Page 8 of Abducting his Duchess

“In that case, allow me to assist you, so I may commence with teaching you the errors of your ways.” Walking behind her, I study the situation before wrapping my arms around her waist. “I fear this dress will not make it. I must part you both if you are to be free.”

“Truly?” she cries out, slumping forward. “I quite liked this dress.”

“Well, I’m sure your husband can get you another. Still though, such a mess you’ve managed to get yourself into. Have you scraped your delicate skin?” Before she can answer, I interject. “No matter. I’ll just have to inspect you myself. No sense in allowing you to go back to your husband anything less than pristine. Well…physically, that is. You will return to him tarnished in other ways.”

Inching my way up, I feel her breath catch in her throat. If she thinks I’ll indulge her, give her any sort of relief, then she is mistaken. Dipping my fingers into her corset, I feel for the knife I gave her.

Today, it will serve a far greater purpose, one of arousal and titillation. With a quick draw, I unsheathe the small dagger and contemplate holding it at her throat, becoming a true highwayman indeed. But I stay my hand, not wishing to bring back any ghosts of her past.

Instead, I drag the tip through the fabric, ridding her of the tangled mess, until she stands there in her shoes, stockings, shift, and corset. My, but what an erotic picture she makes. Already I can see the proof of her desire as it coats the shift, causing it to stick to her skin.

It perfumes the air, dragging a ragged groan from my lips. “I swear, you’ll be the death of me,” I groan as I pluck her out of the briars and stand her in front of me. With a quick jerk of my shoulders, I remove my coat and put it on her, keeping the cold at bay. Once she’s wrapped up in it, I haul her over my shoulder. “But what an alluring death it would be.”

She squirms, as if halfheartedly wanting to fight, but I know my little kitten. All she wants is to lap at my cream. Thankfully, our desires are one and the same. Glancing about, I ensure we’re still alone as I take my somewhat exposed wanton to the cottage to dress her up in my ropes.

As beautiful as she is, there’s just something so decadent about seeing her trussed up, waiting for me. Though I wished to defile her amongst the grasses and flowers, I find I’m far too possessive. No one seems to be about, but I refuse to chance anyone taking an opportunity to gaze upon her naked flesh. That view is mine and mine alone.

My cock lurches forward as I lengthen my stride, desperate to feel my wife clenching around me. Soon. Oh, so achingly soon.

CHAPTER 5

CATHERINE

My breaths come in quick gasps as I cling to William’s shoulders, burrowing my face into his coat. His scent calms me, soothes me, and yet I cannot keep my thoughts from straying. In fact, it’s his very scent that drives me to distraction.

Though I know he’s my husband, there’s still this tremor of a thrill, an unknowing. It’s not frightening, exactly, but it feels so wrong. Unfortunately, it’s what also makes it feel so right.

Somehow, my amazing mate finds a way to switch things up, to keep me guessing. Granted, we’re still within a few weeks of our marriage, and I shouldn’t even worry about things cooling down between us. However, it’s the fact he loves me so much he planned all of this out as an illicit surprise for me.

It makes my heart swell to know my husband not only cares about keeping me satisfied but also continues to show me how fun marriage can be. He’s considerate that way. Or, more likely, I haven’t even begun to scratch at the surface of his depravity. That thought alone makes my insides quiver with anticipation.

Resting my head against his shoulder, I revel in the heat of his skin as it burns against my cheek. The bond hums between us, surrounding me in a cloud of contentment. In all honesty, the only thing difficult about all of this is keeping to the role I’m supposed to play. Part of me wants to eschew all these pretenses and love my husband as man and wife.

And yet, it’s this farce which has slick gathering between my thighs and my body aching for this illicit touch. Am I wrong for this? Does this bode ill for our marriage?

My love, he whispers into my mind as his hand skims up the back of my thigh. I hear your thoughts, and they do not serve you. This is a game between us, one we both willingly play. It’s not as if you’re seeking out some other company other than my own. Because know this, my little kitten, I will never share you with anyone. The moment you decide to try some other man will be the day I start digging graves in our backyard.

I melt against him, my heart pounding. Though I have no thoughts of other men, it still warms my heart to hear how possessive he is. And I do take him at his word. After seeing what he did to Mr. Beaumont, I don’t doubt him capable of dispatching anyone who would dare approach me in a sexual manner.

Digging my fingers into the sides of his shoulders, I close my eyes and listen to the sounds around us. There will never be anyone for me but him. And though we play this game, it’s still my husband who brings me pleasure.

That’s right, my little minx. And don’t you forget it.

The moment he steps inside the small enclosure, a warmth envelops us, driving away the chill from the outside. He sets me down, allowing me to look about, noting the cheery fireplace blazing in the room. It’s as if we’re wrapped up in our own little cocoon, far away from London, people, and even my horrific memories that threaten to buckle me on a daily basis.

“I thank you for the fire, good sir. Never thought a highwayman would be that considerate.”

“You believe the fire to be for you? How naïve,” he teases, removing the coat from my body and laying it on the worn floor. “Unless you feel as if I should freeze as punishment for my crimes against lovely ladies such as yourself?”

At his praise, my cheeks heat, no doubt flushing as I turn my gaze away. “Forgive me. I do not wish for you to be cold.”

Though I’m not looking at him, I can feel the heat of his gaze as it roves over my body. Suddenly, I feel oddly naked. He’s seen me in less, and yet, this all feels so new. It’s as if I’m back at The Rose and Thorne, waiting for him to do his worst.

“Look at me.”

Those three little words force me to drag my gaze over to him. He doesn’t use an Alpha command. He doesn’t have to. I will forever obey him in a heartbeat.

“My, what a lovely lass I procured from the landau. Seems as if I have the best treasure after all. Turn so I may remove your corset. That is,” he pauses to pull out my small dagger from his pocket, “unless you’d rather I cut it from you.”