Page 83 of Rogue of My Heart

“By thievery. It’s hardly altruism. Just as my proposal to you had hidden meanings. That mask has hidden much of me,” he said, though more to himself than to her.

She stood and wrapped her arms around his waist, then looked up at him. “We have both kept secrets for far too long. No more. From now on, we will be truthful with one another, please?”

“Of course, sweetheart. I will do anything for you, Charlotte. I’m sorry, I’ve been such a fool.”

“And I’m sorry I didn’t see you for so many years, standing right there in front of me, so fiercely handsome with wickedly talented fingers and lips. But a heart so big.” She looked up into his honey eyes. “I love you, Edmond. I am so very happy to be your wife, regardless of how it ended up happening.”

Epilogue

THE TIMES

Notorious Jewel Thief, the Jack of Hearts, CAUGHT!

At approximately half of ten yesterday morning, the Metropolitan Police raided the residency of one Michael Blanchard, the Earl of Carrolton after an anonymous tip had been sent in to investigators. On the premises, constables found a considerable number of jewels that had been stolen over the last year, as well as newspaper articles he’d collected, written about his escapades. His one foray into violence thankfully did not end in tragedy as the maid he injured is now out of the hospital and expected to make a full recovery.

* * *

Charlotte snuggled into her husband’s side as he read from the newspaper. He folded it over and tossed it onto the floor.

“So, it is over? Finally? We don’t have to worry about the police coming after you anymore?” she asked.

“It is over, sweetheart.”

“We will never hear the end of it now from Willow and James since their plan worked so perfectly, but I’m thankful they came up with it.”

He pulled her closer, running his hand over her lower back. “As am I. And I’m pleased to have those jewels out of here. James said there was a decent chance they could be returned to their original owners. Eventually. It will be an arduous process, but that’s not my job.” He grinned at her.

“I love you, Edmond.”

“I love you too, sweetheart.”

He pulled her to him and kissed her, and there was no reason for words after that. His kiss was hungry and gentle at the same time. His hand slid down to grab her waist and pull her to him. Their naked flesh connecting, him hard where she was soft. The hair on his legs and arms tickled her flesh.

He nibbled at her neck and the tops of her shoulders. His hands cupped her breasts. Her nipples immediately hardened at his touch and pressed against his palms. He caressed her breasts while feathering hot kisses across her neck. Her breaths came faster until she exhaled in a soft gasp.

"I’ll never get tired of touching you,” he murmured.

“That’s good because I’ll never get tired of being touched by you. Your hands are magic.”

He flicked a nipple with this thumb. “So damn perfect.” He leaned over, pressed kisses to her breast. His tongue flicked against her nipple, then he suckled it into his mouth.

Her fingers thread into his hair.

He stripped back the coverlet, and it fell in a crumpled mess onto the floor. He gently pressed her down to the bed so that she was lying on her back. He nibbled at her inner thigh, laving kisses up the inside of her legs. She squirmed beneath his attentions, moaning and whining his name. His hot mouth covered her center.

He dipped his tongue in, and she bucked against him. He grabbed her hips to keep her still as he licked and suckled her folds. Her sensitive little nub got most of his attention, while he plunged a finger in and out of her.

And then she climaxed. Charlotte cried out his name again and again as her body rocked with the waves of her orgasm. He crawled up her body, kissing each breast. Then his lips found the sensitive spot on her throat and she arched into him.

He pulled up to his knees and eased himself inside her.

“You like to watch, don’t you?” she asked.

“Watch my cock disappear into your hot body? Yes, I love to watch. We can move into a position so you can watch.”

“Next time.”

He pushed her knees up, and started thrusting.

Her breathing became tighter and shorter. Her release was so near. She teetered right on the edge while he moved deeper and deeper, increasing his speed.

His honey eyes locked on hers and didn’t look away as he took her.

“I love you, Charlotte,” he said as he pounded into her.

Her body clenched in a powerful release. His stomach tightened as shot rope after rope of his seed into her.

“I love you, Edmond. You’re so much more exciting and passionate than a masked thief. Because you’re my husband, and you have my heart forever.”