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CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Robert was no stranger to being nude with a woman.

What he was only learning now was how different it was to be nude with a woman he loved .

There was a vulnerability, an intensity.

Something all-consuming that he had never known he was missing.

Each caress of their hands was a heightened sensation, and whenever their eyes met, he saw the depths of her soul.

He kissed every silky patch of skin for the second time this day, and his hunger for her was even fiercer.

He adored each plump curve with his touch.

“I love the way it feels when you do that,” she cried, clutching his head as he sucked the tips of her breasts. Biting down, he relished in her appreciative moans. His cock, that she kept trying to stroke, throbbed maddeningly and his teasing actions were driving her insane.

“Robert, I need you inside me–now!”

“As you say, my love, I am all yours.”

Sitting back on his heels, he set her legs on either side of him and pulled her towards him.

He touched her then, and feeling the slick passage that was about to engulf him, he could not stop himself from teasing her some more, thumbing the centre of her pleasure.

As she arched her back, she mumbled, ”Blazes,” as she pushed against his hand.

“Eliza, I want you to look at me.”

He wanted to see her face as they became one.

He guided himself inside her slowly and had to fight to keep his own eyes open as he entered bliss.

Her lashes fluttered, and her blue eyes now darkened with desire as she held his gaze.

He was deep inside her, and her legs locked around his hips, ensuring he did not go anywhere.

“I am not going anywhere, Eliza. I am yours.”

He sealed his declaration with a kiss, and their bodies moved instinctively.

“This feels so perfect, Robert, we are a perfect fit,” she said breathily, gripping his buttocks.

“We are, my love. We have so many perfect moments ahead, so many to make up for lost time.”

He rolled her over while still inside her, so she was then astride him and quickly found her rhythm. One that drove them both mad, forcing him to use every bit of restraint he could muster.

“Oh, Robert, it is happening again,” she cried as her legs began to tremble.

“Let it wash over you, let us reach the height of our passion together.”

In this moment, he finally knew what it was to feel as one with another. One mind, body, and soul. As he spilled deep inside her, climax overcame her.

“And that is how truly perfect it will be,” he whispered as she collapsed on his chest in a satisfied heap.

“To think you were prepared to forgo this pleasure.”

“To think how much has happened in one day. Any choice could have led me to a life full of regret or a life lived with you.” Kissing her forehead, he quoted one last line of Donne before they drifted off to sleep. A verse from “Sweetest Love, I Not Go” was most fitting.

“Destiny may take thy part, / And may thy fears fulfil. / But think that we / Are but turn’d aside to sleep. / They who one another keep / Alive, ne’er parted be.”

May, 1820

My sweet love, my Eliza,

How I yearn for us to be wedded. And better still, bedded.

It has me wishing we could forgo the propriety that we are beholden to by society.

Alas, we cannot. So instead, I count the days until we can be alone without scandal.

Our chaperoned outings do appease me, but all I want is to hear your thoughts, your questions, no one else's.

Promise me we will not ever become one of those ton couples who prefer talking to anyone but each other?

It is a silly question to ask with a bond such as ours, but I swear to you, not a single man has anything positive to say on the subject.

I had to bite my tongue to not boast at how I delight in everything you say and do.

As requested, I have kept the runt of the litter, and he already understands his name is Donne.

The household is also in a joyous uproar to finally have a duchess–and everyone is just as eager for our nuptials.

Yours in painful longing,

Robert

June, 1820

My beloved betrothed,

My yearning is equally matched, and I have fantasied many a wanton moment.

As frustrating as the standards are, it has settled any doubt that anyone may find us marrying odd.

To the contrary, my inner circle of women, and even the outer from what I hear, are thrilled I am to remarry after so many years spent a widow.

They are surprised as well as impressed that I have reformed a rake such as you, and a Duke no less.

Robert, you and I shall never become that couple.

We have already proven ourselves to one another.

There is no topic we shy away from. And there is no one I would rather spend my days talking to than you.

That you shared this fear with me tells us all we need to know.

I cannot wait to walk with Donne every day and get to know your household.

Most of all, I cannot wait to start our lives together.

Your bride-to-be,

Eliza