The Duke I'm Going to Marry(75)

He returned his attention to Dillie’s body, teasing and nipping and running his thumb over the now engorged bud of her breast, and then taking it into his mouth again and teasing some more.

“Oh, Ian. I’m tingling all over. Hot tingles.”

So much for not talking, but he didn’t mind. These were new sensations for her and he loved her innocent wonder and responsiveness. She wanted him, trusted him, and he didn’t wish to disappoint. That would come later, after they were husband and wife. Even if he managed not to muddle things, his family would do its best to destroy the marriage.

He didn’t know what would happen in the future, but tonight was his and Dillie’s.

He slid his hand between her thighs and gently dipped his finger into her moist opening, knowing she was ready for him. She gasped and arched her back as he stroked her hot, sweet core. “Ian, I want to touch you.” She struggled weakly to free her hands, but he wouldn’t allow it.

“No, sweetheart. Not yet.” He needed to taste and savor her first, to make her feel the wondrous sensation of passion. He wanted to watch her soar to the stars when she reached her ecstasy.

Afterward, he’d allow her to touch him. Hell, he couldn’t wait. But he would have to, for he knew his limits, and Dillie had him dangerously hot and wanting, too damn close to the edge. She would push him over the edge if she touched him now. Next time would be different. Next time, they’d soar together.

“Ooh, Ian.”

His mouth was on her breast and he could feel the wild beat of her heart against his lips. Her skin was deliciously hot and pink, so soft against his mouth. He stroked between her thighs and felt the pulsing throb of her nether regions as he teased her to mindless bliss. Dillie was eager and passionate, holding nothing back as she bucked against his fingers, her slender body undulating to the motion of his strokes. “Oh! Oh, heavens! Ian!”

He loved the breathy moans emanating from low in her throat, loved the way she writhed against his hand and the frantic passion in her voice when she called out his name. “Ian. Ian! Oooh!”

She opened her beautiful eyes and turned to him, ready to take him inside her. He ached for it, too. Soon. Not yet. “It gets better, sweetheart.” He moved down her body, dipping his head lower and taking her with his tongue, his onslaught gentle but relentless against her nether lips, licking and suckling until she was beautifully wild. She arched her back, called out his name, and then he felt the rolling waves of ecstasy begin to engulf her, felt the heave and shudder of her glistening body against his mouth. “Ian! Ian!”

He loved the raspy softness of her voice.

He drew her up against him, holding her securely in his embrace until her passionate shudders abated and she slowly began to calm. He slid his hands along her hot, damp skin and inhaled her scent, an intoxicating mix of sex and peaches.

He’d pleasured women before and had received sexual pleasures in return, but those had been mere carnal acts, involving nothing of himself. He’d never lost control. Never cared about the woman, just the act of satisfaction. And he’d been careful to choose women who never cared about him either.

Dillie was different. She mattered to him.

“I wasn’t very quiet, was I?” She rested her head against his shoulder, her unsubdued breaths tickling the short hairs sprinkling his chest.

He ran his fingers through her hair, brushing the damp strands off her cheek as he caressed her. “No, you were quite the noisy Farthingale. I didn’t mind.”

She smiled against his ribs. “So, you’re not irritated with me for breaking your rules and talking?”

“No. I liked the breathy way you called out my name.”

He felt another smile against his ribs. “I couldn’t help myself,” she admitted. “I love the way you touch me. I never knew it could be like this. No wonder my sisters are so happy with their husbands.”

He chuckled.

“I’m about to ask a stupid question. Promise you won’t laugh.”

He kissed the top of her head. “I promise.”

“Is there more? You see, the way Lily explained it to me... but that was before she’d met Ewan, and her knowledge was only from books—”

“You’re still a virgin, if that’s what you’re asking. There’s so much more to be shared between us. This is only the beginning of our journey.”

“Our journey? Sounds nice. How long before we reach its end?”

Never, I hope. The errant thought surprised him, but it shouldn’t have. He’d been having these thoughts about Dillie for quite some time now. She was his forever girl, if only he could convince her of it. If only he could be sure of it himself. He’d never felt like this with anyone before. He kissed her softly again. “Sweetheart, be patient. We’re just getting started. The journey will last a lifetime, if you’ll let it.” Or unless he did something cruel to break her heart. He never wanted to hurt her.