Portia had to giggle at the duchess’s look of surprise.
Sin grinned. “Now we have to announce our engagement.”
In front of hundreds of members of England’s high society, all dressed in beautiful costumes, Sin interrupted the orchestra, halting couples in mid-waltz. The guests quieted, though whispers still buzzed in the crowd.
“I wish to make an announcement.” Sin’s voice sliced through the soft noise of gossip and speculation. “I would like you all to meet Miss Portia Lamb. Her family has run a foundling home in Whitechapel. Her father was a scholar. I fell in love with Miss Lamb ten years ago, but it has taken me a decade to get it right. Miss Lamb has agreed to my proposal. We are soon to be married and I am bursting with happiness. Another Wicked Duke has fallen to matrimony.”
The buzzing increased.
“It has come to my attention there have been rumors that something untoward happened between Miss Lamb and me. This is not true. We foiled a madman and madwoman who murdered several people. They had also kidnapped Miss Lamb. I was acting to protect her from harm. As we were engaged at the time, there was nothing untoward in my desire to protect her.”
Portia had never dreamed he would be so blunt with Society. That Sin would make such an announcement.
“Miss Lamb saved lives without care to her own safety. And she is soon to be my duchess.” He turned to the orchestra. “A waltz,” he commanded.
Elegant music rose, soaring to the high ceiling and dazzling chandeliers.
“I’ve never waltzed before,” she admitted.
“I have. But never with a partner I love. Just follow me, Portia.” Sin’s hand settled on her low back and he drew her close. Her hand felt small in his—but warm and safe. He took the first step and she tentatively followed. His smile gave her confidence. Following him, flowing with the music, she began to understand the dance. Soon they whirled around the floor. Her heart filled with joy.
This was love.
This was her place. In his arms. At his side.
Then he leaned close. “I have some other wicked desires, you know. Let’s slip away and I’ll show you.”
“That will start gossip.”
“Damn, so it will. We’ll have to wait.”
It was almost dawn when they managed to meet unseen in the drawing room where she’d shared her first climax with him ten years before.
“Now.” Portia laughed. “Show me all your wicked desires.”
“My deepest desire is to make you happy. And to watch you come,” he murmured. “I’m going to be your husband, but right now, I’m your willing slave. I’ll do whatever you want.”
She shook her head. “We’re partners. What do you want?”
“I could ask you to put on that fake cock. Or I could have you tie me up. Or I could tie you up. But right now, I’m thinking I want to lie down on the Aubusson rug and have you ride me to pleasurable oblivion.”
She giggled. “I was thinking we could go out on the terrace, and you could flip up my skirts and take me from behind.”
“You don’t want to ride me? Be in charge?”
“Standing up is rather exciting. But let’s do it your way.”
“I can’t believe I’m arguing about how we’re going to have sex.” He grinned. Down went his trousers, so quickly she gasped. In minutes he was naked. Naked and beautiful and hers.
“I love you, Portia.” They sank down to the thick rug together. “Another Wicked Duke surrenders to love. Very, very happily.”
* *