Tempting the Footman (House of Devon #5) - Lauren Smith Page 0,35

entrance. She opened her eyes to see Adrian had removed his trousers, and his shaft, a glorious, long, intimidating bit of male anatomy, was pushing into her.

She was on the verge of tensing up when he thrust deep. Something tore inside her, and she whimpered as the pain radiated deep within her. He leaned over, whispering apologies and covering her face with kisses. The tenderness he showered her with in that frightening moment bonded her to him in a way she could never have imagined.

“Hush, my sweet love. Hush now, it’s over.” He nuzzled her ear before he kissed the sensitive spot behind it. Fresh desire awoke within her, and her inner walls clenched around his length. He groaned as though in pain.

“Are you all right?” she asked.

“Oh yes. It feels good when you do that.”

“Do what?” She couldn’t help but clench around him again.

“That! Bloody hell,” he cursed and stole her lips for a long, deep, and raw kiss.

After a moment he began to move within her, thrusting slowly, easing her body into a natural, ancient rhythm. Venetia was still tender, but the sharp pain soon faded. Adrian pulled her closer to the edge of the bed, and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he continued to thrust into her. The feel of him filling her, that sense of connection, was beyond compare. Her next release built slowly, sweetly, and rippled out in a burst of pleasure that didn’t quickly fade. Tears stung at her eyes as she gripped Adrian close to her.

His breath hitched, and he suddenly withdrew from her. Then he hissed and held her close, panting. Wetness coated her belly, and she gazed down at their bodies in confusion.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I wanted to stay inside you, but we can’t risk getting you with child.” He kissed her forehead tenderly, then moved away from her and retrieved a cloth from beside her water basin. He returned and wiped her belly and between her thighs. She blushed as he removed the evidence of blood and cleaned himself. After that, he tucked her back into bed. She nearly giggled at the thought of being completely naked like this. It was so very scandalous.

“You’ll stay, won’t you?” she asked as he laid the towel near his clothes.

“Yes, if you want me to.”

She nodded and held out a hand to him. He slid into bed, and she sighed with contentment as she curled into him. She wasn’t used to having such a warm, hard presence in her bed, but she definitely liked it. It was comforting. She felt safe in a way she’d never expected. Adrian stroked her hair, and she pressed a soft kiss to his chest.

“Thank you for showing me such a wonderful thing.”

His chest rose and fell in a long inhalation. “And I thank you for giving me the gift of your maidenhead. I know I hurt you . . .”

“Only for a moment, and it was worth the pain. You are worth the pain.”

She snuggled close to him, fatigue setting in amidst the afterglow of their lovemaking.

Adrian stayed awake awhile longer, feeling Venetia sleeping deeply in his arms. Her golden hair was pale and silky in the moonlight. He stroked it, tucking loose strands of hair behind her ear. He couldn’t seem to stop touching her. He wanted to stay awake all night so he could watch her, hold her.

A smile curled Venetia’s lips, and he wondered what pleasant dreams had drawn that smile out. She was so sweet and innocent, a true lady. He didn’t believe, no matter how much Mr. Reeves drilled it into him, that lowborn people couldn’t be ladies or gentlemen in their demeanor and bearing.

No, the true quality and ability of a person came from his or her soul. And there was no doubt that Venetia was a true lady. She was kind, openhearted, fair, and passionate. After tonight, he would do anything she asked of him, no matter what it cost him. He belonged to her. Though she would leave at the end of the week and he would likely never see her again, he knew his heart was hers forever. Come what may, Venetia owned his soul.

9

Adrian woke well before dawn, and he didn’t immediately remember where he was. But the bed was so soft, the air fragrant with flowers, and the small body tucked into his side was most unexpected. Then the previous night came back to him in a wonderous and terrifying flash.

Venetia’s face