A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,92
softly when she discovered his scar. She reached and tenderly traced the rough edge that ran in a diagonal direction down his left side.
He didn’t flinch. “I earned this during my second battle. A French soldier had missed a direct stab to my heart but managed to inflict this reminder of all I could have lost in the war.”
“Oh, Christian.” Katherine leaned down and traced her lips across the scar. “Thank God you’re here.”
“Those words coming from you makes them more precious than any earthly possession I own. They center me,” he said softly. “Truly.”
She bit her lip then looked up. “I meant every word. Are there more?”
He shook his head.
“That’s good.” She took her hand away, then untied her chemise, never breaking her stare. It slid to the floor in a straight fall. With her hazel eyes greener this evening and her light brown hair glowing from the firelight, she reminded him of a wood nymph set to enchant him. But he was already captivated.
Whatever magic she wanted to weave this evening, he’d gladly submit.
“My God, Katherine.” His voice deepened on its own accord as his hungry gaze devoured her body. “You’re beautiful.”
“Now, your turn. I want to see the rest of you.”
* * *
Christian was correct—when they were together, everything faded except for the two of them. Not shy, she waited for the proverbial unveiling of his body. The wound she’d discovered on his chest had taken her breath away. Another six inches closer to his heart, and he wouldn’t be here today with her.
With a practiced ease, he toed off one formal evening slipper, then the other, before discarding his stockings. When he stood, she forgot how to breathe. She had already admired his broad shoulders where muscles rippled, but her heartbeat pounded in triple-time at his trim waist that melted into lean hips. Her body ached as she studied the outline of his erection straining against his black silk breeches. When she raised her gaze, his eyes smoldered.
“Are you sure?” he asked softly.
“Yes. I want this.” Katherine stepped forward and trailed her hands down his chest. She deserved this, finally making love to a man, to Christian. When she leaned close, their naked chests touched. The feel of him was so perfect against her. “Now you’ll see what it’s like to sleep in my bed.”
“Oh, really?” he drawled, then nibbled her lips.
She drew back, then lightly nipped one of his nipples in return.
His eyes flashed and he grabbed her closer to him. “You’re claiming my bed as your own?”
“The linens make the bed, and those are mine.” Bold and confident, she was certain who she was tonight. She wasn’t an unclaimed bastard, a no one from York. She was a woman who would share an incredible moment tonight with this man. She slipped her hand between them and unbuttoned his falls. With greedy, impatient hands, she pushed his breeches past his hips. They caught on his muscled thighs, but her gaze was locked on his cock.
Christian stepped out of his breeches; Katherine reached to touch him. If at all possible, he seemed to be thicker and harder than he was the other night.
He grunted when she wrapped her hand around him. It reminded her of a hot, steel rod wrapped in velvet. His signature sandalwood scent mixed with his own musk became a heady fragrance.
Bolder, she took him in a kiss, then touched the tip of his cock where a pearl of moisture lay like a perfect jewel. “Does it always do that?”
His eyes widened, then a perplexing grin creased his lips. Kissing her in return, Christian swung her into his arms. “Always when I’m with you.” Without another word, he carefully laid her on the bed. She scooted over so he could join her.
He surprised her when he straddled her hips, then rested on his elbows, keeping his weight off her.
Unable to resist touching him, she smoothed his hair from his face, then undulated her hips to his. His cock pulsed against her lower belly. The intense sensation made her want more. The top of her thighs were already wet because of him. Katherine knew that her body was preparing for when he’d enter her. She’d never felt so sensual and wanton in her life. She pushed against him again.
“Minx,” he teased, then kissed her, stealing every sound in the room and every thought she possessed. The only thing she knew was that this moment was theirs.