Page 85 of A Tale of Two Dukes

Unable to resist, I palm her curves, digging my fingers into the tight muscles. “This certainly is a familiar sight,” I sigh against her shoulder. “You in your stockings and garters, waiting for me to penetrate you in front of all those people.”

She turns, her eyes wide as she looks up at me. “I was frightened then, but you somehow put me at ease.”

“I think your heart already knew who it belonged to. Though I tried to fight it, I already knew you’d be mine. Taking your maidenhead only solidified it.” A light blush fans across her cheeks. “You are my world, Catherine, and I will do whatever it takes to keep you by my side. I will fight whatever demons I must. I will conquer your body and soul once more if that’s what needs to happen.”

Glancing down, I note the red mark left by Hugh. Before tonight is over, I’ll reopen that wound, putting mine in its place. With her as my mate and wife, I won’t care who sees it. Besides, having such a visual will put to rest any remaining gossip.

The Ton will believe us to be a love match, too overcome with our desires to wait for the banns to be read or even a special license to be procured. It will be a scandal for sure, but far better than the alternative. However, my need to mark her has nothing to do with pandering to the needs of polite society.

I need to do this for me, for her, to show Catherine I truly love her and am not ashamed of her. But more than that, I need to erase any evidence of that monster and the liberties he took with her.

CHAPTER 36

William

Scooping her into my arms, I take her back to the bed, noting the hitch in her breath. True, the scent of fear still surrounds her like the dense fog rolling off the Thames, but now it’s interspersed with burgeoning desire. A flicker of hope sparks behind my breastbone.

Her long lashes fall, shuttering her eyes as I gaze down at her. Uncertainty lines her face, pinching her brows. Grabbing the rope, I wrap it around her wrists, binding her hands with care.

She gasps, her eyes opening in fear. “Shhh, love,” I murmur, sliding a finger between the rope and her wrist. “You can still move. It’s not so tight as to restrict all movement. Can you wiggle your hands for me?”

With a grim determination, she moves her wrists, bringing her hands forward a touch. She sighs, relief relaxing her as she settles into the bed.

“That’s my good girl. I’m going to tie your ankles now. It will be just like your hands. You’ll be able to move, but not much. Understand?”

“Yes, Sir.” Her tone is hesitant, yet eager. Just how I want it.

“That’s my good, little kitten.” Reaching down, I work at my breeches, groaning as my erection pops out. “Just look how hard your submission is getting me.”

Her pupils dilate as she gazes upon my cock, a hint of her old self coming back. For the moment, the pain in the bond dulls to an ache as opposed to a sharp sting. She licks her lips, her eyes devouring me as precum wells to my tip.

Who am I to deny the sustenance my omega clearly craves? Making quick work of binding her legs to the opposite sides of the bed, I watch as she moves about, testing the bonds. Once she’s back to lying comfortably, I straddle her upper body, pinning her down with my bulk.

The weight seems to soothe her, settle her somehow. Leaning forward, I grip the headboard, steadying myself as I feed my cock into her hungry mouth, keeping my thrusts shallow. Desire blooms in the room, filling the space with her spicy scent.

Groaning, I patiently allow her to take the lead. For now, at least. I need her to feel safe with me, so I can take her the way her body craves and the bond demands. I slide back out, letting my head rest between her lips. With tentative licks, she laps at my slit, drawing more of my essence out of me.

“Do you think you can take me, little one? I’m sure you can. Show me how wide you can open your mouth.”

Her eyes darken a touch as she opens wide, allowing me to slide in. Heaven. That’s what her mouth feels like. I keep the bond open, shoving all my thoughts and desires through.

In response, her body melts under mine. For the moment, any thought of Hugh and the diabolical things he’s done to her seems to disappear, leaving only ravenous desire. Gripping the base of my cock, I stop just short of her throat.

It’s agony to fuck her mouth so slowly, but with every stroke, I gain more ground. The bond sings between us, humming in pleasure as I use her like this.

“Damnation, kitten,” I grit out. “You’re making it so hard not to come in that pretty little mouth of yours. I’d much rather fill that pretty pussy up with my seed.” I pull out, knowing I will not last much longer, not when her eager sucking threatens to unman me. Her pout pulls a soft chuckle out from my lips as I lean down and kiss her. “Patience, my love. We have all the time in the world now.”

Her body is perfection, an altar for me to worship at. I push these thoughts and more through the bond, reassuring her of my love, affection, and devotion. With every skim of my lips across her skin, I remark on her beauty and the madness she pulls out of me.

She writhes within the bonds, her need growing as I touch her, tease her. I descend lower, sliding my tongue along the edge of her belly button. With a soft moan, she arches up, her needy whine making my balls clench and my cock throb with need.

Cupping her arse, I open her up, breathing in the scent of her arousal. Slick glistens on her lower lips, but it’s not nearly enough for me. I heard the things Hugh said to her, and I’ll be damned if I take her before her body is ready.

I slide my thumbs along the sides, pinching her clit every few passes. More slick begins to flow, making my mouth water. Lowering my face into her pussy, I devour her like a starved man—licking, sucking, and nibbling, eating up her moans and gasps.

Her legs twitch on either side, her body desperate as I take my time, tasting every inch. Opening my mouth, I narrow my tongue and slide it into her tight channel, a whine clawing from her throat. I continue to feast on her, drinking her essence as it coats my face.

She’s close. I feel the need beating at me from the bond. I feel the desire crawling through her. But I will not fuck her. Not yet. There’s still too much coherency on her end, too much thinking and not enough feeling. There’s still that slight smart of pain as the raw edges of Hugh’s bond continue to cry out.