break her into a million pieces and she would never go back together again. She mumbled incoherently as he took her, his hard chest coming over her back, holding her close as thrust after thrust pumped into her core.
And she was lost.
* * *
Hugh fucked Molly with a need that scared him. He could not get enough of his new wife, not just in this way but also in every way. To be near her was to be content, happy. He'd not felt that for a very long time.
He held her as he pumped into her tight, wet heat. Damn it, she was perfect, reactive, and always surprising him with her needs and desires. He'd not come to her room this morning to receive such a gift, and he would not leave until she too had pleasure.
The scent of flowers wafted from her hair. He breathed deep, knowing he would never get enough of her. She pushed back on him, taking her pleasure as much as he was giving, and he felt the tightening, the convulsing of her core about his cock. She screamed his name into the cushions. Hugh fucked her, let himself be pulled into climax by her spasming heat. He came hard, spilled his seed deep, and reveled in the satisfaction that came over him at having Molly in his life.
Hell, he loved her. So much.
Hugh disengaged, and pulling her shift down, picked her up and carried her to their bed. Not the easiest feat as he'd only removed his breeches from one leg in his haste to have her. He kicked off his pants and climbed into bed next to her, pulling her into the crook of his arm.
"Are you happy?" He needed to know that she was. That their time together was nothing but a happy one for Molly. She was the most important person in his world now, and he would do everything to protect and love her as much as she deserved.
"I'm so happy." She grinned up at him, snuggling down against his side, one arm thrown lazily over his stomach.
Hugh closed his eyes and yawned, tired and satisfied.
"Are you certain you cannot come to the ball with me tonight? I want to show off my new husband."
Hugh would love to go, but he could not. Lord Brandon was recently in Rome from London, and he knew of his past. The accusations, no matter how false, would be revealed if he attended. Even using his mother's maiden name of Armstrong, Lord Brandon knew his face. Would out him to Molly.
He needed to tell her the truth himself, just not yet. He wasn't ready for that conversation right now.
If he could, he'd persuade Molly to stay home with him, enjoy more of their time together, such as they just did.
"You could always not go and stay at home with me, as I suggested before."
"But you said you had work to do. I would only be in your way, and in any case, I'm looking forward to seeing Lady Brandon. She will have news from home, and as much as I love being here with you, I do miss my friends."
Hugh pushed back a lock of hair from Molly's face, marveling at her beauty. "I know you do, my love. You should go and enjoy yourself." He paused, pulling the bedding up over them more. "And I promise you the next ball that is to take place in Rome, I shall attend."
She turned and kissed his chest, and a bolt of pleasure thrummed through his blood. His cocked twitched, ready and willing to go again. Having a wife had made him the most rakish being in Christendom.
"Very well. I'm satisfied with those terms. I hope you shall miss me tonight?"
Hugh rolled Molly onto her back, settling between her legs. His cock hard and primed to go again. Her eyes darkened with need, and she wiggled, placing him at her core. Desire licked at the base of his spine, and he pushed into her a little way, teasing them both.
"Oh, I shall miss you, and when you return home, you will know how much."
"Mmmm," she gasped, lifting her legs about his back and pulling him into her.
Hugh bit back a groan. His wife was a hellion, and he loved every moment of it. "Are you after something, wife?" he teased, holding her and his need at bay.
She pouted, squirming on him and making him see stars. "You know I am." Her words were breathless, an edge