Page 19 of The Duke’s Cursed Virgin (Cursed Brides #3)

Chapter Eighteen

“ I -I don’t know,” Sophia stammered, holding onto her wine glass for support. Her knuckles were white even against the dim candlelight.

“Liar,” he accused, but there was no venom there, even as his gaze became more predatory.

“Presumptuous,” she accused back with no heat, no bite.

She set her glass down, pushing it away—almost in defiance. Or maybe surrender.

Her heart thundered. Her mind screamed caution, but her body… her body leaned forward without her realizing it.

Theo leaned in. The firelight cast him in gold and shadow, every inch of him carved like temptation. He took her hand with slow confidence and raised it to his lips. The kiss he pressed to her knuckles wasn’t polite. It lingered. Possessive. A promise.

“You can stop this, Sophia,” he said, his voice velvet and steel. “Say the word, and you’ll never see me again.”

She said nothing. Because she wanted to see him. She wanted him .

He slid closer, closing what little distance remained between them. His hand skimmed down her arm, just enough to make her shiver.

“But if you stay,” he murmured, his voice low and rough with want, “we set the terms.”

Her lips parted, and still, she couldn’t speak. She didn’t need to. Her eyes told him everything.

“No love,” he continued, watching her like a man who already knew she was his. “No promises. No foolish dreams of titles or wedding veils.”

She swallowed hard. That wasn’t what she wanted. Not from him. What she wanted was this—hunger without rules. Craving without consequences.

“In here, we don’t belong to Society,” he said, his voice softer now, coaxing. “We belong to ourselves. To this. To now.”

Her breath caught. His fingers grazed her jaw, tilting her chin up with the lightest pressure. Her body burned, desperate to lean into him.

“I won’t give you love,” Theo whispered, his mouth inches from hers. “But I’ll give you everything else. My body. My time. My attention. You’ll never doubt that you’re wanted. That you’re mine.”

His words set something alight in her, reckless and wild.

“And what do I give you?” she asked, her voice shaking, though not from fear.

His smile was dark, wicked. “Your mouth. Your hands. Your hunger.” His eyes flashed. “Your surrender.”

A pause.

“Do you agree?” he asked.

Sophia’s pulse pounded in her throat. She knew she should say no. She knew she should walk away.

But instead, she lifted her chin and said without hesitation, “Yes.”

And just like that, the air around them shifted. The room seemed to contract, pulling them together like gravity.

They had made a bargain. Not one of hearts, but of bodies. And fire. And nights that would leave them both scorched.

Theo pulled her chair closer to his slowly, deliberately, as if she weighed nothing at all. His strength didn’t need to be announced; it was simply there, quiet and commanding. The scrape of the chair’s legs across the floor was the only sound, until he turned to her, one hand reaching out to cup her jaw.

“You’re going to fall apart for me. Slowly. Sweetly. Again and again,” he whispered against her lips.

Then, he kissed her—slow at first, almost worshipful, before hunger took over and he devoured her like a man who couldn’t bear another moment of restraint.

Sophia gave in, pressing as close as their sitting position allowed. She gripped his shirt as if he had become her sole source of balance.

With shocking ease, he hauled her from her chair to his lap and pulled her in for another languorous kiss. Then, he pulled away.

Sophia looked at him, panting. Breathless. She gaped at the beautiful man before her, wondering what he was thinking. Wondering what he was planning to do next.

Theo pressed his forehead against hers, an act more intimate than their kisses that it sent everything inside her into a frenzy.

“Stay tonight,” he whispered.

Sophia’s heart and mind still could not agree on one thing. As a young girl, she had always prided herself on avoiding foolishness. No, that was not the type of woman she was. But here she was, willing to be his fool.

She had risked it all already when she left the Holtons’ residence in the middle of the night to meet with the Duke. Her body wanted to stay. Her arms rested on his shoulders, looping around his neck.

So, this was how someone got burned. This was how someone decided to be ruined. And damn it all, it felt delicious.

Speaking of delicious, there was that plate of chocolates waiting on the table, and Theo was eyeing it with interest.

“Do you like chocolate, Sophia?” he asked, his voice husky and deep.

“What?”

“Do you like chocolate?” he repeated, slower this time.

“Yes, Theo. I do,” she replied, her voice sounding strange to her own ears. Wanton. Desperate. “What about you?”

“Oh, I do. Very much. Which is why I brought these. I’d like to make things more interesting between us,” he said with a slow, knowing smile.

Before she could ask him about what he planned to do with her, he reached for a chocolate square as she watched with a frown.

“Relax, pet,” he murmured, his breath hot against her face. “I will take care of you. Open your mouth for me.”

Sophia did not know how those words ignited something fierier inside her. It had to be his voice, both gentle and commanding.

Theo brushed the chocolate square against her mouth, which opened almost instinctively—as if at his beck and call. He placed the chocolate square on her tongue, and the flavors exploded all over her mouth.

She moaned softly, fully aware of his hungry gaze.

“Good girl,” he praised, the words making her hips lift off his lap and settle back again.

There was a rhythm to them, an unplanned movement that was awakening, longing for satisfaction.

Then, he took another piece. She opened her mouth eagerly, but he didn’t offer it to her. Instead, he dipped it into the melted chocolate spreading at the bottom of the dish. He rolled it. She could not help but watch his fingers as he did.

“Now, time to play.”

Theo lifted the chocolate from the dripping dish and dragged it over Sophia’s neck. She gasped but did not fight it. He continued his descent until his gaze lingered at the gentle swell of her bosom. He met her heavy-lidded gaze with his own.

“Beautiful,” he said as he began licking the chocolate off her neck. Bit by bit. His warm tongue savored the creamy texture, the sweet taste. “And delicious, too.”

Sophia gripped the edge of the chair, her neck arching into Theo’s tongue as he licked again, tracing the path of the chocolate. Every movement made her shiver, but she remained open for him. Ready.

Theo pulled back, his gleaming eyes scanning his handiwork. A few specks of chocolate remained, but her neck was otherwise clean.

“I know what you’re thinking. You taste better than chocolate, Sophia.”

Desire dripped from his voice as he lifted her and placed her back on her chair with ease.

He then kneeled on the floor between her legs. She had not even noticed that she had spread them wide, making room for him.

He pushed her skirts up slowly. Deliberately. Inch by inch. His fingertips trailed up her bare skin, and she trembled hard.

“Your skin is so soft,” he murmured as his fingers reached their destination. Those fingers knew exactly what to do, but she was also drenched enough to welcome one easily. Then, two. She gasped at the intrusion. “Do you trust me, Sophia?”

“Yes,” she whispered, surprised at herself for not hesitating.

Her body had made its decision for her, while her emotions remained wild and chaotic.

For a second there, Theo’s smile resembled that of a wolf’s—predatory. He kissed up her inner thigh, wreaking more havoc within her.

“Good,” he breathed against her skin. “Because I won’t stop. Not until you beg me for more.”

Theo took some more chocolate. This time, the square was already melting, making it easy for him to smear the syrup over her inner thigh. She moaned at the contact, spreading her thighs wider to give him better access.

When he started licking, she had to hold onto his shoulders for support.

She couldn’t breathe. It was too much. Too intimate. Too soon. She felt vulnerable spreading herself like a dish for Theo, but he acted as if he had done it his whole life.

He probably had.

The thought took her out of the moment, as she remembered the rumors about him. Mistresses. He liked them experienced and unavailable. So, what was this?

But then he licked her right there , and all concerns flew away.

“Theo,” she whimpered, pleading.

When had she ever pleaded for anything?

“What do you want, Sophia?” Theo asked as he looked up at her from between her legs.

His longish hair was rumpled from her fingers, his eyes glazed with hunger, and his mouth swollen from kissing her everywhere. But the sight of him undid her.

“Whatever you wish for, I will give it to you.”

“You,” she responded with a sigh, even as her cheeks burned at the admission. “I need you, Theo.”

Need .

When he rose from his kneeling position, she could not help but shiver at his size, at how he towered over her. This was a man, a real man, who was about to coax the most devilish sensations from her.

And she couldn’t wait.

He placed a knee on the chair between her still-spread legs and bent to kiss her.

Sophia tasted herself on his tongue as they tangled into a deep, hungry kiss. She’d seen the bulge between his legs, and how he needed as much relief as she did, but he took his time with her mouth.

Her hands roamed over his broad, muscular back, her fingers digging deep as she tried to pull him as close as possible.

She liked everything about him—his solid weight, his heat. Everything was made to make her fantasies come true. She thought she knew how to touch herself, but his experienced mouth and hands proved her wrong.

Theo broke the kiss once more. She needed the air, too. He watched her with such ragged breaths and such dark eyes that the command was a thrilling surprise.

“Stand up.”

The edge in his voice gave her little time to think. She quickly obeyed, even though her legs were still unsteady.

“Take your clothes off.”

His voice was authoritative. There was no mask of tenderness there. Nevertheless, it urged Sophia to quick obedience even as her fingers trembled.

“W-What if?—”

“I told you, the servants are not here. I sent them away.”

She knew that already. Her real question remained unspoken, and her fingers were poised and dangling.

“A-All right,” she relented with flushed cheeks.

She knew that the flush had spread all over her body, including her chest, which Theo was avidly watching.

“Then show me what’s mine,” he growled, sitting on his chair and leaning back.

She swallowed when she saw his big hand stroking his manhood above his trousers.

It was all so new to her, but she responded to his words. Her fingers loosened her stays, which were half-heartedly fastened anyway. She pulled her dress up and stood before him in her chemise.

“That too,” he declared, his voice rough with want.

Sophia tried to draw some courage from his blatant desire as she reached for the hem of her chemise. He was killing her with his burning gaze, and she would kill him with anticipation.

She lifted the hem slowly, very slowly, to reveal the curve of her hips, the plane of her stomach, then the swell of her breasts and her puckered nipples.

The cool air battled with Theo’s heated gaze in lapping at her skin. It made her feel feverish.

“Beautiful,” he breathed.

Sophia knew he had seen many women’s bodies, but his admiration felt genuine. She almost felt special.

Then, he took another piece of chocolate. Her breath caught.

“Come closer,” he commanded.

She rarely enjoyed being told what to do. But with him… it was exhilarating.

Theo’s hands guided her, pulling her closer. This time, he brought the chocolate to her nipple, its cool smoothness making her gasp. He traced around the sensitive skin slowly and deliberately, sending thunderous jolts down her spine, turning her insides into a stormy torrent, ready to break through any dam in its way.

“Theo,” she moaned.

“Shh,” he soothed with a warm breath on her sensitive skin. “Let me taste you. Take more of you.”

His tongue lapped at her nipple, eagerly licking away every drop of chocolate. He did it with skill and determination, sucking deeply with mouth and teeth. She gasped whenever his teeth grazed the turgid bud, moaning as he alternated between gentle bites and soothing licks.

Sophia had never felt her muscles weakening like this. She had to grip his shoulders as he continued to suck her nipples as if he were starving. Pain and pleasure merged as he nipped her sensitive skin.

“Oh, Theo,” she gasped as he sucked on a nipple hard .

“That’s what you do to me,” he growled. He nipped the bud, causing her to yelp. “I can’t get enough of you. Your taste—it’s pure sin.”

He pulled her back into his lap. She squirmed, knowing how wet he had made her when he had worshipped her body.

“It’s all right, pet,” he assured her, reading her mind.

He urged her to part her thighs and straddle his still-clothed body. Even then, she could feel his hardness under her wetness.

Could she die from this prolonged state of arousal? Perhaps. It would be a delicious death.

They kissed again, sharing the sweetness of chocolate. But what it was doing to her was anything but sweet. She needed to feel him, too. Skin on skin. Her hands fumbled with the buttons of his shirt. He watched her as she tried to unbutton his shirt with that searing look that she now craved.

It seemed like forever, but she finally pushed the fabric aside, revealing the taut muscles of his chest. With a sense of wonder, she traced every plane. There was so much strength in that body.

Theo groaned under her. She could feel him growing bigger. Harder. She continued to explore, torturing him.

“You’ll be the death of me,” he groaned. “You’re the forbidden fruit. So close. I just have to taste you again.”

He sucked on her nipple again, making her thrust her hips helplessly. There was something her body wanted, and while she’d read about how she could get it, she wanted him to show her.

“Please, Theo.”

“Heavens, you’re so pretty when you beg,” he hissed through his teeth, as though in pain. “Be patient, darling. I promise you’ll be rewarded.”

His large, capable hands moved lower, exploring her body, until one slipped between her thighs. It brushed against the sensitive spot between her folds.

Sophia cried out, her hips jerking violently.

“Oh, pet, you’re doing so well,” he praised. “You are perfect. Such a good girl for me.”

His fingers drew circles around her bud until she was a writhing mess. She was no longer a cursed lady, but a mere bundle of raw nerves. The pleasure within her continued to build higher with every lingering touch, tap, and stroke.

“I-I can’t,” Sophia gasped.

She clutched at his shoulders harder even as her hips began moving of their own accord.

“Yes, you can. You can feel it,” he reassured. “Let it happen. Look at you. You are riding my fingers like you’ve done this so many times before.”

Those words barely registered, even as they made her realize that Theo knew that she was inexperienced after all.

Of course, he knew. Men like him could tell. Her body obeyed him, letting her hips follow a natural rhythm.

Then, as the waves of pleasure crested, she let it go with a cry. Theo was prepared to embrace her when she slumped against him, tired and sated.

He kissed her forehead, suddenly tender. Her chest ached with something new and strange. She was just tired, she reasoned. She should not have exerted herself so soon after enjoying a meal.

“You’re incredible. I knew it from the first time I saw you,” he whispered.

There was awe in his voice, but that could be faked. Couldn’t it be?

“But I am not done with you yet.”

Sophia’s eyes opened, meeting the desire in his.“W-What do you mean?”

He smiled at her in the most wicked, delicious way.

“We are only getting started, Sophia.”

He shifted slightly, undoing his trousers. She gaped when she saw his enormous manhood in his hand.

That was what she was feeling earlier. It felt like steel against her core, pressing with each thrust. What else could it do to her?

Fear and anticipation mingled within her.

“Theo,” she whispered in a trembling voice. “You may have caught me… p-pleasuring myself, b-but I-I’ve never?—”

“I know, darling,” Theo replied. “From the moment I caught you seeking pleasure for yourself, I knew you’d be mine. Nobody else’s. This”—he cupped her between her legs—“is mine.”

She nodded, a burning thrill coursing through her veins, extinguishing any fear she had before.

This was exactly what she wanted. Or rather, who she wanted.

“Make me yours, then,” she breathed, and Theo growled in satisfaction.

As though she was a mere feather, he picked her up and lay her on the empty side of the table, his rough hands stroking her bare skin, leaving more fire in their wake.

Finally, he held her hips as he guided himself between her legs. He teased her and himself by dragging his manhood back and forth between her folds. Their moans blended, loud against the silence of his estate. Then, he entered her slowly.

The stretch was uncomfortable at first, a sharp pinch that made her gasp.

Soon, though, she felt more comfortable—less afraid—as he pressed tender kisses to her temples.

“Relax. Give in, Sophia,” he soothed. “Let go, pet. You deserve this pleasure.”

She focused on his gentle caresses and tender kisses. She made herself drink in the intimacy and the feelings growing inside her. Soon, the discomfort became something else—a connection—and the sensation became a seductive implosion.

Theo moved, unhurried and focused on her comfort. It was then that she felt the pleasure build again not too long after her last release.

How could this be? On her own, she sometimes had to chase the sensations. He made it so easy.

“You. Are. Mine,” he declared, each word punctuated with a slow thrust.

Sophia was surprised at the fervor in which her body took his. It felt like riding a wave, faster and faster it went until she reached the peak of the wave yet another time that night.

“I… I… Yes, please!”

“Give it to me. Let go, Sophia,” he grunted, holding her hips so tightly that they’d bruise.

She burst. Exploded. And when she did, she cried out, the sensations overtaking her whole being—the euphoria spreading all over her limbs like the sweetest, most delicious blanket.

“Mine,” he whispered in her ear.

She clung to him and to that single word that seemed to strengthen the bond between them more than the loss of her virtue could.

The future might be unclear and dreary, but tonight she was his.