Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

T wo weeks later, Michael was surrounded by his friends in his ballroom. The time leading up to this house party had passed in a flurry of chaos. Michael had hardly had any alone time with his wife, other than a handful of stolen kisses, which had been wonderful, but not nearly enough. He thought he would have had her in his bed by now, but they’d both just been too busy. She had thrown herself into planning the house party. Mrs. Thistle seemed to relish teaching the new lady of the house everything that went into planning such an event, and Belle happily ran herself ragged trying to keep up.

There was estate business to see to, as well. For years he’d spent the vast majority of his time in Raven Row, leaving the running of Glenwood to his manager. Since Belle needed to be introduced to all of the tenants, this was his opportunity to visit them and make sure Anson was doing his job properly. Not surprisingly, the new Lady Dalinridge had charmed every one of them. She was so exhausted that she didn’t even argue when he sent her to bed with only a brief kiss each night.

Hopefully, things would finally settle down. The guests had arrived that morning. It wasn’t an overly large group. The lords from the three neighboring estates and their wives, his friend, cousin, and current heir, Giles Henderson, Patrick’s marquess brother, Lord Epworth and his wife, Patrick and Rosie, and Ash, who had even closed the club for a few days in order to attend. It meant a lot to Michael. This was not the sort of thing that Ash typically enjoyed. It was especially surprising to see him dancing with Belle.

It was a casual sort of ball, allowing them all to mingle and to give everyone ample opportunity to get to know his new wife. Pride glowed within him every time he saw her. Michael was talking with Lord Bexley about some problems with the canal that ran between their two properties.

“Anson informed me of the maintenance it is in need of. I’ll send someone to see to it next week so that any repairs can be completed before the problem gets worse.”

Before the other man could respond, Belle’s arm snaked around Michael’s waist.

“Lady Dalinridge,” Bexley greeted with a nod.

Belle completely ignored him and whispered loudly into Michael’s ear, “I’m ready for bed, husband.”

The man didn’t seem to take offense. “Ah, how it is to be newly wed.”

Embarrassment was not something Michael was used to feeling, and he didn’t like it. “Excuse us, please.” Bexley gave him a knowing look as he grasped Belle by the elbow.

He pulled her into the deserted hallway. “What has gotten into you?”

She let out a long sigh. “I told you, I’m ready for bed.”

“And desert our guests?”

She merely shrugged.

“You were unacceptably rude to Lord Bexley back there. Do I need to spank you?” he warned.

She rolled her eyes. “Right next to a ballroom full of people?”

“One day you’ll learn, Belle. I’m never bluffing.” He gripped her arm and hauled her into the nearest sitting room, shutting the door behind them. At least there was a little trepidation mixed with the obvious excitement in her eyes.

“Hands on the sofa,” he ordered, not wasting any time. When she didn’t move, he gave her a stern look and lowered his voice to a growl. “Do you remember what happens if I have to repeat myself?”

Immediately her demeanor changed. She lowered her eyes in deference. Although, there was a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “Yes, my lord.”

Those three words were all it took for lust to storm his body. She bent over and placed her palms on the seat of the sofa, and he threw her skirts over her back. It had been far too long since he’d seen this tantalizing view the first time. Sadly, he had yet to see her backside without drawers covering at least part of it, but hopefully soon. He brought his hand down hard, sending a swift message that he was serious. She gasped and whipped her head around, probably surprised by his firmness.

“I won’t tolerate rudeness, Belle.” He followed with another hard stroke on the other side of her bottom.

“Ouch.” She pouted her lips.

“If you embarrass me again, there will be more where those came from. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, my lord.”

He rubbed his palm gently over the warmed skin to soothe the sting. “Good girl.”

She moaned appreciatively, and unable to resist, he slipped two fingers between her thighs. Warmth and wetness greeted him. God, she was incredible. He nestled her sensitive nub between his fingers, massaging gently.

“Mmmm.” She tipped her hips up slightly to grant him better access, and his control threatened to shatter. He couldn’t very well take his wife’s virginity while she was bent over a drawing room sofa, so he reined in his desires. He tossed her skirts back into place and turned away from her, holding out an arm to escort her back to the ballroom.

He heard a huff of disappointment behind him before she eventually slid her arm through his. “If you’re a good girl for the rest of the night, I promise to pick up where I left off when we go up to bed. Would you like that?”

An alluring smile grew on her lips. “Yes, my lord.”

The rest of the evening was a kind of sweet torture as he imagined all the things he was finally going to do with his wife. It was impossible to concentrate on any conversation.

When he finally escorted her toward his chambers, Belle stopped in front of her own door, just as they had every night, and waited for her goodnight kiss. “I thought you wanted me to pick up where I left off in the drawing room.”

Her eyes grew wide and she nodded. “I just assumed you were bluffing.”

“I’ve already told you, I never bluff.” He claimed her mouth, crushing her body against him.

But then he stopped abruptly. “Unless you’re too tired, that is.” He loved the way her eyes narrowed when he teased her.

“Never.” Her voice was already breathless and she pulled him back down by his lapels.

He chuckled against her mouth before lifting her into his arms and striding down to his own chambers.

“Out!” he barked at Jones as he carried her through the door. The man nearly jumped out of his shoes in his haste to leave. Michael kicked the door shut behind him.

“I’m going to see all of you tonight,” he promised as he placed Belle on her feet and began hurriedly undressing her. Her chemise and drawers both sustained rips in his fervor to get her naked, but oh was she glorious. He stepped back to take her all in, and she covered herself with an arm across her breasts and a hand at the juncture of her thighs.

“Don’t you ever hide yourself from me.” He pressed a soft kiss to her lips and gently pulled her arms away. “You are beautiful, and I want to admire every inch of you.”

He motioned for her to turn around so he could see the other side and she reluctantly complied. Her bottom jiggled enticingly when he slapped it and the throbbing in his trousers became nearly unbearable. Pulling her back against him, he pressed his open lips over her shoulder and licked a path all the way up to her ear where he sucked the lobe into his mouth. Her body shivered against him, and she whimpered quietly.

“Am I moving too quickly?”

She shook her head. “Not quickly enough.”

Wrapping his arms around her, he squeezed both breasts, massaging them gently, her nipples growing firm in his palms. Her needy groan sent vibrations through his lips as he feasted on her neck. Suddenly, he needed her skin against his more than he needed to draw breath, but he still had all of his bloody clothes on. Quickly, he dispensed with everything from the waist up, dropping it all into a pile on the floor. She stepped into his arms as he wrapped them around her, crushing her against him. Feeling her luscious breasts pressed against him was incredible and made him desperate for more. His hands wandered restlessly over every inch of skin they could reach, squeezing the globes of her backside. Just as eager, her arms wrapped around his neck, holding him tight.

His control was slipping. He needed to move things along, but his trousers weren’t coming off until he was certain she was ready. One extra barrier in case his control completely failed him. She gasped as he picked her up and then deposited her on the bed.

He immediately took her nipple into his mouth. A startled groan burst from her mouth. Her fingers gripped painfully into his shoulders as he teased the hardened peak with his tongue. Leaving the nipple, he traced a meandering path over her collarbone, up the length of her throat, and eventually delved deep into her mouth. She was unbearably delicious. Slowly, he laid her back and settled himself beside her, taking the other nipple into his mouth.

“Michael,” she panted. “I need more.”

“Then open up for me, love.” He nudged her thighs and she instantly spread them wide.

She bucked against his fingers as he slid them gently along both sides of her engorged clitoris. He sucked in a breath. “You’re so wet.”

Her answering laugh was breathless. “I hope that’s a good thing.”

“Oh, it’s a good thing. It means I can do this.” Slowly, he slid one finger inside her. Her entire body trembled and her breathing hitched. How could this be both heaven and hell simultaneously? His thumb continued rubbing the outside while he slipped a second finger in. She was tight, but so hot and ready. He suckled and lapped at her nipple, his fingers sliding slowly in and out, allowing her body to grow comfortable with the new sensations. Her breathing continued to escalate, panting and moaning. She was getting close already.

“Michael, please. I need you inside of me tonight.”

There it was. His lips turned up in a slow smile. The begging he’d promised she’d do before he finally took her.

He looked into her eyes. “Are you sure, Belle?”

“Yes!” she said impatiently. “Now! Please, Michael!”

He didn’t need telling twice. He shed his remaining clothes and nestled himself between her thighs. The slightest bit of nervousness settled over Belle’s features as his tip nudged at her entrance. That wouldn’t do. He drew one nipple into his mouth and rolled the other between his thumb and forefinger, her back arching in response.

“Michael!” She wrapped her legs around his waist. The nervous glint had vanished. Slowly, he pushed inside her searing heat, as his tongue claimed her mouth. He felt the moment her body tensed in pain, and he froze.

“Are you alright?” he asked softly. She nodded but for a long moment, he didn’t move. Gradually, her body began to ease as it grew accustomed to his presence. He reached a hand down between them to fan the embers of her pleasure back into flame. It wasn’t long before she pulled him in with her legs again, asking for more, and soon, he was buried fully within her.

Slowly, he began to move. Just small strokes at first, so she could grow used to him. He’d never felt anything so exquisite. It was going to take everything in him to hold off until she reached her pleasure, but he would make it happen somehow. Fortunately, it wasn’t long before her moans began to accelerate.

“I need more, Michael,” she called out. He moved faster, so close, himself.

Her fingers dug into his shoulders, and she started panting random words acknowledging her pleasure. “Yes. Michael. Please. Oh God!” Each one pushed him closer to the edge. She was incredible.

Finally, she reached her peak and cried out. As her body contracted around him, he careened over the cliff with her. The intensity of his climax stunned him. Wave after wave of pure ecstasy washed over him. Completely out of breath, his arms shook with fatigue as he held himself over her. Her eyes had glazed over in a state of euphoria, and she held her breath from the shock. He smiled. That was the look he would strive to achieve each time they made love.

He pressed a kiss to her lips and then collapsed beside her, taking her hand in his. Sated was not remotely strong enough a word to describe how he felt. How was she his wife? This wonderful, passionate woman?

“Are you alright, Belle?”

She giggled, sounding slightly intoxicated, but didn’t actually speak. He would take that as a yes.

* * *

Before Belle even opened her eyes, she was in heaven. The ache between her thighs reminded her of all the wonderful things Michael had done to her, and his sweet, musky aroma filled her nostrils as she breathed in. She’d never slept so deeply. Somehow Michael had even managed to get her under the blankets without waking her. His arm was wrapped tightly around her, his warm skin pressed along the length of her body. Predawn light trickled in around the curtains, highlighting the edges of his features. His breathing was deep and even as she watched him sleep. She hadn’t had a chance to explore his body much. Perhaps now was her chance.

She lowered the blanket to his navel, and brushed her palm over his smooth stomach and up to his chest that was covered with a light sprinkle of honey colored hair. His skin was so warm. Were his nipples sensitive like hers? She touched a fingertip to the one nearest her. No response. Perhaps with her mouth? She flicked it once with the tip of her tongue. Michael sucked in a breath but didn’t move or ask her to stop. She flicked it three more times, and he groaned and opened his eyes, a devilish look on his face as he looked down at her.

“Ready for more, are you?”

“Well, I was hoping I might have a chance to…” She wasn’t sure how to phrase what she wanted.

He kissed the top of her head and nodded, spreading his arms wide. “My body is yours to do with as you please.”

Excitement fluttered in her stomach. Where to start? His lips called to her, so why not there? She traced the bow shape of the top one, and along the bottom, jumping when he playfully bit her finger with a snarl. “You beast,” she said with a laugh.

“But you love it when I’m a beast,” he purred, reaching down and giving her backside a swat.

That was all it took for warmth to blossom between her thighs. “I do, but this is supposed to be my turn.”

“Fair enough,” he said, putting his hand back out to the side.

She placed her mouth over his nipple and suckled, just as he had done to her. His hand gripped her pillow.

“You do mean to torture me, don’t you, my lady?”

She smiled against his skin. Moving on, she trailed kisses down his stomach, and pulled the blanket lower, until she finally uncovered what she was most curious about. There wasn’t enough light to see it properly, but there was no question he was already aroused. She ran her fingertip along the hard length, before wrapping her hand gently around. A tight groan issued from Michael’s lips.

“Does it hurt?”

He shook his head. “No. It feels incredible. So incredible that it melts my control and makes me want to flip you on your back and take you hard and fast.”

Heat and wetness rushed to her core. She liked the sound of that. She squeezed him gently and moved her hand up and down. With a growl, he flipped her onto her back, just as he’d said he would. He wedged his knee between her thighs, and she eagerly opened for him.

“Mmmm. Good girl.” His deep rumbling voice sent desire racing through her almost as much as his tongue as it flicked over her nipple.

He probed her entrance gently with one finger. “Are you sore? I don’t want to hurt you.”

“A little,” she admitted. “But I want you anyway. Just the way you described.” Her stomach fluttered as she heard the words again in her head. Hard and fast.

He smiled and took her other nipple into his mouth. They were extra sensitive after so much attention and she arched her back.

“I don’t want to hurt you, so how about a compromise?”

She already wanted him so much, she’d take it any way he would give it.

“We’ll start out slow.” He pushed in with two fingers and she gasped. It was a little tender, but the pleasure was already so intense she didn’t care. “And then,” he said, increasing the speed of his pumping fingers. “As long as you’re enjoying it,” the movements became more rapid, and heat was spreading throughout her whole body, “we’ll move to hard and fast.”

“I want it hard and fast now.”

Before she realized what was happening, his fingers were gone, and he plunged into her. His gaze bored into hers. “Still ready for it?” His voice was rough with need.

“Yes.” She nodded, more desperate than ever.

He pulled out and slammed into her again, his eyes still checking in with her. She nodded her assurance. “Faster,” she panted. She was already so close.

He grabbed her legs and pushed them upwards, placing her ankles on his shoulders. The position allowed him even deeper inside of her. Sparks of pleasure streaked through her with each plunge, his body pounding against hers. With each jolt, her nipples rubbed against her own legs, overwhelming her with sensation, as she hurtled toward the cliff she knew was coming.

She cried out as she tumbled into the pleasurable abyss, and with a loud groan, he followed, spilling his seed deep inside her. For a long moment, neither of them moved, apart from breathing heavily. Slowly, he lowered her legs back down to the bed and leaned down to kiss her.

“Did I hurt you?” he asked, still trying to catch his breath.

She rolled her eyes. “You just want me to compliment you on how skilled a lover you are.”

He chuckled. “You, my darling wife, are the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me.”

He rolled onto his side of the bed, pulling her back into his embrace and she laid her head on his shoulder. She would never, ever tire of this.

They lay in silence for a long while before he eventually spoke. “Before we get out of bed and go down to join the others, I want you to tell me what happened yesterday in the ballroom. I’ve never known you to be discourteous. At least, not to anyone other than me.” He winked and she slapped his chest playfully.

“I don’t know.” She shrugged. It seemed silly now. She’d basically just been feeling sorry for herself.

“Belle.” His voice was a warning.

She let out a long sigh. “I think it was a whole host of things, really. I just don’t feel like I fit in your world.” She looked up into his eyes. “I’m an orphan, Michael. I was raised by servants. I’m only a lady because you married me. I’m American, so I don’t even sound like any of you. Add to that the glasses of champagne I had, and it all just became a jumble of melancholy I suppose.”

His brows dropped ominously. “Did someone say something to make you feel that way?”

“No.” She placed her hand on his chest. “They were all perfectly kind and welcoming. It’s just…”

“It’s just what?”

“The ladies are all so perfect and beautiful. They carry themselves with decorum that I just don’t possess, and they know how to run grand households. They talk about the weather, and I don’t even know that this is a warm autumn because it feels so cold compared to Virginia.”

“Belle, you charm everyone you meet.” He gently rubbed a thumb over her eyebrow and then her cheekbone. “You are sweet, caring, and more beautiful than any of them. What will help you to feel more comfortable around them? Do you need new gowns? More jewels perhaps? I am happy to provide anything you want.”

She shook her head. “I don’t think any of that really matters.” She thought for a moment. “You didn’t really get to choose the wife you might have, and I just hope you’re not disappointed or embarrassed of me.”

“Embarrassed of you? What part of ‘you saved me’ and ‘you’re the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me’ do you not understand? I meant every word of both of those statements.”

She squealed as he pulled her on top of him. “Not to mention,”—he gripped her bottom with both hands—“this backside is the most incredible derriere I have ever laid eyes upon… or hands.” He gave her a firm smack.

“Thank you, Michael.” She pressed a lingering kiss to his lips. “For being such a kind husband, even if it did take me a while to realize it.”

He chuckled and rolled her off of him. “We need to get out of this bed before I decide to ravish you again.” He grasped her chin before she could turn away. “But you do need to apologize to Lord Bexley. I still won’t tolerate rudeness.”

Belle swallowed. For some reason, his firm commands had become as comforting to her as his softness. “Yes, my lord.”