Page 63 of The Best Marquess

Romance novels had officially moved to second on her list of the greatest inventions in history. Nothing could possibly compare to this toy.

It was, quite simply, pleasure perfection.

Two things were equally true: making his wife come so hard she saw stars was his favorite pastime; and giving up Bliss to concentrate solely on his title responsibilities was an unacceptable future path. Allowing his creativity free rein in such a unique and interesting arena was too enjoyable. Too necessary.

Sternly ignoring his aching cock, Finn curved a supporting arm around Pippa’s waist, before carefully removing the nipple clamps. She jerked, then whimpered as he gently rubbed the swollen, wine-colored peaks.

“So, lady wife,” he said curiously. “Any comments on the clamps? Feel free to be blunt; your honest opinion is important to me.”

Pippa peered up at him with dazed eyes, her spectacles askew, so he adjusted them then tucked a stray tendril of blond hair behind her ear.

“I love them,” she said, a smile lighting up her face. “That flash of pain at the start is a shock to the senses, but the ache afterward is delicious. I also love that you decorate them in different ways. Diamonds for the discerning. Pearls for an air of innocence. Paste gems for fun. Different sized clamps are a good idea but you also need different strengths, ones that offer the full experience from a light kiss to a harsh bite. I also wonder if there might be customers who will wear them under clothing. If so, we’ll need some plain gold or silver so they don’t show.”

Finn nodded thoughtfully. “All excellent points. And the double dildo? How did you find that?”

“If it could kiss and cuddle and bring me cakes, I would probably marry it.”

Laughter rumbled in his chest as he unfastened the ribbon around her waist and carefully tugged the dildos from her pussy and arse, before setting it aside to be washed. “Adequate then?”

Pippa made a sound of pure contentment. “Quite satisfactory. I think I can still feel a pulsing. That leather is lovely; firm and cool but still vaguely realistic. And the way the two dildos rubbed together inside me…good lord. That was splendid. Those gold rings allow just enough movement to get comfortable, which will be helpful with different body shapes and sizes.”

“Right. Any improvements needed?”

Her fingers tangled in his cravat. “The only thing that concerns me is the ribbon. I don’t think it will be sturdy enough for regular and enthusiastic use. Have you thought about a cord? Perhaps a thin leather strap that fastens as a belt?”

I love you.

Finn took a deep breath, actually biting his lip so he didn’t blurt the words. Instead, he moved over to the chair that she had knelt on and sat on it, then pulled her into his lap. She burrowed against him, her face in the curve where his shoulder met his neck, and yet again he marveled at the goddess who was his wife. That Pippa tolerated him having a pleasure toy business was momentous enough, but that she was interested in it, that she’d eagerly agreed to try out items and then offer practical, helpful suggestions was more than he could have dreamed of. She was in all ways, perfection.

“Whatever would I do without you, Pippet?” Finn said, kissing her forehead before stroking her hair until she practically purred.

“I’d say you’d have a lot more customers demanding their money back for frayed ribbons,” she replied, wriggling a little.

“Not comfortable?”

Pippa slid one arm around his neck and leaned back. “I’m being distracted by a rogue iron bar.”

“Just ignore it. I know you must be sore.”

“Not too sore for some gentle play. However, before we proceed, I must lodge a complaint about our wedding night. It has been nagging at me.”

Finn hesitated, for she looked so serious. “Tell me.”

“I was going to say something the following day when we had breakfast, but then, well, you know. In bed…while it was wonderful, you did something that I did not like. No, that’s not quite right. An act I did not understand. You spilled on my belly. I thought…I thought you would want an heir? I mean, I’m aware that I am no Lilian in the realm of maternal feeling, but still…”

As her voice trailed off, Finn blinked in surprise. Stoic, no-nonsense Pippa had been hurt by that. But as she’d expressed no pressing desire to become pregnant, especially after witnessing a birth firsthand with her sister, he’d thought to spare her something she wasn’t ready for.

That’s the problem, twit. Any romance novel will tell you nothing good comes from people just up and making assumptions about their lover. That is how Great Misunderstandings occur.

“I think you will be a superb mother,” he said, holding her tighter. “Fierce as a lioness. Children will feel so safe with you. So cared for. That they could whisper any secret in your ear and know it will be kept.”

Pippa’s cheeks went pink. “Well, yes. I sense a but in there, though.”

“There is plenty of time. You are only twenty. I’m twenty-four. Hand on heart, Pippet, the problem is me. I’m not sure I’m ready to be a father. I have…I don’t know, much to muddle though in my head. To discard the poison from my father first. And I have so much to learn in being a marquess and a husband. Plus, there is Bliss. I’m still not sure how I’m going to balance what I love with what I must do. Gah. Does any of that make sense, or do I just sound as foolish as a young buck complimenting a tree trunk on its fine ankles after ten bottles of brandy?”

“All of that is quite logical,” she said firmly. “And I don’t feel the need to hurry into a birthing chamber yet. It will take a while for the memory of Lilian’s travails to fade…between the blood and the sounds that I heard. But I find…I do not like decisions being made on my behalf.”

“Guilty, your honor. Allow me to humbly beg forgiveness and atone.”