Page 17 of What a Widow Wants

Not that she had a better suggestion. The madness of doing such a thing thrilled her from top to bottom. This man knew her down to her adventurous soul and could match her turn for turn. The thought of engaging in such intimacy right on the beach added an element of danger that drove her wild with excitement. She grabbed him around the neck, and pulled him toward the floor.

“A moment, love,” he said, disengaging them and grasping her hands. “We do not want anyone to suspect what we do. Even though the beach is mostly deserted, there may still be those taking the air who will notice if one of the bathing machines begins to rock in a very familiar manner.”

“Then how—”

“Allow me to continue with my plan.” He seized the large linen drying cloth, folded it, and lay it on the wooden planks. “If the sea was just a bit warmer we could simply slide into the water and enjoy a most blissful time that way.” He seated himself on the toweling. “However, I fear that is impossible at present. I am quite used to cold baths since childhood, and still I doubt I could make a good showing with the water at this chilly temperature.” He drew her down to him. “You must come to me at Hunter’s Cross in the summer. There is a lake there, quite isolated, where we can swim or indulge in any manner of fun and interesting activities.”

“I am ready to indulge right now, if you don’t mind, my lord.” She ran her hands over his broad shoulders, then across the dark mat of hair that made her hunger for him soar. Dipping her head, she licked an errant drop of seawater from his peaked nipple drawing a deep groan from him.

“As am I, vixen, if you hadn’t noticed.” Grasping her hand, he placed it on his shaft, hard and hot despite the chill in the air. “Rise over me, Fanny.”

Oh, yes, she remembered this. Only a couple of times had she ridden astride, and had loved it. Without another thought she straddled his big body, poised to slide down over his fully erect cock.

“Wait.” He stopped her by sliding his hand between her sex and his member, his fingers caressing her folds. “I want you ready for me, love.”

“I am ready . . . oh . . . oh, yes.” He’d found her entrance, slipping inside, coaxing her body to remember past pleasures. An internal flame ignited, heating her from the inside out until her face flushed and she panted for breath. Then his thumb brushed the little nub above her entrance and she flew apart.

“Now, Fanny.” He withdrew his hand and slid her down over his eager cock as she shattered around his hot hardness.

“Oh, oh, oh, God,” she cried out, unable to contain the ecstasy as he pumped into her again and again until with a groan he strained into her, filling her with his heat.

Heart beating almost out of her chest, Fanny collapsed on top of him. Never had she been so absolutely sated by a man.

At last Matthew raised his head. “You had best hope you have not killed me. You would never live down the scandal.”

“I wouldn’t need to.” She chuckled, sliding her thumb across his lips. “Because you have done for me as well.” With a sigh she laid her head on his chest again, only to jerk it up as panic set in. “Do you think the drivers heard me?”

“They might have done so, although I believe you could still play it off as shock from the cold water. And my driver will be no trouble in any case.”

“Why not?”

“Kinellan drove me down here. I took no chances with secrecy.”

“Matthew!” Dear Lord. How would she ever face the man when she met him in a ballroom again? “He knows what we did!”

“Whatever he knows or heard, he’ll say nothing. I swear it. Our secret is safe with him.” Gently, he pulled her back down to rest against his chest. “Trust me.”

Could she trust him? There lay the crux of her dilemma. Matthew wanted to marry her. Would he find a way to compromise her so she would be forced to wed him? Although her head said it was possible, her very bones protested the thought. He’d never played her false before. That was something. She relaxed, spreading her hands over his chest. “Ah, Matthew. I have missed you.”

“And I you, love.” He wrapped his arms around her, so sweet, so secure. “How long do you stay at Brighton?”

“Three weeks.” Weeks that would pass all too quickly.

“We will meet frequently during that time, I hope.” He tightened his arms about her.

“Only if you mean in more comfortable places than this.” She laughed and snuggled against him.

“You didn’t enjoy your wicked adventure, my lady?”

“On the contrary, I enjoyed it very much.” God, but she’d missed the joy of intimacy so much. It had been such a long time since she’d been with a man. Even longer since she’d been with one who truly cared for her. With an effort she sat up, the chill of the wagon suddenly very apparent. “However, I believe I will trade some wickedness for creature comforts if it’s all the same to you.” Leaning down she kissed him briefly, then rolled off him. “Whatever made you even think of having us dally in such a place?”

He grinned at her before rising with a groan. “I remembered your love of danger and so thought such a tryst would appeal to you.” Stretching, he flexed his sleek muscles. “Although perhaps a softer bed next time would be preferable.”

Fanny eyed him hungrily. Broad chest and shoulders tapered to a trim waist and hips. His skin stretched tautly over all, giving his muscles a definition usually only seen in statues of Greek gods. Her Adonis. Beauty, strength, and passion in one dazzling figure. God, she wanted him even now. And he could be hers, forever, this moment, if only she would say the word.

He’d risked a lot to give her this dangerous pleasure today. Lord, how she’d reveled in it. He knew her so well. A tiny voice whispered that they could be happy together. She’d like to believe that voice. But it had whispered the same things about Stephen all those years ago. With her body still throbbing from the passion she’d just shared with Matthew, she wanted so much to believe he would never betray her.

She drew a shuddering breath and turned away from the seductive body before her. Soon. She must learn to trust him enough or move on.