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  God, how he loved her innocence. His world had been full of corruption and decay for far too long. She was sweet and honest, and she was a balm to his soul.

  He rose and looked at her beautiful flushed face. “If a gentleman is a considerate lover, you would feel like that in any instance of lovemaking. Geoffrey sounds like an inexperienced, or perhaps just callous, ass.”

  “I see. What do you mean, any ‘instance’?”

  “There are many ways in which to find satisfaction with your lover. I could’ve just used my hand, but I’m afraid I was desperate to taste you.” He knew he was shocking her, but he couldn’t help but add, “Better than honey too.”

  She didn’t look away from him. In fact, her eyes narrowed slightly, perhaps as her desire began to ignite again. “And I could do that to you? With my hand, or with my mouth?”

  Ethan’s cock hardened to granite at the thought of her doing either of those things. “Yes.” The word was barely more than an exhalation.

  “Would you mind taking your shirt off? I like looking at you without it.”

  He was enjoying playing with her far more than he’d ever imagined. “You’ll have to remove it.”

  She gave him a saucy look, then brought herself up to kneel so that they were facing each other in the middle of the bed. She found the hem of his shirt and drew it over his head, Her gaze fixed on his exposed chest and then her hands splayed over him. “I never thought a man could look so ... delicious.” She ran her thumbs over his nipples.

  He gritted his teeth against a powerful surge of lust. “Careful, Audrey.”

  She lifted her gaze to his and gave him a saucy smile. “Don’t I get my turn?”

  Oh, God. She didn’t mean to put her mouth on him?

  She shrugged out of her dressing gown and cast it aside. Then she pulled her nightrail over her head and tossed it away, too. Her naked breasts were plump and pale in the firelight, their nipples pink and peaked. He leaned forward to taste one, but she pushed him backward until he was lying flat and had to stretch his legs out toward the pillows.

  Her hands trailed down his chest and paused at his waistband. Then she found the buttons of his fall and slid them open one by agonizing one.

  “Audrey,” he groaned.

  Her lips came down against his chest. She kissed and licked swirls around his nipples and then south along his ribcage. She opened her mouth and suckled him as she worked his breeches down his hips.

  She absolutely meant to mimic what he’d done.

  Her movements stilled with his breeches trapped around his thighs. He looked down and saw her contemplating his cock. It rose hard and proud, seeking her touch. Gingerly, her fingertip brushed the head. Ethan squeezed his eyes shut; the sight of her touching him was nearly his undoing.

  “I can use my hand,” she wrapped her palm around him, encasing him in her soft heat. If she stroked him ... “Or I could use my mouth.” He felt something wet and delicate against the tip of his cock.

  He tortured himself and looked. Her tongue, pink and perfect, was laving him. He didn’t know where he found the ability to speak, but said, “Or you could use both.”

  “Oh!” She grinned up at him, her eyes narrowing seductively. “I see.” Her hand squeezed around him with the perfect grip, sliding down to the base and then back up to the head. Then her mouth came down over him and somehow, bewilderingly and amazingly, the tutor became the student.

  ***

  Audrey had no idea where she’d found the courage to do what she was doing. But maybe it wasn’t courage, it was simply need. She wanted to give him what he’d given her.

  She didn’t know if she was doing any of it right, but focused on doing what felt good. He was so hard, yet his skin was like the softest silk. And at his tip, moisture seeped out, just as she’d grown wet when he’d touched her. Their bodies, it seemed, while quite disparate, had their similarities too.

  When she’d moved her hand along his shaft, he’d moaned, so she took that as encouragement. She copied what he’d done to her, moving slowly at first and then quickening her pace. His hips thrust into her hand, and, strangely, she wanted to rotate her own hips in response.

  “Audrey, my breeches. I’m rather ... restricted.” His words were clipped with an underlying desperation.

  She smiled, enjoying the power she never knew she possessed. She quickly divested him of his breeches and returned to her task—both for her own pleasure and his.

  She wrapped her hand around his sex and guided him to her lips. She slid her tongue down his length and drew him deep into her mouth. His hands twisted in her hair and his moans filled the room. She withdrew, then pitched forward again; this time his hips met her. He tasted of salt and man, something she never imagined she would’ve found desirable and yet she couldn’t get enough.

  Suddenly, his hands dragged her away from him. “Audrey, you have to stop.”

  She gazed up at him, sensing he’d been close to achieving what had happened to her. “Why? I want you to ...”

  “Orgasm. That’s the word.” He grimaced like he was in pain. “I desperately want to come—that’s another word—but, I’d rather do it inside of you.”

  “Oh. Can’t you just do both?” She’d felt her own ... orgasm building again while she’d been attending to him. She was amazed she could feel like that from what she was doing to him. But he was so beautiful and the sounds he was making spurred her own desire.

  He laughed. Then he reached up to cup the back of her neck and drew her down to kiss him. His tongue speared into her and all of a sudden she wanted exactly what he wanted—him inside of her. She lifted her head and looked down at him. “Show me what to do.”

  “Straddle me.” He put a hand on her hip and guided her into position. His sex nudged her opening, tantalizing her.

  She pressed down, seeking the friction of him against her. She gasped as his hand came up to her breast. He pulled on her flesh, tweaking her nipple. Sensation shot straight to her core and she swiveled her hips down.

  His hand moved between them. “Help me put my cock inside you. Audrey, look at me.”

  She’d blushed—for the thousandth time tonight—at his language, not because it was crude, but because she found it strangely ... erotic. Her gaze met his and her body reacted to the stark desire in his eyes. “Yes.” She put her hand over his, but he shifted so that her fingers wrapped around his hot length.

  He parted her and thrust gently upward. “Guide me.”

  She positioned him and slid her body down over his cock. Thinking the word made her feel bold and powerful. Then he filled her and she didn’t think at all.

  He gripped her hips and held her on him for a long moment. But she wanted to move. She rose and fell, slipping over him like a well-made glove.

  His fingers ground into her skin. “You are so beautiful.”

  She looked down at herself, the firelight playing over her breasts and felt a moment’s shyness. But then his thumb was on that most sensitive place between her legs and she threw her head back and moaned. She widened her legs and moved faster.

  He increased his pressure on her and her orgasm built. She pitched forward and his mouth found her breast. His tongue and teeth teased her until she thought she might burst. “Ethan, I can’t—”

  He wrapped his arm around her waist and clasped her tight. Then he flipped so that he was on top of her, his cock never leaving her. He came up over her and fanned her hair out, his pause giving her a moment to catch her breath as she hovered at the edge of the cataclysm.

  He smiled at her. The glow of the fire made his eyes look like liquid silver. “What can’t you do, my love?”

  “Hold on. You make me want to let go of everything.”

  “Then let go.” He kissed her softly and pumped into her with swift precision.

  She arched up, meeting his thrusts and kissed him back.

  “Wrap your legs around me,” he said into her mouth.

  She complied and he sank deeper
inside of her. One more thrust and she threw her head back against the bed, her eyes closing in ecstasy.

  He continued to move, which only intensified the sensations within her. There was light and bliss and an overwhelming satisfaction. She made awful, hideous sounds, but couldn’t help herself. Then he shouted and buried his face into her neck.

  They lay like that for several minutes. She loved his weight and size on top of her. As a taller than average woman, she rarely felt delicate or very feminine, but he made her feel both of those things. As well as desirable and ... loved.

  He’d said he loved her. Did she love him in return? She wasn’t certain—her mind was still awhirl with everything that had happened, how drastically her life had altered in just a fortnight.

  He shifted finally and guided her underneath the bedclothes. Then he parted the drapes and stepped from the bed.

  She grabbed his arm. “You’re not leaving?”

  He smiled at her. “No. Just getting something for you to clean yourself.”

  How thoughtful. And how utterly mundane. Maybe they could have a normal life together. Yes, she thought they could. After seeing him at the orphanage with Fox, she knew there was a side to him that even he probably didn’t know—or was only just beginning to discover.

  He returned with a towel, which she used to clean between her legs. He waited patiently for her to finish, then disposed of the article after completing his own brief toilet.

  When he climbed back into the bed and closed the curtains, she yawned widely. She offered a weak smile, suddenly feeling bone-tired. “Pardon.”

  He lay on his back and drew her against his chest. She heard his heart beating and was already drifting off when he said, “Sleep well, my love. Tomorrow, our future awaits.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Despite the most satisfying sleep of his existence, Ethan woke early as always. It seemed he couldn’t escape his training. Sleeping late meant having your meager possessions stolen or perhaps your throat slit. There were plenty of occasions when he hadn’t risked sleeping at all.

  But all of that seemed so long ago, so far away now as he watched Audrey in slumber. Her dark lashes fanned against her cheeks, which were pale as porcelain. Her nose had a gentle, but regal slope. And her lips were dark pink and lush, cushioned against each other just waiting for his kiss.

  Her hair was a wild tangle of dark curls. He’d longed to touch it again, bury his face in its softness, and inhale her scent. But now that wasn’t enough. He’d been to heaven and back, and he was forever changed.

  Where would they go? America? The continent? Somewhere more obscure? Maybe an island in the tropics. He’d heard of men who owned plantations there. Or perhaps they needn’t go so far. Surely they could start anew in a remote area of Scotland or Wales.

  A piece of him still longed to return to London. He regretted having to forfeit his dream of taking his place as a Lockwood, especially since he and Jason had seemed to forge a brotherly relationship—or at least the promise of one. But his dream hadn’t accounted for a woman like Audrey. He’d never imagined he’d wed or even want to. She was an unexpected gift—a treasure he wouldn’t deny.

  He had to admit a certain relief about not having to fight Teague or Jimmy. Guaranteeing Audrey’s safety was paramount, which was why he needed to make certain that wherever they went, neither Bow Street nor Gin Jimmy’s men would follow. He rather thought Teague would give up at some point, if he hadn’t already. However, Jimmy was a tenacious bastard, and he had a particular hatred for those he thought had personally wronged him. And since he’d trusted Ethan like no other and knew Ethan had betrayed him, he would take extreme measures to ensure Ethan’s demise.

  Audrey stirred beside him, a sigh escaping her kiss-ready lips. He evicted thoughts of Jimmy and Teague from his mind. He didn’t want them here, not with her.

  He leaned down and pressed his mouth against hers softly. She opened her eyes, which for a moment reflected surprise. Then her lips curved into a smile. “Is it morning?” she asked.

  “Close enough. I thought it best if I returned to my room.”

  “Why? I don’t want to hide from Philippa and Sevrin. I plan to tell Philippa that we’re leaving together.”

  He didn’t see any point in lying to them either. Still, did he want to be obvious about their behavior since they hadn’t yet exchanged vows? “We’ll tell them this morning, but I prefer not to shock the maid when she comes to wake you.”

  “I don’t even know if a maid will come. They employ a limited staff.” She scooted closer to him and slipped her arms around his middle, squeezing one beneath him to accomplish her goal.

  He turned so that he was half-lying on her. He kissed the sensitive spot beneath her ear. “I’m happy to play lady’s maid if you require assistance.”

  She giggled. “Somehow I think your ‘assistance’ might be more of a hindrance.”

  He drew back and gave her a look of mock affront. “Did I not provide service on our journey?”

  She wriggled beneath him, bringing her hips into contact with his. “You did. My apologies.”

  His cock grew against her, but she didn’t draw away. He resumed kissing her neck and stroked her breast.

  She sighed softly and kneaded his back. “Where will we go?”

  He moved his lips past her collarbone. “We have several choices. America, if you still wish. Anywhere, really.”

  “But we don’t have any funds.”

  Hopefully, Sevrin would help him on that front. “Let me worry about money.” He drew her nipple into his mouth and suckled her while he massaged her flesh.

  She moved her hand up and twisted her fingers into his hair, holding him against her. “I think America is the best choice. You can be anything you want there—or so Geoffrey said.”

  “I think I’d prefer you didn’t mention that bounder again. His opinions don’t hold much weight with me.”

  “You’re right, of course. Would you prefer to go somewhere else?”

  He paused in his attentions and looked up at her. “Audrey, either you are thinking way too hard or I am not performing my duties properly. Why aren’t you lost in the throes of ecstasy?”

  Her lips lifted in a seductive smile. “I’m quite enjoying your attentions.” She pushed his head back to her breast.

  He nipped her softly and she arched into his mouth. He closed his mouth around her, drawing on her and sending shocks of pleasure to her core. She squirmed beneath him, opening her legs.

  Accepting her invitation, he moved one hand between her thighs and caressed her slick softness. Her body came up off the bed, seeking more of him wherever he touched her.

  He increased his pressure on her breast, laving and suckling her insistently, as if he could devour her whole. He slipped his fingers inside of her moist sheath. She cried out and bucked as he pumped into her.

  She rotated toward him. “I want you. Now. Please.”

  He pushed her back against the bed and rose above her. Her hand came between them—his beautiful intrepid girl—and guided him home.

  Where last night he’d taken his time to bring her pleasure and ensure her satisfaction, this morning he was more confident in her abilities to find what she sought. Which gave him the freedom to do what he’d asked of her last night—to let go.

  He drove into her, but still held back. He didn’t want to hurt or frighten her. But, Christ, he wanted to fuck her until his head exploded. Nothing in his life had felt as good as Audrey. Her laugh, her kisses, her simultaneously innocent and brazen touch.

  She spread her legs wider and wrapped them around his hips, squeezing him with her muscles. She drew his head down and kissed him, her mouth open and wet. “Faster, please,” she breathed against his lips.

  It was all he needed. He braced his hands on either side of her head and slid his length to the hilt, then retreated only to plunge forward again. He moved fast and hard. Her hands clenched his biceps and her cries grew louder and higher. />
  “Ethan!” She tensed with her orgasm and Ethan rushed to join her. He called out as he came, then went rigid as shocks of pleasure jerked through his body.

  He rolled to the side, taking her with him. “Thank you.”

  She kissed the underside of his chin. “Why? I should be thanking you.”

  He took deep breaths to regulate the frenzied beating of his heart. “We can thank each other. You’re amazing.”

  “Am I?”

  He heard the pride as well as the sliver of doubt in her voice. He brushed her hair back from her face and kissed her, exploring her mouth with sensual precision. He drew back and looked into her eyes. “You are spectacular. I have never been happier in all of my life.”

  She smiled and stroked his cheek. “When can we leave for America? I can’t wait to start our new lives together.”

  “We need to talk to Sevrin and Philippa first.”

  Her smile faded. “Yes, but I think Philippa will try to dissuade me from going with you.”

  Sevrin probably wouldn’t be terribly supportive, either. “As she should. She’s a good friend.”

  “She’ll change her opinion of you when she understands who you truly are.” She flattened her palm against his face, her touch soft yet firm. “Ethan, you have to let your guard down now—with some people. Please. You trusted me, didn’t you?”

  He did. He marveled at that even now. “I will do my best. This is all new for me. And you must accept that you are special.” He covered her hand against his cheek and drew her palm to his mouth for a fierce kiss. “You know that, don’t you? You are something no one has ever been for me.”

  Her eyes met his and held. “I know, and I won’t ever let you down.”

  She kissed him and he was lost to the wonder of her once more.

  ***

  After making love to her again, Ethan had reluctantly left her chamber an hour or so after sunrise. Audrey completed a quick and solitary toilet and hurried downstairs to join the others. She found Ethan and Sevrin in the breakfast room. Both men rose from the table as she entered.