Chapter 23

Chapter Twenty-Three

B eatrice shuddered as Kenneth's lips slid down her neck, his teeth digging into her soft flesh.

The pain mixed with pleasure as his hands roamed over her body.

"Yes," she breathed, unable to control the sounds that spilled from her lips.

While he continued leaving hungry, open-mouthed kisses all over her neck and chest, his hand drifted up beneath her skirt and squeezed her upper thigh hard.

Beatrice spread her legs, feeling his manhood pressing against her.

Soon, his fingers started exploring her hidden folds and toying with her most sensitive spot. She squeezed her eyes shut, stars bursting behind them.

"My ravenous, little wife," Kenneth purred and lifted his head to look at her face as he plunged a finger inside her. "So wet and ready for me already."

It wasn't long before he slid a second finger into her, his motions slow and inquisitive at first, his eyes dark as he scanned her face for the tiniest reaction.

Quickly, the ache inside her buzzed, and she rolled her hips against his hand, seeking more friction.

"What is it?" he asked, placing his other hand on her jaw.

"Please…" Beatrice breathed.

"Use your words, wife," he replied, his tone commanding.

"More… I need more," she begged, her whole body trembling with need.

"Say please one more time," he said, "then I'll think about it."

She gasped, her mind swirling, trying to process his words as his fingers pumped in and out of her faster, her pleasure intensifying.

"Please, Kenneth… please."

"Mmm. That's more like it. Good girl," he murmured and pulled out his fingers.

Beatrice whimpered in protest, but before she could say anything, Kenneth flipped her on her stomach and lifted her skirts, baring her rear to the cool sea breeze.

"You said we didn't need the woods, didn't you?" he told her.

Her breath caught in her throat as he teased her entrance with the tip of his shaft.

"I did," she breathed, not caring if anyone could see them—perhaps that even heightened her desire.

"Hmm. Let me grant you your wish then."

And he plunged deep inside her, his fingers digging into the flesh of her hips as he started pounding into her.

Beatrice clutched the blanket, unable to control the moans that spilled out of her throat.

He was claiming her, marking her as his, and she loved it.

Her body trembled with each deep, hard thrust, clenching around him as her pleasure swelled, catapulting her into heights she never thought she could reach.

"Touch yourself, darling. I want to feel you come on my cock," Kenneth commanded.

Had she been sober—because this kind of pleasure pushed her far from the realms of sobriety, intoxicating her with a nectar she couldn't possibly describe to a clear mind—she would have blushed. But with the way he was claiming her, all her inhibitions had been chased away by the salty breeze.

Without a second thought, her hand went between her legs, and she started rubbing herself as he slammed into her.

Barely a moment later, her thighs shook as her climax thundered through her body, the sensation hot like the sun and sweet like the most decadent honey at the same time.

"Yes, that's it," she heard him moan through the haze.

And swiftly, he found his own release, spilling inside her with a deep growl.

Her insides still throbbed and clenched around him, sensitive and raw from their animalistic lovemaking.

After sighing once, Kenneth pulled out of her and collapsed next to her on the blanket, pulling her skirt down her bottom.

Beatrice turned onto her side, and he pulled her to his chest.

"That was…" she trailed off, still speechless.

Kenneth nodded with a lazy smile, his thumb rubbing small circles on her cheek.

Beatrice rested her head on his chest. He watched her, admiring the way the light caught the golden strands in her hair, the way her skin seemed to glow with contentment.

"Thank you for this," he said softly, his hand finding hers on his stomach. "For getting me out of that stuffy study and… helping me get some fresh air."

Beatrice lifted her head, lacing her fingers through his. "You're welcome." She giggled. "I think we both needed a… break from our daily routine. And what better place to find respite than here with the sea and the sky and the soft breeze?"

Kenneth's eyes met hers, a tenderness in their depths that made her heart skip a beat. "Indeed. You bring a lightness to my life that I didn't know I was missing."

Beatrice felt a blush creep up her cheeks, a warmth that had nothing to do with the sun overhead. "I feel the same way."

They lay there for a moment, hands intertwined, the sound of the waves a gentle backdrop to the beating of their hearts.

Then, with a sudden burst of energy, Beatrice jumped to her feet, pulling Kenneth with her.

"Come on," she said, a mischievous grin on her face. "Let's go for a walk along the shore. But first…"

She bent down, unlacing her boots and pulling them off, along with her stockings. Kenneth watched as she wiggled her bare toes in the sand.

"Your turn," she said, nodding towards his boots.

Kenneth hesitated for a moment, the propriety ingrained in him warring with the desire to follow her lead. But as he looked at her, at the joy radiating from her, he found himself bending down, removing his boots and stockings.

Hand in hand, they walked along the shore, the cool water lapping at their bare feet. They talked and laughed, splashing each other playfully as they went.

"You know," Kenneth said, his eyes twinkling mischievously, "I think I've discovered your weakness, my dear."

Beatrice raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And what might that be?"

"Your inability to resist my charms," he replied with a wink, pulling her closer.

Beatrice laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Is that so? I think you might be overestimating your allure, husband."

"Am I?" Kenneth challenged, his voice lowering seductively. "Shall we put it to the test?"

Before Beatrice could respond, he scooped her up in his arms, spinning her around. She shrieked with laughter, the sound carrying across the empty beach.

"Put me down this instant, you rogue!" she squealed, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

Kenneth grinned, tightening his hold on her. "Not until you admit you enjoy being in my arms."

Beatrice feigned a pout though her arms tightened around his neck. "Never! I'm quite content to walk on my own, thank you very much."

"Are you certain?" Kenneth murmured, his lips brushing her ear. "Because I find holding you like this to be utterly intoxicating."

Beatrice's breath caught, her cheeks flushing. "Well, perhaps it's not entirely unpleasant."

He chuckled, setting her gently back on her feet but keeping her close. "High praise indeed, Duchess. I shall treasure your grudging approval."

She smirked, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "You, Sir, are incorrigible."

"And you, Madam, are irresistible," he replied, leaning in to steal a quick kiss. "Shall we continue our adventure? I'm eager to discover what other weaknesses you might be hiding."

Beatrice laughed, "Lead the way, Duke. But beware, I may just splash you again. I have a few tricks up my sleeve as well."

Kenneth raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge in his eyes. "Oh, is that so? Then I shall have to be on my guard. Though I must say, the prospect of you trying to best me is rather enticing."

"My, my," Beatrice drawled, running a finger down his chest. "Is the mighty Duke of Dunford admitting he might be bested by his wife?"

Kenneth caught her hand, bringing it to his lips. "In your case, my dear, I'd gladly admit defeat… if you can manage it."

As he kissed her palm, sending shivers up her arm, Beatrice looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "I haven't had this much fun in… I can't remember how long."

Kenneth brushed a windswept strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering on her cheek. "Neither have I. You bring out a side of me that I thought was long gone, a side that knows how to let go and simply enjoy the moment."

Beatrice leaned into his touch, her heart full to bursting. "I'm glad. Because I quite like this side of you. The side that isn't afraid to get his feet wet, literally and figuratively."

He chuckled, pulling her closer. "Well, I have you to thank for that, my temptress."

She smiled up at him, her arms winding around his neck. "You're very, very welcome. Though, I must say, this temptress role is quite new to me. Perhaps I need more practice?"

Kenneth's eyes darkened with desire. "Oh, I think that can be arranged, my dear. I'd be more than happy to assist you in honing your skills."

"How very generous of you," Beatrice breathed, her fingers toying with the hairs at the nape of his neck.

"What can I say?" Kenneth replied, his voice husky. "I'm a generous man."

He bent his head, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, sweet kiss. The world around them faded away, the only sensation the feel of his lips on hers, the heat of his body pressed against her own.

As the kiss deepened, Kenneth's hands began to roam, skimming along the curve of her waist, the gentle touch sending shivers down her spine. She buried her fingers in his hair, holding him close as their tongues danced and dueled.

Lost in the moment, Beatrice barely registered the fact that Kenneth was slowly lowering them to the sand, his body covering hers as they sank into the soft dunes. His lips trailed from her mouth to her jaw then down the column of her neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.

Beatrice gasped, her fingers clutching at his shoulders as he found a particularly sensitive spot just below her ear.

"Kenneth," she breathed.

Kenneth hummed against her skin, the vibration sending a jolt of pleasure through her body. His hands roamed down her sides, his touch at once gentle and electrifying.

But just as Beatrice was about to lose herself completely in the sensations, a strange sound broke through the haze of their passion. It was a sort of barking, followed by a splash then another bark.

Kenneth lifted his head, his eyes heavy with desire but also curious. "Do you hear that?"

Beatrice blinked, trying to clear her mind enough to focus on the noise. "What is that?"

Together, they turned their heads towards the source of the commotion. There, on a cluster of rocks not far from shore, was a group of seals. The sleek, dark creatures were lounging in the sun, their fins occasionally slapping the water as they barked at one another.

Beatrice couldn't help but laugh, the absurdity of the situation hitting her all at once.

"It seems we have an audience," she snorted, nudging Kenneth with her elbow.

Kenneth looked down at her, his own laughter rumbling deep in his chest. "Indeed, we do. And as much as I enjoyed putting on a show earlier…" He leaned closer, his breath hot against her ear. "I much prefer a private performance."

Beatrice shivered, her body instantly reacting to the suggestive tone of his voice. "Is that so?" she murmured, her own voice husky with want.

Kenneth pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his blue eyes dark with promise. "Very much so. In fact, I think it's time we took this little interlude somewhere more… intimate."

Beatrice bit her lip, her heart racing at the implication of his words. "What did you have in mind?"

He stood up, pulling her up with him. His hands remained on her waist, his thumbs rubbing tantalizing circles on her hipbones through the fabric of her dress. "I was thinking somewhere with a bed. Or a desk. Or a wall."

Beatrice felt a rush of heat flood her body at his words and at the undisguised hunger in his gaze.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go find that somewhere."

Kenneth grinned, a wicked, wonderful thing that made her knees go weak. "As my wife commands."

They gathered their picnic things in record time, Kenneth stopping every few moments to steal a kiss or whisper a heated promise in her ear. By the time they started back towards the castle, Beatrice was practically thrumming with anticipation, her body alive with the need to be close to him to finish what they had started on the sand.

As they walked, Kenneth kept her hand clasped tightly in his, his thumb stroking her knuckles in a maddening, teasing rhythm. Each brush of his skin against hers was a reminder, a preview of the pleasure to come.

They reached the castle in a flurry, barely acknowledging the staff as they made their way up to their chambers.

Once inside, Kenneth wasted no time in pulling Beatrice to him, his mouth claiming hers in a kiss that was all heat and hunger, passion and promise.

"Now then," he murmured against her lips, his hands already working at the laces of her gown. "Where were we before our seal friends so rudely interrupted us?"

Beatrice grinned, her fingers making quick work of the buttons on his shirt. "I believe you were about to show me the benefits of a private performance."

Kenneth's answering smile was pure sin, his eyes glinting with mischievous intent. "Ah, yes. Let the show begin."

As he gently lowered her down onto the soft mattress, his warm body pressing against hers, Beatrice savored the moment. The sound of their hushed breaths, mingling in the air, created a gentle symphony that resonated within her. The subtle scent of him enveloped her senses, heightening the intimacy of the moment.

In that instant, Beatrice couldn't help but appreciate the untimely arrival of the seals, for it had granted her this exquisite pleasure, surpassing any distractions or intrusions that may have occurred.

Feeling empowered, she firmly pushed him away, their bodies separating with a slight rustle of fabric.

"What are you— Oh …" He began to voice his objection but halted as she swiftly maneuvered herself on top of him, the bed creaking under their weight.

"You were saying?" she teased, and with deliberate slowness, she began trailing tender kisses along his jawline, her lips leaving a gentle, tingling sensation in their wake.

"Mmm, never mind," he purred as she kissed down his neck, her warm breath fanning his skin.

Unyielding in her desire, she continued, her lips and tongue exploring every inch, the sensation sending shivers through him. While her lips were busy, her hand explored further, reaching down and firmly grasping him, eliciting a gasp of surprise mixed with pleasure.

She continued trailing open-mouthed kisses down his chest, following the small trail of hair until it reached the top of his trousers. Her small fingers fumbled with the buttons, quickly undoing them. When he was finally free of his trousers, she took his hardness in her warm, sweet mouth.

Kenneth groaned and buried his fingers in her hair, guiding her. She gripped him with her lips, sliding up and down. When she stopped and glanced up at him through lowered lashes, he let out a groan of frustration.

"Is this all right?" she asked.

"It is more than all right," he rasped.

She climbed on top of him, her thighs spread wide as she straddled him. He reached up and cupped her breasts, causing her nipples to stiffen. Swiftly, she leaned down, and her curls tumbled down to caress his cheeks as she began to ride him.

He thrust his hips up to meet her, each movement harder and quicker. When her inner muscles clenched and she let out a cry, he stopped, letting her ride out her climax.

But before she could resume riding him, Kenneth flipped her over on her back.

With his knee, he parted her legs and thrust into her. Her moan answered his groan as his hand found her nipple.

This, the feel of his hardness inside her, the sound of her name on his lips, the building pleasure that threatened to consume her whole… this was worth everything.

She gasped as he hit a deep spot inside her, her body swimming with sensation. He leaned over her, his lips seeking hers, and she met his tongue with her own, their kiss deep and hungry.

He began to move steadily inside her, pulling out almost completely before pushing back in, causing her to moan and arch her back. The fire between them was burning hotter and higher, an explosion that would soon consume them both.

The friction between their bodies as they moved together was intoxicating, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, allowing him deeper access. She clung to him, the ecstasy building with every move.

His tongue flicked against her nipple, causing her to whimper and writhe beneath him.

"Now, Kenneth," she cried out, her voice sweet and pleading. Her body yearned for release, feeling every inch of him filling her again and again.

He obeyed as her cries grew louder and more insistent.

Finally, her body shook once more with release. He followed closely behind, lost in the waves of pleasure crashing over them.