Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

" Y our Grace, there is something I wish to discuss, something that has been weighing heavily on my mind."

He turned to face her fully, his gaze searching. "Whatever is the matter?" Lucy paused, unsure of her next words now. She could only imagine how this would go.

"Have you never dreamt of having a family of your own?"

"A family?" Duncan's brows furrowed.

"Yes," she continued, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. "A home filled with laughter and the pitter-patter of little feet."

Recognition dawned on his face "Children," he murmured, the word seeming to hold a multitude of emotions.

"Yes," Lucy confirmed, her voice barely a whisper.

"And what about them?"

"It's a dream I hold close to my heart."

Silence descended upon them, heavy and stretching. Lucy's gaze drifted towards the window, a poignant sadness settling in her heart. She had known it would end up nowhere. But she had still tried. Only to be met with his painful silence. It hurt.

"But I understand if… if this is not a dream you share." Silence. "I will stay away from you if that is your wish." Even though her heart ached terribly. Still, all she got was silence. It was too much for one person to bear. She could take it no more.

"Duncan," she said, her voice barely a whisper, "do you… do you find me hideous? Do you hate me?"

He looked startled as his eyes bore down on her. "Hate you? Why would you think that?"

"Isn't that the truth? You can't stand the sight of me. I know it." It killed her but she had to know. She couldn't spend the rest of her life wondering what that man she married thought about her.

"I could never hate you. And hideous? Where is this coming from? You are far from hideous. You are radiant. You are beautiful."

"Then prove it," she whispered, a challenge shimmering in her voice. "Prove to me that you find me radiant."

Had she gone crazy? Did she know what she was asking for? His traitorous body was already burned with need. He felt a primal urge to bridge the gap between them, to feel the warmth of her body against his. He leaned forward, their faces a breath apart. "Lucy, this is insane." His breath was ragged.

Before he could speak further, she surprised him. Her hand, hesitant at first, then with newfound boldness, she cupped his cheek. "Kiss me, Duncan," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Kiss me."

That was all he needed. And Duncan allowed himself to be overcome by the desire that rocked them both. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently stroking the soft skin of her cheeks as he closed the distance between them, taking her lips in a fervent kiss.

His was a desperate hunger he feared would never go away now. He pulled her closer, his body yearning for her warmth. He scooped her up and settled her on his lap, their limbs tangling. The world around them ceased to exist. There was only Lucy, and her moans that fueled his desire. He explored her lips with a newfound intensity, his fingers tracing the delicate curve of her spine.

His hands, no longer content with cupping her face, began a slow exploration of her back. It sent a tremor through him, a silent plea urging him to delve deeper. His fingers brushed against the soft silk of her dress, the whisper of the fabric against his skin a tantalizing prelude to what lay beneath.

"Lucy," Duncan whispered in husky breaths against her neck.

With a gasp, Lucy arched her back, pressing her body closer to his. The movement ignited a fire within him, a blaze he could no longer contain. He reached for the delicate buttons at the back of her dress, his fingers fumbling with an urgency that surprised him. One by one, the tiny fastenings yielded, revealing a glimpse of creamy white skin that sent his breath hitching in his throat.

The dress pooled around her waist, cascading down to the floor in a forgotten heap. Bathed in the soft afternoon light, Lucy stood before him, a vision of breathtaking beauty. Her bodice, a delicate lace creation, barely contained the swell of her breasts, the peaks straining against the fabric in a silent invitation.

Duncan felt a surge of possessiveness wash over him, a primal urge to claim her as his own.

"I am going to kiss you now," he said, more to himself than to her.

He leaned forward, his lips trailing down the slender column of her neck, leaving a trail of hot kisses that sent shivers down her spine. His touch lingered on the delicate curve of her shoulder, then drifted down her arm, his fingertips tracing the path of a hidden vein that pulsed with an undeniable life force.

Lucy gasped, her body arching into his touch. Her own hands, previously tentative, had become bolder, exploring the hard planes of his back, the broad expanse of his shoulders.

"Duncan…" Lucy moaned.

A low groan escaped his lips as her fingers brushed against the sensitive skin at the nape of his neck, sending a jolt of raw desire through him.

Their kiss deepened. The taste of her, a delicate blend of lavender and something distinctly Lucy, intoxicated him. He felt himself falling, falling into a world where only she existed. He wanted more, much, much more.

Suddenly, Duncan's hands began to tremble. And once more, a mixture of fear and uncertainty coursed through him.

Only this time, he didn't care. He was too far gone to stop now.

Guiding her towards the bed, he kissed her passionately on her lips, and then made her lay down. Like the moon on a bright and cloudless night sky, he loomed over her, absorbing every detail, every inch of her delicate frame.

"Beautiful…" he whispered inaudibly, and then leaned down for a kiss.

The kiss was slow and gentle, like the evening breeze caressing a flowery field. With her lips pressed against his, he allowed his hands to wander, tracing lines over her flesh, memorizing every curve of her slender body.

Gently, he pulled his lips from hers, and after a moment shared staring into her eyes, he began to trail kisses from her neck downward. He could feel her body heave and quiver beneath him as the pleasure and sweet sensation sent shivers down her spine.

Wherever his lips touched seemed to ignite a multitude of fireworks within her body. Nothing in this world could have prepared her for this.

His hands were everywhere, sending sparks flying about in her mind. And no matter how much pleasure she thought she had gained, the duke found a way to please her more.

Reaching her bosom, she felt him fiddle with her bodice loosening the strap at her back. The strands seemed to tangle up amongst themselves, but before she could offer any assistance, he abandoned the piece of clothing and instead went for her legs.

But just as she made to protest, she felt as though a bolt of lightning had struck her body. Hot fiery sensations washed over her as he pressed his lips against her thighs. She knew no words to describe the sensuous feeling of ecstasy that befell and clouded her mind.

With her head thrown back, and her mind blank, Lucy reveled in the intense pleasure of the duke's lips against her bare flesh.

Sliding her stockings off her feet, he replaced them with wet kisses. This he did on both feet, and when he had finished, he slid off her drawers, slowly.

Tears brimmed at the corner of her eyes. Her hands lay beside her, her fingers gripping the sheets. No one had ever seen her naked before. And now she lay bare before him, relying solely on her instincts, she pressed her legs together.

She was scared.

"Do you trust me?" She heard the duke ask.

But even as her eyes were closed, she felt him reach for her hands and give them a gentle squeeze. Somehow, that act alone was enough to reassure her.

Slowly she parted her legs again, and as she did, she felt his kiss on her lips. Only this time, she brimmed with anticipation as his tongue trickled lower down her body.

Good Heavens, she thought, as her mind struggled to grasp control. Her breath caught in her lungs as he moved ever so slowly to her center. Her emotions scrambled for cover. Her body squirmed on its own accord. And just as she thought she could know no greater torture, she felt his breath upon her open flesh.

Bolts of pleasure shot through her spine, her legs thrashing about as he brought his mouth to her mound. She gasped, unable to breathe, unable to think. She could only feel his mouth and tongue parting her lower lips, causing moans of pleasure to escape her mouth.

Her fingernails dug into the bedding, searching for some way to anchor her to the ground.

"Duncan," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Duncan…"

But he said nothing. Fueled by the sounds of her moaning, he continued with renewed fervor.

Why wasn't he answering? Why was he driving her off towards the edge? The edge…

A sudden storm began to build within her. Waves of ecstasy raged within her body. Lucy twisted and turned, but his grip kept her in place. She felt like crying. Tears welled up in her eyes. Her mind was rolling, tumbling on itself.

With his mouth plundering on her member, Lucy surrendered herself to the waves.

And in a great burst of pleasure, she fell, long and hard towards the direction of the waves.

Duncan, his own breath ragged, reluctantly pulled back and laid beside her. Though the fire within him still burned bright, a spark of reason flickered back to life. A frustrated groan rumbled in his chest. He craved more, ached for the chance to explore the depths of this newfound connection.

It was a long time before their breaths returned and any of them could speak. Duncan lifted himself to his side and stared deeply at Lucy's heaving bosom as she took deep breaths to calm herself.

He had done it again. He thought to himself. But now, he had gone even further than he had ever anticipated. He always found it hard to think clearly whenever she was within range. But now that he had tasted her, there was no denying that she intoxicated him.

Was he developing feelings for her?

Duncan shook his head at the thought. Emotions he had long since thought buried now welled to the surface. How much longer could he keep his oath to himself?

No. He had to be strong. Stronger than this. He couldn't get carried away. He couldn't let this happen again. But how? His body craved her so much that it hurt. It wasn't enough. He wanted more. He was in serious trouble.

"We shall have no children." And he loathed himself for the look in her eyes. But it was for the best. "You're Duchess now. You can do whatever you want. You could have your family over. It may be a welcome change." It would also keep him away from her.

"I believe having my family over would be a welcome change," she muttered in a low voice.

"There is a ball we are to attend in the coming days. Perhaps after that, we could have your family come spend some time with us, wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes," Lucy answered. "I have missed my papa and mama a great deal. Not to mention my dear sister, Caroline."

"Good," Duncan added. "Well, I shall leave the arrangements to you, Duchess."

"Your Grace."

"I have to leave. I have to attend to matters of the parliament."

"But Your Grace-" Duncan stood evading her touch. Better that than the raging thoughts in his head.