When her spasms subsided, he left her for a second to rip off his trousers. His body raged and burned with desire for her, but once positioned at her entrance, he held himself back. Suddenly he had a stronger need. He needed her acceptance of him. He knew withdrawing now would be near impossible, but he had to have her assent before he continued.
"Do you understand what this means?" he asked through clenched teeth.
She peered up at him, eyes wide with surprise, then tentatively nodded.
"Tell me," he demanded, wanting to hear the words.
"I understand." She drew him down against her. Capturing her lips, he slowly began to breech her entrance. Her body was so tight and the feeling too intense, but he fought to continue at an unrushed pace. As he felt the obstruction, he instinctively thrust harder, hoping to keep her discomfort to a minimum. She froze and her face tensed with pain, so he again took her mouth, waiting until she began to relax.
Unable to hold himself back any longer, he began moving inside her. Before long, she matched his rhythm, joining him in the age-old dance. Their bodies perfectly matched, and he could feel his need building. Quickening his pace, he was soon struck by mind-numbing pleasure as the white heat of completion exploded through him.
Falling against her, he turned his head to Brianna, completely in awe. He had never been so thoroughly pleasured with a woman both in and out of bed. Without question, she was his perfect bride. She was passionate and unpredictable, beautiful and intelligent, yet clueless as to who he truly was.
Chapter 7
For once in her life, Brianna was stunned silent. Despite watching James and Miss Ashley, she had never imagined the act between a man and a woman could bring such intense pleasure. Breathing heavily, Richard rolled off her, lying on his back beside her. Every nerve in her body tingled. The sensation felt wonderful.
When she began exploring unlocked rooms, she had not intended to enter the marquis' chambers. She still could not believe her good fortune at finding Richard here, especially in his unclothed state. Then to have her impulsive seduction bring about such a response from him, she was left speechless. He had not actually proposed to her, but she could not fathom any other meaning for his insistence she admit to understanding. Now, with Richard's claim on her, she no longer feared meeting the marquis. Regardless of his interest, she would soon be unavailable.
Thoughts of the marquis snapped her back to reality. Inwardly giggling, she wondering how he would react if he found them lying about so languidly in his bed. Quickly sitting up, she allowed her eyes to drink in the sight of Richard's perfect form before climbing off the bed and snatching up her clothes.
"You are not leaving yet. We need to talk." He stood and donned his trousers.
"We will have sufficient time for talking later. I have lost enough time already. I have to go now. Please help me dress." She nearly ripped her chemise as she worked to hastily put it on.
"I know, but this is important and can't wait."
"Richard, my mother has probably been searching for me this entire time. If I don't leave now, the chance of me being caught leaving the marquis' bedchamber increases. My reputation would be ruined, and I would find myself being forced to marry him."
Richard helped her don her clothing and expertly fastened them. She wondered how he became so deft with dressing women, but she decided she would rather not know.
"I understand. However, your argument only confirms the necessity of us speaking now."
"Please let us leave this moment perfect," she pleaded. "We can work out any problems later." She could not explain the sense of impending dread that came over her at his insistence, but it was strong. She didn't understand his adamancy, but surely another couple of hours would not make such a difference. Without being able to fathom what he wanted to speak about, she had no desire to discuss it now, particularly with the possible questions her prolonged absence would raise.
She stood, her hand on the door latch, and looked back at him. He appeared so dejected, she almost gave in to his request. Not wishing to leave him in such a state, she crossed the room and threw herself into his arms. She kissed him with every ounce of passion within her and was pleased when he returned her kiss with the same fervor. When her body began to melt, she knew the time to leave had passed. Stepping away from him, she turned and walked to the door without giving him a second glance. As she closed the door behind her, she praised and cursed her willpower.
Glancing around to ensure privacy, she dashed down the hallway until she arrived a safe distance away. Slowing her pace, she surveyed her opulent surroundings. When her bedchamber door was within sight, two maids came around the corner and exclaimed in relief. They quickly ushered her into her room and had her dressed and ready faster than Brianna thought possible.
As she made her way down to the large front drawing room, she felt her heart pounding wildly in her chest as her nerves returned. Entering the room, the number of guests present astonished her. She counted at least two dozen debutantes as well as their chaperones, all engaged in various conversations around the luxurious space. Both Jillian and Sarah were in the crowd and many other female faces she recognized, but she didn't see a particular gentleman present. When her eyes met with her mother, who was coming toward her, Brianna could see disappointment and relief.
"Where have you been?" her mother demanded. "I had wanted us to be the first to arrive so we could have private time with the marquis and Adora."
"Has he already arrived?" Brianna scanned the guests again, assuming she had overlooked him.
"Well, I understand he is here at Stonemede. However, he has yet to make an appearance."
Brianna opened her mouth to question why her delay was a problem if he was not available, but she didn't wish to rile her mother. She had been in a positive mood lately considering how close they were to meeting the marquis, and Brianna didn't want to change that. Sarah caught Brianna's eye and started in their direction. Not wishing for her mother to be within hearing distance for their conversation, she decided a distraction was in order.
"Don't worry, Mother, I'm sure he will be here soon. I see Lady Stonemede looking this way. Perhaps you should go speak with her."
"I will not be long, for I wish us to be one of the first to obtain Lord Stonemede's attention. Don't fret. Today we shall meet him, and I'm sure you will be able to charm him," her mother replied lovingly, then turned toward Lady Stonemede.
"Brianna, I didn't expect to see you here," Sarah said, appearing beside her.
"Who could refuse an invitation to Stonemede?"
"I would think since you have been pursuing that untitled gentleman, you would not be inclined to accept an invitation so grand."
"I don't see how my pursuit, or lack of one, would necessitate declining an invitation to visit Lady Stonemede. Regardless, I can't imagine a short absence could affect my friendship with Mr. Gregory."
"Friendship? It didn't look that way to me back in London. You seemed quite taken with him. At the dinner party, your attention focused on him the majority of the night."
"I was concerned he would become bored with the evening and choose to retire early. I simply wanted him to have an opportunity to become known to more of the guests."
"I take it he isn't entirely comfortable in society?" A touch of concern lit Sarah's voice.
"On the contrary, he is quite comfortable once he has had the necessary introductions," Brianna replied quickly. "It was nice to speak with you again, but I believe my mother needs me now."
Brianna left Sarah's side before she could ask any more questions. Although happy to see Sarah's interest, she was afraid to say the wrong things and ruin Mr. Gregory's chances before he could prove himself. In addition, she did see her mother trying to obtain her attention, and she knew the long awaited meeting was about to take place. With a calming breath, she took the last steps to her mother's side.
"Brianna, Adora told me her son should be arriving soon. Although I know you are as anxious as I, it would probably be best if we waited for him to approach us." Her mother continued with instructions on how Brianna could secure his interest while she fidgeted about, fixing Brianna's perfect hair or smoothing out her straight dress. Brianna quietly allowed her mother to go on without her attention. Using every effort to contain the unease welling inside her, she kept perfectly still.
When the door opened, her body swayed at the urge to faint. Seeing it was only Richard who entered and not Lord Stonemede, she took a deep breath in relief. His eyes scanned the crowd until they rested on her. He looked grim. What had occurred to affect him so?