Page 46 of The Viscount, the Blacksmith, and the Lady
He felt her tremble under the dual sensations. “You’re exquisite, my love. Every part of you sings to me.”
She arched her back, pushing against the fingers that explored her most intimate places. A gasp escaped her lips, transforming into a moan of pleasure as Owen’s skilled touch coaxed her body into a state of blissful surrender.
When he couldn’t stand being outside her any longer, he pressed his arousal against her, then eased into her welcoming heat. The passion that had simmered inside him now ignited, burning fiercely as he moved within her.
Her body responded to him, tightening around his length. Her breath hitched in her throat, her senses consumed by the man who filled her so completely.
“Zee, love, you’re so tight... so perfect.”
The waves of her climax crashed against him, her inner muscles clenching around him in a vice-like grasp that threatened to undo him. His name fell from her lips like a benediction, urging him on until he too came. With a final, deep thrust, he spilled himself inside her, their bodies trembling together through the aftershocks of their shared release.
When he could move again, he wrapped an arm around Zee’s waist and helped her lie down, as he cuddled around her, still inside her. He stroked over her stomach slowly, then cupped her breast, enjoying the feel of her against him, in his arms.
He realized this was a moment where Simon would crow about Zee’s beauty, calling her his wife, which she was. Owen wished for a moment he could claim that right, but he must be grateful he was allowed to share in her life.
Eventually, he withdrew from her warm passage and washed them both before offering her his hand. “Do you wish for food or sleep?”
“What if I said neither? I wish to lie with you, listen to you talk about your day. I want to hear your dreams and where I fit into them.” Her smile had a touch of sadness as she stood and wrapped her arms around him. “I want to be as husband and wife.”
His breath hitched. “As do I, Zee. Did I do wrong by not fighting for you?”
She pulled him still closer, pressing her face against his muscular chest. “You thought of me, not yourself, and gave me the gift of both of you. For that, I am forever grateful.”
He smiled. “I’m glad.”
Together, they climbed into bed, their bodies finding the comfort of nearness as they settled close. Owen sighed, resting his hand on her belly once again. Then he told her about his day.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
The next day, Owen stayed at the manor house and pretended to be the man of the house. He leaned over the billiard table, working to improve his shots so he might beat Simon more often. Zee sat perched on the edge of a nearby chair, her eyes twinkling with mirth as she watched him.
“Tongues must be wagging, since I’ve been alone with you all day,” Owen said.
She dismissed his concern with a wave of her hand. “Our discretion has been enough thus far. You spend so many evenings here, and most Sundays, so the servants are used to seeing you. And we’ve been careful not to display any affection where we might be observed.”
He straightened, eyeing her with an affectionate smirk. “Would it be too scandalous if I were to ravish you atop this table?” He didn’t ask if Simon had done so already.
Zee burst into laughter, then looked thoughtful. “I wonder if the door has a lock.”
He straightened from his shot, missing the ball entirely, but not caring in the least as her infectious laughter filled the room. Holding up the cue, he worked it up and down through cupped fingers, leering. “This could stand in for Simon, so you’d be filled to your satisfaction.”
Xenia’s laughter only deepened, a warm flush spreading across her cheeks. She eyed the billiard cue, then met his gaze with a saucy tilt of her head. “I could never tolerate such a cock. Yours is as large as any I’d ever want.”
His cock enjoyed her answer and thickened slightly. He leaned the cue against the table and approached her. “Is that so?” He reached out to trace the back of his hand along the curve of her jaw. Their eyes locked, the rest of the world fading away as he bent down and kissed her.
He put his heart into the kiss, hoping to express how much he loved her rather than seducing her. There was always time for seduction. Love was more important and just as hard to show her without being observed. Just to be sure, he spoke before going back to the table and taking up his cue. “I love you, Zee.”
“I love you too, Owen.”
He made another shot, sending a ball cracking into a corner pocket. “It’s hard, Zee. Being so close to you and having to pretend there’s nothing between us.”
Her features softened with understanding. “I know, my love. But it’s the price we pay for this arrangement.”
He nodded, pushing down the familiar ache of longing. He focused instead on lining up his next shot, the familiar motions grounding him. As he leaned over the table, he couldn’t help but imagine Zee pressed against the green felt, her dark hair spilling loose from its pins...
He shook his head, banishing the thought. “You’re right, of course. And it’s worth the price to be with you like this. Even if only in stolen moments.”
Zee’s nimble fingers worked deftly at her needlework. She looked every part the viscountess, a lady of leisure. Having servants and fine possessions were some of the reasons that made it easier for him to agree to Simon being the lucky man to marry her. He couldn’t provide those things for her. He had a woman who cleaned weekly, but he cooked for himself.