Page 85 of The Not So Perfect Duke

“Oh. This is different. Like the animals?” Althea said, clearly curious.

“Exactly.” Damon affixed another sheath, then caressed her feminine core until she was wet and ready for him. Then, grasping her hips, he slid in slowly as Althea moaned. Holding still, Damon once again savored the way she fit him perfectly. All those empty encounters, cheap debaucheries, none gave him the satisfaction of joining with Althea, not even close. He could stay like this for the rest of his life.

“Um, Damon?” Althea rolled her hips to gain his attention.

“Right.” No leisurely strokes here. Damon pounded hard, giving in to his base instincts. Judging by the whimpers, then the demands that he go faster, Althea enjoyed this as much as he did. She met each thrust by taking him deeper, if that were even possible.

It was wild, abandoned, and utterly soul-stirring. Althea reached her peak in no time at all since he was at such an angle to directly stimulate her swollen clit. Damon did not slow the pace.

“Again, my Thea.” His demand came out as a raspy growl. A roil of colors swan in his vision as he was beyond all consciousness.

Moments later, Althea came again, and her passionate cries tore through him straight to his heart, swelling it beyond its size as if it were pounding against his ribcage.

My God, he loved her. With every fiber of his being.

Then came his release. “Jesus!” He yelled as his climax slammed him hard. He nearly collapsed from the intensity, for he shook and shuddered for several moments. Then he flopped to the bed, pulling a breathless Althea into his arms.

“That position didn’t aggravate your leg?” he gasped as if trying to gain control of his breathing. “Damn it all. I should have thought of that before selfishly taking my gratification.”

“I am fine,” she purred as her fingers trailed through his damp chest hair. “You must escort me home. But let us catch our breath first.”

“As I said, this may be the last time we can be together like this. Until our wedding night.”

Althea grew very still.

“We’ve mentioned a possible future more than once, although we haven’t discussed it at any length,” Damon continued. “I say we make our commitment permanent. I have said how much I love you; I have shown you just how much. That will never change, no matter what life throws our way.”

Then he heard a sniffle. “This was not part of my plans, falling in love. And certainly not with you—a duke. But I have, and I cannot imagine you not being part of my life.”

Silence.

Damon’s insides began to twist with anxiety. Would she refuse him? She didn’t exactly squeal with delight at his heartfelt declaration and hug the stuffing out of him. “But? Are you having doubts? Is it my past as a notorious rake that gives you pause? My so-called standing in society? Do you not trust me?”

Althea kissed his cheek. “I do trust you and love you with all my heart. The only doubts I have are my own. I have seen what Olivia and Eleanora are subjected to. How Christian and Gideon are all but given the cut by society for supposedly marrying beneath them. They all say they do not care, but it will matter. Especially when and if they have children. I have to consider that.”

Damon did not give a fuck what anyone thought. He never had. But he was in a position not to care. Althea was not, and society would always be harsher toward her, and it was not just.

“My love, it will be a new century in two years. If this were eighty or more years ago, there might be some merit to what you say. Society ruled all at one time. Not anymore. They do not have that kind of power, which will only diminish as the years pass. Within our circle of friends, it will not matter at all. They are the only people I care about outside of my family. Hang everyone else. We will hold our heads high. And as far as children? If we have any, it will be on your terms. And we will raise them to respect others regardless of class. What other concerns do you have?”

Althea sighed. “My health. We still do not know the outcome regarding the operation.”

“No. But whatever the result is, I will still love and want you.” Damon laced his fingers through hers. “We can face anything as long as we are together.”

“Can you give me a little time?”

“I will. I understand that you need to logically think this through.”

She stroked his cheek affectionately. “You do know me.”

Damon pulled her on top of him and kissed her hard. And that was not all that was growing hard.

Althea broke the kiss and laughed. “Oh, no. You are going to take me home.”

“As you wish,” he grumbled. Then he gave a brilliant smile. “You know, I really am happy. And it is all due to you, my Thea.” Althea tossed him his trousers. After slipping them on, Damon halted in his dressing. “Do you remember what Sister Rose said to us? Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. How true. That applies to us. And remember, she said to be courageous as if she knew you would face a crisis. And you have, Althea. You are the most courageous woman I know.”

Althea clasped him tight. Seemed she hugged the stuffing out of him after all.

Yes, everything would be absolutely fine, as long as she was in his embrace. As long as they were together.