Chapter 25

Standing in the middle of the bedchamber she would be sharing with Brody from this day on, Harriet watched her husband pour two glasses of port. The wedding had been a lovely affair. She’d been thrilled to see all her friends from Hudson Co. at the church. Mr. Hudson had even handed her a gift before she and Brody stepped into their awaiting carriage. It was a beautiful print containing the date, time, and place of their wedding, beneath which all of her colleagues had posted a message.

“Did the day meet your expectations?” Brody asked as he handed her one of the glasses.

“I think it exceeded them.” She clinked her glass against his before taking a sip. “Your mother is an incredible planner.”

He chuckled and took a drink. “I know she exasperated you at times.”

“Perhaps a little,” Harriet agreed. “But it also made her very happy, and you have to admit it was all rather perfect.”

“It’s not over yet,” he murmured, his voice dipping as he traced her shoulder and arm with his fingers. Flames slowly ignited within the depth of his piercing blue gaze as he took a step closer. “The best part’s yet to come.”

“Oh?” was all she could manage, and even then it was barely more than a whisper.

“Finish your port, Harriet.” He caught her gaze while raising his glass to his lips, and held it as they both drank. The air between them, so calm a few moments before, now crackled with anticipation. He collected her glass and set it aside along with his own. “Nervous?”

“Somewhat.”

Tilting his head, he appeared to give that some thought. A wolfish gleam appeared in his eyes. He caught her hand and led her across the room until they reached a wall. Nudging her backward, he pressed her against it, then leaned in and brushed his lips against hers.

“Close your eyes,” he whispered while kissing his way along the edge of her jaw, “and pretend we’re back in the library, picking up where we left off. You weren’t nervous then.”

“I wasn’t myself.”

“Not true.” His hands gripped her waist, his thumbs stroking her sides while his teeth nipped her earlobe. “You’re the same uninhibited person as you were then.”

“Brody…”

His hand slid upward, slowly exploring while she melted against the wall behind her. She sagged in response to his touch and sucked in a breath when his thumb swept inside her bodice. “By tomorrow, I will have tasted you everywhere, Harriet. I’ll have kissed you here…here…and finally here.”

She gasped at the shocking suggestion. “You can’t possibly—”

“Trust me,” he purred. “I’ll have you so desperate with need that you’ll beg me.”

Not in a million years, she decided, only to have that thought flitter away as he captured her mouth with possessive force. His hands swept over her curves, mapping each one with a sensual caress. She arched, pressing against him with increasing need. Her fingers caught his cravat, untying it while he undid the back of her gown.

Something ripped and Brody chuckled. “Sorry, my love. I fear I’ve torn your sleeve.”

“It’s fine.” She was suddenly desperate to rid them both of their clothes. The faster the better. She went to work on his jacket and waistcoat next, pushing and shoving fabric aside until she was able to pull his shirt free and seek the reward she was after.

Her hand swept under the linen and she slowed her movements while meeting his gaze. He paused in the process of pushing her gown up over her head. His breaths came hard and his eyes had darkened to midnight blue.

Holding his gaze, she trailed her fingertips over his stomach.

He hissed and then his eyes flashed with desire.

Emboldened, she dipped her fingertips inside his waistband.

His grip on her gown tightened and when he spoke, his voice was strangled. “Harriet…”

“I want to taste you everywhere too.”

His eyes widened, and then he pounced. Her gown disappeared with a few rough tugs before she was lifted into his arms. She landed on the bed soon after. Frayed remnants of lace and silk swirled around her like morning mist. And at the center of it all, stood Brody, watching her with roguish delight.

* * *

This was to be their first night together, and Brody intended to make sure his wife enjoyed it so much she’d want to repeat it every night after. So far so good. He smirked, enjoying the flush in her cheeks as she watched him from the bed. She still wore her chemise and stockings, but they would be gone soon enough.

Impatient, he pulled off his shirt and kicked off his shoes.

“Incredible,” she murmured, her gaze darting over his torso. “I never believed…that is to say…I always thought the statues were embellished examples of what mortal men aspired toward. Not something they might achieve. But that’s not true. You’re equally stunning.”

If he puffed out his chest any more he’d probably fall on his face. God help him, she certainly knew how to make him feel ten feet tall. He grinned like an idiot, his attempt at playing the devilish seducer momentarily forgotten.

“I’m glad you approve.” He unfastened the fall of his trousers and removed the garment along with his smalls and hose. When he straightened, Harriet looked like she might swoon.

“Forget the statues.” She gulped. “I’ve never seen anything more impressive than you.”

“And I’ve never seen a woman more tempting.” He climbed on the bed and slid his hand up the length of her leg, gathering her chemise. “Let me help you with this.”

The item was slowly removed between kisses, until she too was undressed. He tossed the chemise aside and let his gaze roam, observing each peak and valley of her perfection. Her body was slim and lithe, so gracefully built she moved with what looked like no effort at all.

“I love you,” he whispered while spreading his fingers across her hip. He made sure to tell her every day now so she’d have no doubts about his affection.

“And I love you,” she told him, her eyes so vibrant and her smile so tender, his heart sparked with joy.

He moved his hand to her thigh as he leaned in and kissed her once more, pressing his mouth to hers, imparting the wonder he felt in this moment. With gentle caresses and soft, soothing touches, he coaxed her toward a state of pure bliss.

“Brody,” she gasped, clutching the bedsheets with one hand, his hair with the other.

“I’m right here with you, my love.” He positioned himself between her thighs. “Are you ready for more?”

“Yes.”

Her arms came around his neck, bringing his mouth to hers in a soul-searing kiss that conveyed one truth as he joined his body with hers. This was where he belonged. With her heart beating against his own. At last.