Page 41 of The Duke Steals a Bride (Stolen by the Duke #5)
SIX MONTHS LATER
“C an we raise our glasses, please?” Edwin’s voice rose an octave, so he could be heard above the din of the dining table. “I have a toast to make.”
Christine stilled, gazing at her husband, her heart skipping a beat, as it always did. Her eyes flickered to their dinner guests, who were all flushed with laughter, and wine, and the general bonhomie of the intimate dinner party. And the children, at the end of the table, who were giggling with mirth as well, after consuming sugary lemonades.
The twins. Their new best friend, Lady Georgina. Lady Ridgewell. Lady Ava, who had become her dearest friend. Oliver, who helped save her from Nora. And Father, who was looking rather chastened these days, after Edwin insisted he let Violet live her own life. And now, her dear sister and Grace were living a happy life together in Venice.
“I wish to congratulate Lord Browning and Lady Ava,” continued Edwin, with a broad smile. “They have just informed me that they are betrothed. To Oliver and Ava!”
Everyone raised their glasses, toasting the happy couple. Christine gasped with joy, staring at her husband. How had he managed to keep that secret from her?
Their gaze met and held. The air sizzled around them, hot and fierce. For a moment, it was as if everyone disappeared, and they were alone in the room together.
I want you , he mouthed to her. I want you now.
Christine flushed. Her limbs suddenly felt heavy with yearning. Desperately, she turned away, trying to concentrate.
When the dinner party was over, and the children were abed, and the last of their guests farewelled, he turned to her, taking her by the hand, without a word, leading her up the staircase to their chambers.
Christine gasped in wonder. There were pink rose petals scattered down the hallway, leading toward the room, like a trail of crumbs. When he pushed open the door, she gasped again. Their bed was strewn with petals, as well, and there were candles everywhere.
“It is like entering Fairyland,” she whispered, her heart turning.
“And you are the Fairy Queen,” he whispered, pulling her into his arms. “Let me show you how much I worship at your feet.”
He gathered her gown above her hips, sinking down the length of her body, pressing his face against her, planting feverish kisses against her. When he reached the top of her legs, he sighed tremulously, gripping her legs tightly, plunging his mouth into her moist folds.
Christine shuddered, gripping him tightly, clinging to him, feeling her knees starting to weaken, in that delicious, sweet way. She moaned.
Suddenly, he rose, turning her around, hitching her gown higher, bending her over the bed. She gasped, as desire overwhelmed her, causing her mouth to turn dry and her legs to wobble, as he plunged himself into her, warm and deep.
They both cried out at the first heavenly meeting of their flesh, the holy union between them that never failed to take their breaths away, before he let out a long sigh, plunging into her, over and over again. It was both agony and ecstasy. He slammed against her, and she pressed her buttocks to him, wriggling her hips enticingly, causing him to groan again.
It was building to a heavenly peak…and suddenly, it crashed over her, wave after wave of incredible sensation. She cried out, gripping the bed post, as he reached his own climax, shuddering in her, until they both collapsed on the bed, panting and spent.
After several minutes, he turned to her, tenderly pushing the hair out of her face, his dark eyes shining in the candlelight.
“Have I told you lately how much I love you?” he whispered. “Because I do. More and more with each passing day.”
“Always,” she whispered, her heart somersaulting in her chest again. “As much as I love you.” She hesitated, gazing at him shyly. “There is going to be more to love soon, you know.”
He looked confused. “What?”
She took a deep breath. “I’m having our baby, Edwin. The physician told me that it will come in the spring…”
He let out a yelp of joy, grabbing her, hugging her fiercely. Christine’s heart felt like it was about to explode.
She had everything she had ever wished for in this world. A man she loved more than life. Two beautiful stepdaughters. They were a family, now. A real family.
And now, their own baby, who was created from their love, was about to come into this world, and make it complete.
Yes, she really couldn’t wish for anything more.
And now, she was fervently glad that her sister had decided to run away from home, that fateful day. For it had given her everything that her heart desired. Now and forever.
The End?