The Rakehell Regency Romance Collection Volume 2(309)

She shook her head, gazing up at him with naked adoration. "You and I are perfect for each other, so compatible in so many respects. Who do you think I would rather spend my life with than you? With this sultry heat between us, I'm doubly blessed. Please, I know you have doubts about yourself, but don't doubt me. I'm sure."



"You must fear though. This is a big step."



She shook her head and stroked his cheek tenderly. "No. I know I'm safe with you. You would never hurt me willingly. You've tried to do what you feel is best for me. But you are what's best for me, Blake. I love you, and you alone. It's been agony thinking you didn't care.



"One day perhaps you will be convinced of my love fully. I don't blame you now for being frightened. But it will all be well. You need to trust me, as I trust you."



He left out a ragged sigh. "I will try. To say sooth, love, I can barely trust myself."



"Tell me what you need and want. I'll try my best to make you happy."



"Oh, darling you do. You have no idea."



He held her to him for a tender moment, cradling her lush softness against him.



Soon his hands began sliding up the linen wrapper, however, and he recalled where he had left off in the library downstairs.



"I seem to remember I had got up to one thigh," he murmured against her lips as he lifted her wrapper higher, exposing one long bare leg.



"And my breasts at the inn, don't forget." She untied the ribbons holding her garment closed, slid it off her shoulders and cast it onto the floor. "They've been aching for your touch all night, trapped as they were in that dashed gown."



"We need to make sure they don't feel neglected any longer," he said with a grin. "Lie down and make yourself comfortable, darling. We have all night."



She lay back upon the pillows, reclining with one arm stretched up over her head as she watched him remove his evening pumps, stockings and drawers. Her eyes widened appreciatively at his huge maleness, the delicate pouch underneath, his lean thighs and hips.



"You look like an ancient fertility god."



"Thank you for reminding me." Blake fished in his pocket. "Much as I adore the thought of us having children, we need to be careful for now." He held up a contraceptive.



She looked at it with renewed interest. "I saw them before at the clinic. I've handed out enough of them in the little brown paper wrappers. Now you need to teach me."



"I will, darling. But you need to teach me too. I have only limited experience of what women want. And no one as young as you, no virgins either. I'll try to make this easier for you, but I'm afraid it's going to hurt, make you bleed."



Arabella held out her hand to him. "I trust you. I'm better off in the hands of someone who knows about the body than some impetuous youth who will take what he wants with no care for me."



He stroked up her leg for a moment and then went into the bathroom. He came back with three towels, a basin and some cool water.



He took one of the towels, folded it into a large but thick rectangle, and placed it under her. "The last thing we need is the maids seeing the sheets tomorrow morning. Comfortable?"



"Fine."



"You can still change your mind-"



"It sounds like you're the one changing yours," she accused softly.



"No, it's just, this is so enormous."



"Mmm, I've noticed."



He laughed sheepishly, and at last got in the bed beside her. "I meant what we're about to do. But thank you for the warm words of appreciation."



With his head down on the pillow next to hers, he wrapped his arm around her, and felt at peace. "Anyone would think I was the virgin the way I'm dithering and carrying on."



"I'm not afraid." She took his hand and placed it on her breast. Her nipple immediately jutted into his hard-skinned palm. "You see? Perfect fit. She missed you."



"Perfect indeed. And I most certainly missed her. So much that I think I shall have to give her a kiss."



"Please."



He bent his head and laved the nipple gently.



Arabella parted her lips and sighed. "Lovely."



"You are, so incredibly lovely."



His erection brushed against her leg, and she reached down for it once again as she had done at the inn. This time he did not pull away. It surged into her hand, and he admitted shakily, "It's been so long that I have little control. I would be most pleased if you would help me along here."



"Tell me what I have to do." Despite herself, she said, "So long? Why, you've been seeing your, um, friend, haven't you? I mean, I've seen you making assignations with Leonore at the balls and soirees."