Page 89 of The Viscount of Shadows

At last, the vicar came to the “I do” portion and the exchange of rings. When that concluded, he said, “Although it is not part of the Church of England ceremony, Claudia and Oliver asked that it be added. Oliver? You may kiss your bride and seal your commitment to each other.”

Reverently and gently, he cupped her cheeks, mouthed, ‘I love you,’ then gave her a sweet, tender kiss that melted her heart. Everyone in attendance applauded.

They were married.

A few tears escaped the corner of Claudia’s eyes, but then, Olivia told her it was good luck for the bride to cry at her wedding.

After hearty congratulations, they were off to the Carnstone town house, where a wedding breakfast awaited. The plan was to head to Oliver’s residence for the wedding night before catching a train and then a ship to the port of Cadiz in Spain. All during the breakfast, Claudia’s insides were in knots.

Oliver laid his hand on top of hers. “Are you all right, love?”

“Yes.” Claudia leaned in and whispered, “Let us depart. Now. I need you most desperately.”

That was all Oliver needed to hear, for he stood immediately.

* * *

After well wishes and warm embraces, Claudia and Oliver were off to Hill Street.

When they arrived, Oliver halted at the door. “Shall I carry you over the threshold as they did in medieval times to ward off evil spirits?” he smiled. “Or as some do now, to show I will protect you, come what may?”

Claudia laughed. “How about we go through the door together? It is wide enough. We will start our life as partners—on equal footing. We will protect each other.”

“And love?”

“Most definitely love,” Claudia replied softly. “Until death do us part.”

Oliver hooked his arm. “Then, let us go forth, my lady.”

Claudia slipped her arm through his. “My lord.”

They walked through the door together, then burst out laughing. Then Oliver looped his arm about her waist and spun her around. When they stopped, they found Dalton standing nearby.

“Dalton! We are not to be disturbed for anything unless the house is on fire until seven o’clock in the morning,” Oliver cried happily.

“Yes, my lord, my lady. The trunks are packed and ready for your departure.”

Oliver took Claudia’s hand, ran for the stairs, and ascended. Once inside the bedroom and the door secured, they wasted no time divesting each other of their clothes and tumbling onto the bed. Their hands were everywhere, exploring and caressing while they kissed. Oliver clasped her breast, his mouth closing over the erect nipple. Claudia moaned as she grabbed fistfuls of his hair.

Oliver couldn’t wait. He must be inside her. Reluctantly, Oliver broke the kiss. “I have sheaths,” he murmured silkily.

Claudia nuzzled his neck. “Good. But for our first joining, let us go without. We can use them the rest of the day and night.”

Oliver chuckled. “Day and night, eh? I am all for that. But, are you sure?”

“I doubt I will become pregnant. I know my cycles. I am fine.”

“Always straight to the point, I adore you. We will be learning as we go, my love.”

Claudia rolled over so that she lay flat on the bed. “Then let us begin.”

Oliver positioned himself between her thighs as his fingers trailed toward her feminine core. Oh, so wet. He found that sensitive nub and rubbed it until Claudia writhed with pleasure. Taking his time, Oliver entered her slowly, allowing her to adjust. He also paused to savor the feeling of her tight, wet heat. Her inner muscles clutched him, causing him to moan loudly at the devastating sensation. He slipped in deeper.

“Oh, hell’s bells.”

“Have I hurt you?”

“Not at all. A little pinch. But right now? You being inside me feels wonder—oh!”

Oliver moved in and out, leisurely strokes that built to a rising crescendo as their moans and heavy breathing filled the room. He couldn’t stop kissing and touching her. Claudia wrapped her legs around him, her nails scoring his back. Faster, he moved, hoping his deep thrusts were stimulating her enough. “Come for me, love,” he urged.

Claudia cried out, shuddering in his arms. A mere few seconds later, he joined her. It was the most intense and earth-shattering moment of his life.

Lying in each other’s arms, they cuddled until their breathing slowed. “And to think, Oliver whispered huskily. “This will only get better.”

“I don’t see how, but I cannot wait for us to explore. Our adventure is just beginning.” Claudia nuzzled his neck. “I love you so much.”

“And I love you with every beat of my heart.”

Oliver kissed her deeply, becoming aroused once again.

Adventure? Theirs started before tonight. From almost the moment they met.

And Oliver could not wait to see what further escapades awaited them.

****Scroll ahead to read a sneak peek at book one of a new series, a spin-off from The Rakes of St. Regent’s Park. The Detective and the Baroness (The Duke’s Bastards #1) is Coming soon from Dragonblade Publishing. It concerns Mitchell Simpson and Baroness Addington, who both appeared in this story!****