can also make a babe.”

He chuckled. “I suppose you have down the basics.”

His mouth returned to hers, his touch addictive. They kissed for a long time, each kiss more heated than before. Then he rolled to his back.

“Mount me,” he told her. “You are going to ride me.”

“That sounds interesting,” she purred, climbing atop and straddling him.

He clasped her waist, lifting her with ease, and then brought her over his cock, saying, “You will slide me into you. Do this, then we will go from there.”

Without hesitation, Dru did as he asked, taking him inside her, delicious sensations occurring as she did so.

When she was fully seated, he said, “I hope you felt no pain.”

“There was none,” she assured him. “Lucy told me I might feel some, but Ariadne disagreed. She said as often as I ride—and the fact most of that is done astride—I should feel no pain.”

He took her hand and kissed it. “I am glad you did not experience any.”

“What now?” she asked eagerly.

“You will ride me. Hard. It may take a minute before you capture your rhythm, but when you find it, it will be indescribable.”

She wriggled about, searching for how to move.

The sensations began growing as she figured out what felt best for her and hoped it did for him, as well.

Her movements increased in speed, and her heart began beating wildly.

For his part, Perry moved, too, and they began an incredible dance full of heat and passion.

And love.

That lovely climax built within her, and she didn’t try to muffle herself. Her husband also was enjoying himself, and they clung to one another as their orgasms erupted at the same time. She was laughing. Crying. Living. Loving.

Dru collapsed against his chest, their bodies still joined as one. “Lovemaking is exhilarating,” she proclaimed.

“It is,” he agreed. “And we can do it in several other positions.”

She kissed his chest and rested her cheek against it. “Then I hope we will try every one of them tonight.”

He laughed, his hand absently stroking her hair. “Give me a chance to recover, my darling. It takes a man a bit of time before he can perform again. But in the meantime?”

Perry lifted her from him and began kissing the length of her body, moving up and down limbs and torso.

He kissed her from her eyelids to her toes and every place in-between.

His mouth moved to her core, and once more, he rocked her very existence, using tongue and teeth and fingers to bring her to the heights of heaven.

Exhausted, he collapsed atop her, quickly rolling off and cradling her to him.

“I must sleep,” he murmured. “Stay.”

“I will not leave you. Ever,” she promised, hearing his even breathing, and then tumbling into sleep herself.

*

Dru awoke, hearing the low groan coming from Perry. His body twitched, and she knew he was in the throes of one of his ghastly nightmares.

He shot up and she could see his wild eyes since they had not extinguished the candle before falling asleep.

Soothingly, she said, “You are with me, Perry, my love. You are safe. Nothing can harm you as long as we are together.”

His body jerked once as he panted as if out of breath, and she nudged him back to the pillows, wrapping herself around him.

“I am here. Go back to sleep.”

Moments later, his body stilled. Then she heard his breathing return to normal.

“That’s it, my love. Sleep.”

She could not imagine what he had seen during his years on the battlefield. She would never ask him about it, or what came to him in these terrible dreams. What Dru could do was be here for him.

Once more she awoke, feeling the tension in his body. By now, the candle had extinguished itself, so she lay in the dark, prepared to do what she could to calm him. A soft cry escaped his lips. It occurred to her just how much solace washed over her in church and how she loved to sing.

Quietly, she began doing so, the words of “Amazing Grace” spilling from her.

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,

I have already come;

’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

He calmed as she sang, and by the time she had completed the third verse, he lay sleeping peacefully once more.

Dru brought the bedclothes over them and nestled close to her husband, grateful she had been able to bring comfort to him. She closed her eyes and drifted into sleep.

What awoke her next was Perry’s lips nibbling her nape.

Satisfaction filled her, even as her heart began speeding up.

During the night, she had turned away from him, but he now enveloped her, her back pressed against his hard, muscular chest. His hand gently squeezed her breast and then playfully tweaked its nipple, sending a jolt of desire through her.

It drifted lower, teasing her core, as his finger dipped inside her and stroked her deeply.

“You are wet for me, my darling,” he said against her ear, his teeth tugging on her lobe, sending fire streaming through her.

She pushed against him, wanting more, and he chuckled.

Soon, she was writhing at his touch, the orgasm shattering her. Quickly, he rolled her to her back and entered her with one, powerful thrust. They began the dance of love. Kissing. Touching. Sharing words of endearment.

“Wrap your legs about my waist,” he told her.

She did so, feeling him move even deeper within her. Her hips met each thrust, even as another orgasm, stronger than the one before, racked her body.

Perry’s cry of victory sounded, and then he collapsed atop her, driving her into the mattress, his weight welcome. Her limbs held tight to him as she breathed in the scent of her husband, knowing his seed rested inside her, hoping they had made a babe.

“I am crushing you,” he said, rocking to his side, bringing her with him.

Their bodies still joined, they looked at one another, love reflected in their eyes. He smoothed her hair, kissing her gently.

Then he stopped abruptly. Broke the kiss. Frowned.

“What is it?” she asked, worried.

“I... I did not awaken last night,” he said, bewildered. “I cannot recall a nightmare.”

Dru was tempted to tell him he had none, but she would never lie to him.

“You did awaken, Perry. Twice.”

He raked a hand through his hair. “I do not recall doing so.”

She touched her fingers to his face. “It was brief. The first time, you sat up, distressed. I told you I was here and that you were safe with me. You lay back against the pillows and fell asleep again.”

His brow furrowed. “And the second?”

“It was not as bad as the first. Since we were entwined, I awoke, feeling the tension in your body. I calmed you. By singing to you.”

He looked startled. “You did?”

She smiled. “I did. William Congreve was right. Music has charms to soothe the savage breast.”

“It softens rocks and bends oaks,” he continued, finishing the line of the Congreve poem. “I have no recollection of any of this, Dru, but I have always thought you have a lovely voice.”

“Then I am glad I was able to help you.”

He pulled her close, kissing the top of her head. “You are a comfort to me, Wife. I could not conquer my demons on my own. I needed your help to do so.”

“They are not gone completely,” she reminded him. “But I do think they will lessen as time goes by.”

“The comfort you provided me kept them at bay. I hope I did not alarm you.”

“Not at all. I was glad to be with you and help you fight through it.”

“The nightmares may never totally be dispelled, but I am grateful you chased them away.” He kissed her tenderly. “No one could have helped me through this except for you, Dru dearest. You are the love of my life. My North Star, giving me direction and purpose.”

“And you have shown me such love, Perry. I could never have imagined how good love could be. You are the only one for me. Thank the heavens above that fate brought us together.”

Her husband smiled gently at her. “We will live our lives in love, my darling. Of that, you can rest assured.”