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“Yes, William,” she cried as her entire body tensed on the brink of something wonderful. “More, please, ah!”

Her cries of pleasure were drowned out by the incredible feeling that spread throughout her body and down to her toes. She wasn’t in control of her actions anymore; her body shuddered and pulsed from the inside.

His forehead placed against her shoulder blade, William growled low and withdrew only to spill his seed onto her buttocks and lower back, his cock dancing and shuddering against her skin.

Chapter 25

Victoria had a smile on her lips the entire day. She couldn’t concentrate on any task, and all her thoughts kept returning to their bedroom, to the image of her bent over her writing desk, and William, thrusting into her like a wild beast.

They had finally consummated their marriage! Granted, she had always imagined their consummation to be a gentle joining of two bodies, not the feverish, vigorous, and intense coupling of the night before and this morning.

Remembering how she’d wantonly pressed her womanhood against his mouth and watched their lovemaking in a mirror sent her into a heated frenzy. She wouldn’t have it any other way. And now, she was finally truly his.

The realization made her feel lighter somehow as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. All doubts and suspicions vanished in an instant. Nobody could make such passionate love to her, crave her so desperately, only to run off to a mistress afterward. The idea seemed unfathomable now.

She still yearned for an open conversation with William, for him to lie in her arms and unburden himself willingly. He had always relied only upon himself, and perhaps that’s why he was keeping secrets and all his worries to himself. Perhaps he was waiting for their deal to end, for her to choose him willingly, not realizing that she already had.

Perhaps he was preoccupied with his recent abduction and everything that came with it. Because of that, she decided to give William space and do as he wished. There would be time for truth and comfort later.

For now, she found solace in knowing his heart belonged only to her. She would wait patiently for the day he felt ready to share his innermost thoughts. And when he did, she would help bear the weight so he didn’t have to carry every burden alone. For now, loving him was enough.

Right before supper, Caroline dashed into the room Victoria had occupied, interrupting her whirling thoughts.

Her eyes wild, her hair disheveled, and with her clothing in disarray, Caroline looked like a madwoman. It seemed that she was wearing breeches under the cloak?

She grabbed Victoria by her arm and pulled. “Put on your riding habit, now!”

“I don’t have a riding habit in this house,” Victoria protested as Caroline was already dragging her out of her room and into Caroline’s bedchamber.

“Then wear mine. We need to leave, and you need to be comfortable enough to ride for a distance.”

“What is going on?” Victoria cried as Caroline’s maid started fussing over her, helping her out of her gown and into Caroline’s clothes.

“You should see for yourself,” Caroline said before rushing out of the room. “Meet me outside the townhouse.”

Left with no other choice, Victoria quickly donned more comfortable riding attire and descended the stairs. Two saddled horses awaited them at the door, and the groom assisted Victoria in mounting.

“What happened? Where are we going?” Victoria asked, bewildered.

“Follow me,” Caroline said and urged her mount into a canter, quickly escalating it into a gallop. They rode at breakneck speed for what felt like hours, allowing Victoria ample time to imagine every conceivable reason for such haste.

Had William been killed? No, that couldn’t be it. Caroline wouldn’t want to show her that. Was he imprisoned? Hurt? Was he the one doing the hurting?

Disturbing thoughts swirled through her mind as they finally stopped by a rundown little cottage.

Her body ached, not only from the long ride but also from her tender state following her passionate encounter with William last night and again this morning. The reminder of the amorous moments with William for some reason only brought more pain.

As they dismounted and tied their horses, Victoria gripped Caroline’s arm. “Caroline, please, tell me what’s happening. Please, put my mind at ease.”

Caroline wrinkled her nose, and guilt seemed to glimmer in her eyes. “I want you to witness it yourself. Otherwise, you might not believe me.”

“Witness what?” Victoria implored. “Please, just tell me.”

Caroline let out a breath, her face showing signs of pain. “See William inside that cottage.” She gestured toward a small, ramshackle building. “Your suspicions were accurate. He comes here to visit another woman. He is even constructing a house for her in a different location. They were about to sit down for supper when I left to fetch you. I’m uncertain if they’re still…” She paused, noticing Victoria’s blank reaction.

Victoria didn’t believe any of that. Even if what Caroline told her was the truth, there was another explanation, of that she was certain. However, her certainty couldn’t dispel the strange ache in the middle of her chest.

“That woman has a son,” Caroline continued, “I think… I think it’s his family.”