Page 8 of Her Rogue for Christmas (Wicked Widows’ League #28)

Seven

E lena followed Theo up to his bedchamber willingly. After considering everything, she had reached one conclusion: her life had been a series of choices made for her, molding her into a woman afraid to take risks. She had become so guarded that it had prevented her from truly living. Once she realized this, she knew what she must do. She might not be able to commit to a future with Theo, but she could have this one night. It would have to be enough, as she could offer him nothing more.

When they reached his bedchamber, Theo pushed the door open and invited her inside. She brushed past him, walking to the center of the room as he moved about, lighting candles that cast a soft glow. It was late enough that no one would expect them for any reason. They had this time, and she was grateful for it. In her internal struggle, she had also discovered something undeniable: she loved Theo. She had always loved him. And while that was no secret, she accepted that, while her love would remain endless, her ability to show him that love would forever be limited. She couldn’t give herself freely—not in the way he deserved.

When Theo finished lighting the candles, he returned to her side, leaning down to brush a tender kiss across her cheek. “Are you certain this is what you want?”

The very fact that he asked her made her love him all the more. She adored him for his concern and consideration. If only she could be a different woman… Elena closed her eyes and took a steadying breath. It was time to let go of what could never be. It was better to live in the moment and enjoy what she could. She looked up, meeting his gaze. “Yes,” she said. “I want to feel myself in your arms and know that I am the one you desire. I want you to erase everything that haunts me.”

“Then that is what we shall do.” He brushed a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. “I promise that after tonight, all you will remember is my touch.” He leaned close, whispering against her ear, “And when you close your eyes, you’ll ache to have me with you again.” Then he began to pull the pins from her hair until her auburn locks fell around her shoulder in waves. Theo set the pins down on a nearby table and turned back to her.

A rush of heat surged through her, and her breathing grew ragged. Though they were still fully clothed, his words had seemed to brand her with desire. She ached for him now. Would it always be this way? Would he, indeed, haunt her dreams after this night, leaving her to yearn for him by her side? She shook the thoughts away. If she dwelled on them, she might not be able to enjoy the pleasure that awaited. “Kiss me,” she demanded.

“With pleasure, darling.” Theo leaned down, pressing his lips to hers, igniting the same instant pleasure and need she’d felt in the library. He pulled away, trailing kisses along her cheek and down to her bosom. He cupped one breast, lowering his mouth to its peak. She gasped as he pushed his hand into her bodice, gently pinching her nipple between his fingers. The slight sting brought far more pleasure than she could have imagined. As he freed her breast and took her aching nipple into his mouth, she moaned.

“You like this, don’t you?” he murmured, turning his attention to her other breast, repeating his sensual touches. She writhed in his arms, desperate for more.

“Theo,” she breathed his name, her voice husky. “I need…”

“I know, darling,” he said. “But first, let’s get this gown off. Turn around so I can undo all these tiny buttons. I need to see all of you.”

Elena turned, allowing him to work on the buttons. He removed her gown with an expertise she didn’t question, though it crossed her mind briefly. She didn’t want anything to interrupt this moment. She wanted him more than she had ever wanted anything. Once her gown was gone, he deftly unfastened her corset, leaving her in only her shift and stockings.

“Now,” he said, his voice thick with desire. “Take off the shift, darling. Let me see you.”

She had never been completely naked before a man before. Yes, she’d been married, but Dryden hadn’t made love to her. He shoved up her skirts and took her without preparing her for his invasion. He didn’t care about her body. All he had wanted was a child and he didn’t need to give her pleasure to achieve that. Slowly, Elena lifted the hem of her shift and lifted it. He sucked in a breath as each part of her naked body was revealed. Then she tore it over her head and let it float to he floor. She still had her stockings and garters on, but for all intents and purposes she was completely naked before him. He stared at her like a man starving and a buffet had just been laid out before him. It was a heady feeling to be the center of such devout concentration.

Theo moved closer, his hands sliding over her belly, then lower to rest on the garters securing her stockings. “I think we’ll leave these on for now.”

“But…”

“I like them,” he said with a wicked smile. “And they won’t stop me from loving you.”

He lowered his head and kissed her again, making her forget everything else. She had never experienced such pleasure. His hand caressed her hip, then trailed down her stomach. “You’re so soft,” he murmured. “So beautiful.”

Scooping her into his arms, Theo carried her to the bed. She almost protested, fearing the end was near, but he laid her gently on the covers, spreading her thighs as he knelt before her.

“I need to taste you, darling. All of you.” He pressed his lips to her inner thigh, then moved to her most sensitive place, kissing her with slow, sensual strokes. She gasped, surrendering to the unfamiliar sensations. He continued, teasing her until she thought she might go mad, then sucked the bundle of nerves at her core. The pleasure overwhelmed her, and her body jolted as waves of ecstasy surged through her, consuming her entirely.

For the first time, Elena understood what it meant to give herself to another, and she knew, despite her fears, this was a moment she would carry with her forever. She’d never felt anything like it and it made her nearly lose consciousness from the sheer pleasure he had given her. It was almost like giving her life over to a higher purpose, but oh, what a way to go.

Theo stared down at Elena’s flushed body. Her eyes were closed as she lay languidly upon the bed. He traced his thumb lightly over her skin, studying her unabashedly. This was precisely how he had always imagined her: naked, well-loved, her hair splayed across his bed. He prayed this would not be their only night together, but on the chance it was, he wanted to imprint this sight in his memory forever.

“I know that is not all you do in bed,” she murmured in a husky tone. “You have yet to find your own pleasure.”

“My pleasure is incidental,” he replied. “This night is for you, to show you how it can be.” To convince her that they could have everything if only she would take a chance on him.

“If it is truly for me,” she said, a wicked glint in her eye, “then I want you to lose those clothes, darling.”

His lips twitched. “I am not sure that is wise. At least, not just yet.”

“I insist,” she demanded, her tone light but firm. “I refuse to be the only one unclothed.” She propped herself on her elbows and studied him. “I want to see all of you. I need to touch you.”

Theo closed his eyes and groaned softly. He had promised her an unforgettable night, and it seemed he was prepared to deny her nothing—not even himself. Standing, he began to remove his clothing, starting with his jacket, then his waistcoat, discarding them on the floor without a care. He pulled at his cravat and tossed it onto the bed, an idea sparking in his mind. Something he’d never considered before, yet tonight, a night devoted to her, it seemed fitting. After slipping off his boots and lowering his breeches, he stood naked before her, allowing her to drink in the sight.

“You’re beautiful,” she whispered.

“You wished to touch me.” He swallowed the lump in his throat. “I have a suggestion.”

She raised a brow. “You wish to dictate how I touch you?”

“Not at all.” He grinned. “However you touch me will bring pleasure beyond my wildest imagination. It is merely a suggestion to allow you control over what happens between us.”

“I am listening,” she replied, her gaze riveted upon him, though she made no move to close the distance.

He knew this was precisely what she needed. Pleasure, yes, but also control—something to ease the last of her fears. Gesturing to his cravat lying on the bed, he said, “Tie my hands to the headboard. There’s a place in the center where you can loop it through and secure each end to my wrists.”

Her breath hitched. “But…”

“I will be at your mercy. You know enough to use me as you wish.” He grinned, voice low. “And, as I said, any way you touch me will bring me pleasure.”

She looked at the headboard, then back at him, before taking a steadying breath and nodding. “Very well. Come up onto the bed.”

He climbed onto the bed and stretched out before her. Following his instruction, she retrieved his cravat and secured him to the headboard. His arousal hardened further as she straddled him, her gaze sweeping over his form, her touch feather-light upon his chest. He inhaled sharply as her fingers grazed his skin. “Yes,” he said, his voice rough. “Do that again.”

Elena smiled. “Perhaps I will. But not yet.” She focused her attention lower, her gaze settling on him as she licked her lips. He groaned, fervently hoping she intended to do as he dreamed. Her fingers slid down his stomach, a teasing trail, until she reached his arousal and traced a single finger along its length. He tensed beneath her touch.

“Elena,” he murmured hoarsely. “I need…” He barely restrained himself.

“Soon enough, darling,” she replied. “I want to taste you as you did me.” Before he could respond, she leaned down, her warm mouth pressing against him as her tongue traced along his cock. He jerked, a low moan escaping his lips as pleasure surged through him. “Oh yes, you enjoy that, don’t you?” she murmured, taking him in hand, her palm sliding over him. He hardened further, a feat he had not thought possible.

“I enjoy everything,” he assured her.

“Good,” she said with a mischievous smile. “Because I am not finished.” Leaning down, she took the tip of him into her mouth, and he felt his self-control slipping. The warm, wet heat of her mouth undid him entirely.

“Elena, darling,” he said through gritted teeth, “if you continue, I’ll spend in your mouth.” He was perilously close to doing just that.

“What if that’s exactly what I want?” she asked, her gaze playful.

“Then I won’t argue.” He managed a smile, though his breath was ragged. “But if my wishes mean anything to you, then please…take me inside you. I want you so much.”

She paused, tapping her chin thoughtfully before smiling. “As you wish, darling,” she said, positioning herself over him.

He held his breath as she lowered herself, guiding him to her entrance. Slowly, she took him in, her body enveloping him in a warmth that made every other experience pale in comparison. She was wet, tight, and utterly his. Perhaps it was more accurate to say he was utterly hers.

Elena began to move, finding her rhythm as he lay bound beneath her. Her beautiful form arched above him, her soft gasps filling the room as she sought her own pleasure. Her inner muscles tightened around him, sending him spiraling closer to his release. As he felt the culmination of their passion build, he gripped the cloth binding his wrists, surrendering to the sensations as he reached his peak. Stars exploded behind his eyes, his release intermingling with her own cries of ecstasy.

This night, this moment, was beyond anything he had thought possible. Their first time together had been everything he had dreamed—and more. It was perfect, because it was with her. He loved her beyond measure, and he prayed, after the night was through she would not be able to walk away from him so easily.