Page 61 of The Iron Duke's Flaming Christmas

Selene nodded, taking a deep gulp of champagne. “None of them can bother us any longer,” she said, her heart shifting in her chest. “They tried to separate us but failed. I do not hate them. In fact, I feel sorry for them all. They are such wretched creatures, filled with hate, driven by revenge.”

“You know, that is why I love you so much,” he declared, his eyes shining. “Your ability to forgive and your determination to never let anything dampen your warmth and light.” He paused. “You are a wonder, Selene. You have utterly transformed me.” His eyes narrowed with desire. “And I simply cannot wait another moment to ravish you.”

Selene’s mouth went dry. He took the flute out of her hand, placing the glasses on a side table. Then he pulled her into his arms, turning her around, so that her back was against him, pulling the bodice of her gown off her shoulders in one swift movement.

Selene shuddered with delight as he kissed and nibbled her neck and shoulders, his hands reaching around for her breasts, tweaking the nipples to hardened peaks. She moaned, tumbling against him, her mouth falling open.

His legs were snaking up her legs, gathering her gown around her waist. She was ready for him now—had been ready for him the whole day, a long, slow burning desire, which had grown and magnified.

“I cannot wait,” he growled into her neck. “I must have you…”

“Take me,” she breathed, pushing herself against him, feeling his manhood, hard and firm and proud, jutting against her insistently. “Please. I beg of you…”

He pushed her against one of the bed posts, entering her swiftly. She cried out at the first plunge into her depths, shuddering with pleasure, as they moved against one another in that eternal rhythm of life.

She was climbing swiftly to heaven, the sensations intensifying, bursting upon her like stars exploding in the sky, as he cried out, gripping her tightly, his own release filling her body.

They tumbled onto the bed together, spent, the petals crushing beneath them, releasing their sweet perfume into the air, crawling into each other’s arms.

Selene could hear the soft fall of the snow outside, the crackle of the fire in the grate. She nuzzled against him,breathing him in. The Iron Duke. Her husband. The only man she would ever love.

It had been a fraught and dangerous adventure, but she wouldn’t change any of it. How could she? When it had brought them together. Forever.

THE END?