Page 9 of Beguiling the Duke
“It’s too cold. Come.” With his shirttail hanging free and one side of his trousers fall unbuttoned, he spread a blanket he’d brought in from the sleigh. He lay down and helped Lizzie lie beside him.
She snuggled close, shivering. “Warm me, Matthew. Make me forget the cold.”
He took her hand and wrapped it around his erection. “What cold?”
Moaning, she drew her hand up his length. He was more than ready for her. Her body throbbed in reaction. “Touch me,” she begged.
He did. He lifted her skirts, running his hand over her silk stockings to the bare skin above, and higher still. “Your skin is warm.”
“I’m on fire inside.” She drew her leg across his, opening to him.
When he found her heat, he groaned. “Hot and wet. Perfect.” He stroked her tender flesh, and she rocked against his hand.
“Matthew,” she gasped, her voice filled with need. “I want you.”
“Then have me,” he replied. He lifted her as if she weighed nothing and set her with her legs on either side of him. He tugged the remaining buttons on his trousers free, then grasped her hips, holding her skirts out of the way as she lowered herself onto his erection.
Their bodies moved together in a frenzy of motion and sensation, their kisses growing more urgent and passionate. Lizzie felt as though she was drowning in a sea of pleasure, unable to think or speak, only able to feel. The knot of desire between her thighs throbbed, then exploded just as she felt Matthew tense beneath her.
She froze, back arched, as release pulsed through her in waves, then she lowered herself to lie on his chest. She lay still, her body wrapped in Matthew’s warm embrace. She could feel his steady heartbeat against her back, the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. The scent of hay, mixed with the musk of their lovemaking, filled her nostrils, and for a moment, she felt content.
“Are you all right?” Matthew asked, his voice low and husky.
Lizzie smiled, lifting her head to face him. “I’m fine,” she said, her eyes searching his face. “Happy.”
“Me too,” he replied, his hand caressing her cheek. “You’re amazing, Lizzie.”
“I’m certainly satisfied,” she said softly, her insides pulsing at the admission.
They lay there for a while longer, lost in their own thoughts. Lizzie’s mind wandered, registering contentment in just being in the afterglow of sex with Matthew. When she realized how different that was from her normal desire to leave her lover’s side once they finished, she jolted upright. “It’s too cold to lie here. We should dress.”
As she got up, she brushed straw from her gown and searched for her pelisse, the passionate mood shattered. They’d done what they came for, and it was time to go.
CHAPTER 5
The Christmas ball at Lord and Lady St. Ervan’s estate was a sight to behold. Garlands of holly were draped around the room, and the sharp scent of pine wafted through the air. The guests were in high spirits, chatting and laughing as they enjoyed the festivities.
Lizzie swept into the ballroom, enveloped in a rush of warmth and merriment. The cacophony of laughter and chatter mingled with the strains of a waltz, as couples whirled across the polished floor.
Her heart swelled at the sight, pulses of joy and longing chasing each other through her veins. Somewhere in this glittering throng was Matthew, and the knowledge filled her with breathless anticipation.
She sighed, fingers tightening around her fan as she scanned the room. It was so easy to lose herself in him again, in the memory of his touch and the depths of those blue eyes. But she mustn’t. However much her traitorous body might wish it, she couldn’t give herself to him until after the ball ended. She owed it to Verity to be present all night and help entertain her guests.
With effort, she shook off the sexual longings that threatened to disturb her mood, and pasted a bright smile on her lips. Tonight was for revelry, not sex. She would dance and laugh, flirt and tease, just as she always had. And if by some chance Matthew didn’t want to sleep with her again, she wouldn’t be so desirous that she’d launch herself at the nearest single young man.
Verity appeared at her elbow, startling her from her reverie. Her friend swept her into an enthusiastic embrace. “You’re looking especially radiant this evening. Did you enjoy a pleasant day?”
A blush rose to Lizzie’s cheeks as she returned Verity’s hug. There was no hiding anything from her perceptive friend. “Oh, well enough,” she said evasively.
Verity’s eyes narrowed, a knowing smile curving her lips. “Come now, I can see you have a secret. You must tell me!”
With a sigh, Lizzie grasped Verity’s hand and drew her towards a quiet corner. No sense in broadcasting the sordid details for all to hear. “Very well, if you must know...Matthew and I—” She broke off, unsure how to continue.
“Yes?” Verity prompted gently.
Lizzie took a deep breath and leaned close, whispering, “We were together. Intimately.”
“Oh!” Verity’s eyes widened. Then she squeezed Lizzie’s hand. “No wonder you are glowing. I know how attracted you are to each other.”