Chapter 38

38

Weak sunlight crept across the bedroom floors, gilding the edge of the rumpled sheets tangled around their bare limbs. Julian watched dust motes dance through the hazy morning light, content to lie still. To feel the gentle rise and fall of Caroline’s ribs beneath his splayed fingers.

When she shifted, he gentled his grip at her waist, mindful of her still-healing injury. She slid her hand over his chest. He sucked in a sharp breath, desire coiling hot and tight inside him. Christ, he would never tire of this – of her. They had spent days exploring each other in this bed, learning all the ways to give and receive pleasure. And still, it wasn’t enough.

Caroline offered him a sleepy, satisfied smile. “What are you thinking about?”

He traced a fingertip along her collarbone, following the delicate lines of her throat. “I was just contemplating all the wicked ways I plan to ravish you today. I believe I promised you countless deflowerings.”

“Only countless?” She arched a brow. “Surely you can quantify your nefarious intentions towards my person a bit more precisely. I should hope you have at least…” She pursed her lips, pretending to consider. “Five depraved notions planned?”

His gaze heated. “I assure you, duchess, I’ll surpass five with ease. I was thinking more along the lines of six or seven. Perhaps even ten if we never leave this bed at all today.” He nipped at her bottom lip, relishing her breathy gasp. “Fifteen, if you’re especially enthusiastic.” His voice dropped to a rough whisper. “However many it takes until you’re begging for mercy.”

She laughed. “Fifteen? My, how ambitious we’re feeling this morning.”

“I’m always ambitious when it comes to you. But I suppose there’s only one way to find out.”

Julian growled low in his throat before crushing his mouth to hers in a searing kiss that stole the very breath from their lungs. When they finally eased apart, chests heaving, her bright gaze remained intent on his face. Assessing. Plotting.

Always scheming.

He arched a brow beneath that piercing regard. “Yes?”

Caroline traced the line of his jaw. “I was just reminiscing about our wedding vows. I should like to renew them.”

“Here?” He couldn’t help but laugh. “Now? In bed? While we’re both still naked?”

“But of course. I’ll keep it brief.”

And then she was sinking down onto his cock, scattering all thought beyond pure sensation. He strained up into her slick heat, starved for more. But she would not be rushed. Caroline set a slow tempo, savouring the slick drag of their joining. Drawing out each devastating stroke, she leaned in to brush her lips along the shell of his ear.

“To have and to hold from this day forward.” Her whisper sent sparks skating down his spine. Julian’s fingers constricted at her hips, but she kept her measured pace. Taking them both to the brink with agonising restraint before easing back again.

“For better, for worse. For richer, for poorer.” Another roll of her hips stole his breath. Julian panted into her open mouth, drowning in her. She consumed his thoughts, his senses, until nothing else existed beyond their shared skin.

Caroline finally increased her pace. Yet even then, she did not relent, her soft litany whispered between kisses. “To obey only when you’re a very, very good husband… and pleasure me thoroughly. Multiple times a day.”

“That’s not…” Julian’s laugh hitched on a groan. “That’s not from the Book of Common Prayer.”

“Oh, it’s in the special appendix for very naughty duchesses.” Her palms swept his chest, his shoulders. “Till death us do part, my duke.”

Those sweet, devastating lips branded tender oaths on his jaw, his parted lips, until Julian shook with the force of it. As the keen edge of bliss dulled to afterglow, Julian cradled her. He pressed his lips to the vulnerable nape of her neck. Breathed in the scent of them mingled on her skin.

“There now,” she said. “You still have fourteen more ways left to make love to me today. If you’re up for the challenge.”

He nipped at her jaw. “Very well, duchess. I suppose I’d better rest up before I get started. Next time, I’ll be the one to say the vows.”